CACAO IS AMAZING: 3 Scientifically Proven Uses
Once found mostly in moonlit circles, paired with ecstatic dance and sage bundles, ceremonial cacao has recently made its way into labs, clinics, and conscious communities worldwide. And while the hippies were absolutely onto something (let’s give them some credit), it turns out this ancient plant medicine is no longer just a spiritual indulgence—it’s a scientifically supported health elixir, too.
Brands like *Cacao Laboratory* and others are helping bridge the mystical with the measurable, educating a new wave of health-conscious humans about the power of cacao—not just for connection and consciousness, but for **cardiovascular health**, **nervous system regulation**, and **emotional resilience**.
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1. Cacao Flavanols = Heart Health + Lower Blood Pressure*
Ceremonial cacao is minimally processed and often stone-ground from the whole bean, retaining high levels of **flavanols**—naturally occurring plant compounds that support blood vessel health, lower inflammation, and boost circulation.
Numerous studies on cocoa (from the same *Theobroma cacao* plant) have found that **flavanol-rich chocolate** can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A 2005 clinical trial published in *Hypertension* showed that participants who consumed high-flavanol dark chocolate daily experienced **significant improvements in blood pressure** and **vascular function**.
📚 **Source**: [Taubert et al., 2007, *Hypertension*](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.HYP.0000174990.46027.70)
Although most studies reference cocoa, raw ceremonial **cacao typically contains even more flavanols** due to minimal heat processing—making it a potent ally for those looking to optimize cardiovascular health naturally.
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2. Heart-Brain Coherence & Emotional Regulation**
Beyond physical heart benefits, cacao also plays a beautiful role in **emotional coherence**. According to the HeartMath Institute, “heart-brain coherence” is a measurable state where the nervous system, emotions, and cognitive functions are harmonized.
Cacao supports this state in a few ways:
- **Theobromine**, cacao’s primary active compound, is a gentle stimulant that increases **blood flow to the heart and brain**, promoting alert calmness without the jittery crash of caffeine.
- The experience of sipping cacao intentionally—often paired with breathwork, meditation, or dance—supports **parasympathetic nervous system activation**, fostering emotional safety and openness.
- This translates to **greater self-regulation**, **connection**, and **resilience**—key components of heart-centered leadership and conscious living.
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3. Cacao is a Natural Mood Enhancer (aka Bliss in a Cup)*
Cacao contains several compounds that directly influence the brain.
- **Anandamide**, named after the Sanskrit word *Ananda* (meaning bliss), is an endocannabinoid associated with feelings of euphoria and well-being.
- **Phenylethylamine (PEA)** is often dubbed the “love molecule” because it mimics the brain chemistry of falling in love.
- **Tryptophan and serotonin precursors** support mood balance, reduce anxiety, and increase feelings of connectedness.
Together, these create what many call the “heart-opening” effect of ceremonial cacao—something spiritual practitioners have celebrated for centuries, and now, neurochemistry is beginning to explain.
Today’s ceremonial cacao isn’t confined to sacred circles—though its ceremonial roots still matter deeply. Modern cacao lovers are integrating this plant into:
💻 Morning rituals to replace coffee
💬 Creativity sessions and brainstorming
❤️🔥 Couples intimacy and emotional connection
🧘♀️ Somatic practices, yoga, and meditation
🌍 Conscious leadership and social impact work
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a high-performing athlete, or a health-optimized parent juggling a full life, cacao offers a gentle, intelligent medicine—one that supports both physiological performance and soulful presence.
**Final Sip**
CACAO
It’s not just ancient.
IT’S AMAZING
SARAH XO SEADS
…
CACAO LABORATORY IS MY CURRENT FAVE!
Feel free to use this code: “SARAHSEADS10” to save 10% at Cacao Labs!