We often take chocolate for granted. But, do you know that the chocolate you’ve been drinking or nibbling all this time has a deep and rich history? In fact, the chocolate we love came from a plant that is sacred and highly regarded by ancient people.
The cacao bean, a native to Central and South America, was first cultivated and domesticated by the Olmec people of Mexico. The Mayans and Aztecs also played a role in the early history of chocolate, using a raw cacao bean to make a bitter drink that was reserved for special occasions.
Chocolate quickly became popular at courts across Europe, and by the 18th century, it was an essential part of a fashionable society. Today, chocolate is enjoyed by people all over the world and is one of the most popular flavours in ice cream, desserts and confectionery.
But why is cacao regarded as a superfood? What do you think there is in cacao and cacao products that you can benefit ‘spiritually’?
How Cacao Was Used in Ancient Times
The Olmec people cultivated cacao trees long before the Mayans did. One excavation proved that the Olmec people used to drink cacao as a part of their spiritual ceremonies and sacrifice.
The cacao ceremony, as they called it, is what makes it spiritual in nature. How about that? Ancient people like the Maya and Aztecs used the ground bean, fermented into a rich paste. This process was able to preserve the powerful healing powers maybe because the raw and organic source was sustainably produced. The organic form of cacao makes it more potent in terms of providing energetic benefits for the physical body.
Ceremonial Cacao and Its Spiritual Benefits
How is cacao used for spirituality?
Cacao beans were used as fashion pieces of jewellery, such as necklaces, bracelets, head gear and more, to ward off evil spirits lurking around the community. Some use cacao beans in funeral rites too.
Apart from the ritual purpose, cacao beans and the tree itself are considered spiritual by the Mayans. They believed that the tree creates a link between the natural world and the spiritual world.
It is known that the word ‘cacao’ was derived from their word ‘kakaw’. They thought that cacao was associated with gods and goddesses, opening their senses to have high respect for the plant. Cacao is also used to please the gods and goddesses for agricultural abundance, resulting in sustainability of the cacao supply. Ultimately, religious leaders used cacao to drive out an evil spirit in the body of a possessed person.
Another distinct spiritual benefit of cacao is the belief that the raw beans make you high due to its chemical component known as ‘Theobromine’.
Cacao as a Superfood
Because of how versatile cacao seeds are, cacao beans are considered a superfood. But the fermented cacao powder benefits are the key to elevating cacao into a wonder food.
Cacao health benefits are mainly due to the powerful antioxidants found in the bean. Do you know that raw cacao is the number one food that contains the most antioxidants? This small but amazing bean is full of wonders, because it is packed with multivitamins and minerals.
If you are having mood swings, symptoms of depression, loneliness or fatigue, raw cacao can make you happy. Cacao triggers the production of serotonin, amino acid tryptophan and cannabinoid anandamide, which are also known as the bliss chemicals and related to happiness. More than that, cacao contains phenylethylamine or PEA and oxytocin, which are better known as the ‘love molecule’. Now, you get the idea that when people are sad, they eat chocolates, or for a more obvious reason, chocolates are associated with love and romance.
Due to the prominence of cacao to the Mayans and Aztecs, cacao’s purpose extends to culinary and medicinal bounds. It is believed that raw cacao beans benefit people in terms of treating fever, skin conditions and many other common illnesses.
Cacao Health Benefits
As a superfood, here are other cacao health benefits to consider.
- They can help improve cardiovascular health.
- They may reduce the risk of developing cancer.
- Pure cacao benefits include improved cognitive function.
- They are a good source of minerals and vitamins.
- Cacao beans have anti-inflammatory properties.
Whilst the health benefits of cacao are unparalleled, it is no wonder why ancient and modern people alike associate this wonder food with spiritual bliss. With the astounding effects of raw cacao on our bodies, many experts consider cacao as a food of the god, a miracle cure, medicine for the heart, brain and mood enhancer and a sacred gift from nature.
Even if some of these beliefs were taken as myths and mystical stories of the gods and ancient people, the common goal, however, is to bind the truth that cacao, by nature, helps humans to appreciate balance, health and life.
Frido Cacao: A Call to Return to Our Truth
The truth about cacao has enlightened us about the many benefits of the cacao seed. With chocolate having undeniable popularity worldwide, Frido Cacao encourages you to always look back at the rich history of cacao and how it evolves through time.
Your love for chocolate should not miss your appreciation from the aristocratic reputation of cacao. Get your regular supply of cacao and let us help return the gratifying benefit of this wonder seed.Contact us for more information about our cacao ritual experience.
