Benefits of Cacao According to Ayurveda

 

Cacao According to Ayurveda

Cacao in Ayurveda is most beneficial for Kapha dosha. Its qualities are bitter and heating, which is the opposite of Kapha's heavy and cool qualities. In Ayurveda, we treat imbalances with opposing forces to bring the imbalance back to a normal state in the body.  

Keep it Raw!

When Cacao is used In its pure form, the powerful antioxidants work at protecting us from free radicals. This gives us the ability to maintain optimal health.  Antioxidants are beneficial in reducing stress,  exposure to pollution, and other chemicals. 

High in magnesium (which many of us don't know that we are deficient in), Magnesium plays many crucial roles in the body, such as supporting muscle and nerve function and energy production. Cacao also is one of the only plant-based sources of iron. The benefits don't stop there though, as it also increases our ability to focus and improves our memory. 

Cacao contains two very important molecules: anandamide, the “bliss molecule,” which helps us to feel good and stay that way for long. It also contains phenylethylamine, “the love molecule,” which raises the level of endorphins in our brain. This is that feeling we get when we are 'on top of the world', like when we are falling in love.

Properties of Cacao:  Acidifying

GUNAS (NATURE): Rajasic (nervous energy)   

DOSHAS: Kapha Balancing, Aggravates Vata/Pitta

Element: Air & Earth

Superpower: Packed with Antioxidants, Magnesium, Iron

Tastes: Bitter

The Benefits of Cacao

Ayurveda teaches us to pay attention to the qualities of the food we eat, that anything can be medicine or a poison depending on how it is used or who is using it.

Cacao is good for our digestion and works as an antispasmodic. It also is great in stimulating energy. When it comes to heart health and circulation, it can act as a blood thinner. The benefits include assisting circulation in the lungs. It is also an aphrodisiac and muscle relaxant. 

The main thing to remember, like, with any food, small amounts go a long way. While cacao has many benefits, it should be consumed in its raw form, and due to its bitter properties, we tend to add sugar or other chemicals to give it a more pleasant taste. 

Ayurvedically, chocolate aggravates Pitta and Vata primarily. Overconsumption can leave you feeling nauseous, and cause heartburn.
To prevent cravings, or overeating, try adding salt to the chocolate to balance the sweet, and use almonds for a protein hit.  Chocolate cravings are more intense in times of loneliness. Add rose to your chocolate which will nourish the heart, leaving you feeling much more satisfied than plain chocolate. 

BRONCHODILATOR

An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. Helpful in cough and asthma.

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APHRODISIAC

Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.

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