Let’s take a moment to honor cacao

For thousands of years, cacao has been cherished not only as food, but as medicine and a sacred plant spirit. Ancient cultures turned to it in ceremony, in healing, and in daily life. Today, modern science is beginning to confirm what those traditions always knew — that this remarkable bean holds a depth of benefits unlike anything else in nature.

Cacao is a true treasure chest of nourishment, carrying more than 300 unique compounds that make it one of the most complex foods on Earth. At the heart of its magic is theobromine — a gentle, long-lasting stimulant that awakens the body and mind. Unlike caffeine, it offers steady energy without the crash, leaving you clear, focused, and grounded.

Beyond its rich nutrient profile, cacao is alive with compounds that uplift mood and open the heart. It naturally encourages the release of dopamine and serotonin, while also carrying unique molecules like anandamide — the “bliss molecule” — and phenylethylamine, sometimes called the “molecule of love.” Together, they create a gentle sense of euphoria and presence. When cacao first arrived in Europe in the 1500s, its effects were so profound that the Church briefly banned it, fearing its power.

If you’re seeking a delicious way to nourish your body and elevate your spirit, cacao is the perfect ally. With its rich array of nutrients and powerful bioactive compounds, it’s no wonder that people around the world are embracing the pure, whole-bean form of this ancient superfood.

“Cacao may be one of the world’s best-kept secrets — a treasure hidden in plain sight, waiting to nourish the body and spirit.”

- David “Avocado” Wolfe.

1. Highest Antioxidant Source

Ceremonial cacao is a powerhouse of antioxidants, boasting an impressive ORAC score of 95,000 — that’s 40 times higher than blueberries! These antioxidants help strengthen the immune system by neutralizing free radicals, protecting cells from damage. This process supports heart health, fosters beneficial gut microbes, and helps prevent infections. Cacao’s soothing properties can even serve as a home remedy for colds, clearing airways and easing inflammation in the lungs.

2. It can improve your mood

Does chocolate bring a smile to your face? You’re not alone — and there’s science behind why it makes us feel good.

Cacao activates the brain to release neurotransmitters that spark feelings of joy and euphoria. One of these is phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural compound that’s often associated with excitement or love. PEA enhances focus and awareness, helping you stay present and engaged — with a heart that beats a little faster.

Cacao is also rich in anandamide, known as the “bliss molecule,” a compound that binds to the brain’s cannabinoid receptors and mimics the uplifting effects of THC. Beyond enhancing mood and promoting feelings of joy, research suggests that anandamide can even help inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.

Anandamide is a powerful natural antidepressant and pain reliever. Remarkably, it only occurs in two places: the human brain and cacao.

3. It can prevent heart disease

Do you love chocolate? Your heart will love it back. Studies show that dark chocolate — with its rich cocoa and minimal sugar — can help prevent heart disease. A 2006 study tracking 470 men over 15 years found that cocoa reduced the risk of heart disease-related death by 50%.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Family Heart Study found that consuming dark chocolate regularly can lower heart disease risk by 57%. Plus, a 2011 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a 32% reduction in calcified plaque when dark chocolate was consumed two or more times per week.

One of the ways cacao supports heart health is by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol — often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. This process helps protect the arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease.

When LDL oxidizes, it sticks to the walls of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.Cacao’s polyphenols, the protective compounds found in plants, act like a natural aspirin, helping prevent the clumping of blood platelets.

This is crucial because platelet clumping can lead to atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries from fat and cholesterol buildup.In fact, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Family Heart Study found that eating dark chocolate at least a few times a week can lower the risk of heart disease by 57%.

A 2011 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a 32% reduction in calcified plaque in the arteries when dark chocolate was consumed two or more times per week.

4. It can lower blood pressure

The American Heart Association calls high blood pressure a “silent killer,” as it often shows no symptoms until it's too late.

Many people don’t even realize they have it, but untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.So how does dark chocolate help?

The flavonols in cacao stimulate the endothelial cells lining the arteries, encouraging the production of nitric oxide. This compound signals the arteries to relax, promoting normal blood pressure.

Research shows that even a small amount of dark chocolate daily can lower blood pressure in those with mild hypertension.While chocolate can support heart health, adopting a heart-healthy diet, especially one rich in plant-based foods, will have the greatest long-term impact.

5. It's good for your brain

Have chocolate on the brain? That may not be such a bad thing. Chocolate is often listed as one of the top foods for brain health — and there’s plenty of research to back that up.

The flavanols in dark chocolate have been shown to relax the arteries and increase the flow of oxygen to the brain. A 2012 study published in “Hypertension” showed that the regular consumption of cocoa flavanols might be effective in improving cognitive function in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment.

In addition to its brain-boosting benefits, a 2017 meta-analysis also found consuming up to 3 servings of chocolate a week can lower the risk of stroke.

6. It can have anti-diabetic effects

For those with type 2 diabetes, dark chocolate can offer surprising benefits.

Researchers at the Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition found that cocoa flavanols help slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the gut, improve insulin secretion, reduce inflammation, and assist in moving sugar from the bloodstream into muscles.

However, it’s important to choose chocolate with low sugar content. The same 2012 study in Hypertension that highlighted the brain benefits of cocoa also showed that flavanols can help reduce insulin resistance..

7. It may boost stem cells

Stem cells are the body’s natural repair system, essential for healing and fighting aging and disease. As we age, however, the effectiveness of our stem cells diminishes, both in number and function.

Remarkably, cacao has been shown to help boost our stem cells.

At the University of California, San Francisco, researchers found that participants who drank a cocoa-based chocolate beverage twice a day for 30 days had twice the number of stem cells circulating in their blood compared to the control group.

8. It Helps You Chill Out

Unlike caffeine, theobromine doesn’t stimulate the nervous system, which is why it doesn’t cause that jittery feeling. Instead, it works as a cardiac stimulant, muscle relaxant, and vasodilator — a compound that increases blood flow and helps lower blood pressure.

Vasodilators, like theobromine, are also found in beta-blockers, which are commonly used to treat anxiety and support heart health.