Cacao, Theobroma cacao Cacao is an evergreen tree in the Malvaceae family and native to deep tropical regions of Central and South America. The seeds of the Cacao fruit are inside a pod and then made into chocolate through an intricate process. Theobroma cacao comes from the Greek words for "food of the gods"; from theos, meaning "god," and broma, meaning "food". There is no mystery here. For, cacao carries not only a robust history of respect and sacred use, but is rich with medicinal benefits that are still revered today. Cacao has profound amounts of antioxidants and specific polyphenols that inhibit the effects of aging and the premature destruction of healthy cells. These antioxidants help protect against toxins in the environment while simultaneously eliminating them from our systems. An amazing heart medicine, Cacao is considered a cardio-protective. It helps reduce “bad” cholesterol, inhibits blood aggregation and lowers blood pressure. Within the endocrine system, Cacao triggers the release of pleasure-related endorphins and potentiates the activity of dopamine and serotonin. These are the neurochemicals associated with love . Another compound in Cacao binds to receptor sites in our brain that produce a feeling of euphoria. An ancient "food of the gods," Cacao is heart opening and mind-expanding— an offering from nature that is irresistible and beneficial!
