Genesis
The tropical forests of Central and South America are the birthplace of our relationship with cacao. Ideal conditions are a humid, hot climate and rich soil where cacao trees sink their roots and bear fruit on branches.
The evergreen tree extends its presence across the Earth’s equatorial tropical belt. It grows in South America, Asia, and Africa.
The history of this relationship dates back at least several thousand years, and its genesis is a colorful and profound story touching on the realms of spirituality, ancient economy, mythology, rituals, and everyday life.
The Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, and Mayans developed, learned about, and cultivated the plant known as the “Food of the Gods.” This bond was and still is alive among their descendants, and cocoa is a ceremonial soul medicine that opens hearts through the tradition keepers who sit with it in an intentional circle. The connection with the spirit of the plant, the respect, and the indigenous rituals that accompany it are inherent to this culture, and they are its legacy and expression, which deserves respect and recognition.
The history of this relationship dates back at least several thousand years, and its genesis is a colorful and profound story touching on the realms of spirituality, ancient economy, mythology, rituals, and everyday life.
The Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, and Mayans developed, learned about, and cultivated the plant known as the “Food of the Gods.” This bond was and still is alive among their descendants, and cacao is a ceremonial soul medicine that opens hearts through the tradition keepers who sit with it in an intentional circle. The connection with the spirit of the plant, the respect, and the indigenous rituals that accompany it are inherent to this culture, and they are its legacy and expression, which deserves respect and recognition.
For farming communities around the world, the cocoa tree is also a source of income and a relationship with the land and its yields, which allow for improving the quality of life and maintaining dignity and development through work.
Thanks to responsible and visionary projects, such communities develop their ecological competencies and sustainable relationships with the environment, enabling the harmonious and balanced use of cacao’s benefits.
For agricultural communities worldwide, the cacao tree is not only a plant with rich spiritual significance but also a source of income and a relationship with the land and its crops that enables them to maintain a good quality of life and dignity through their work.
Thanks to responsible and visionary projects, such communities develop their ecological competence and sustainable relationships with the environment, which allows them to use the benefits of cacao in a harmonious and sustainable way.
It is a medicine for the soul. It cradles, embraces, and touches hearts with its essence. A conscious invitation of the plant into our lives is a step towards building a relationship with the Earth and the living element of our world.
The ritual of drinking cacao helps us regain connection with ourselves and provides an encouragement, an opportunity to practice gratitude, to pause, to be creative, to reflect, to take daily walks and marvel at nature.
Sitting in a circle, dancing together, we connect with our primal needs, that every human has, to feel the closeness of the tribe. In this way, we unleash mutual openness, communication, and a sense of community. Cacao is a support that enables us to deepen our relationship with nature, with the ordinary and discovering our ability to return to the connection with it in our daily lives.
It is a medicine for the soul. It cradles, embraces, and touches hearts with its essence. A conscious invitation of the plant into our lives is a step towards building a relationship with the Earth and the living element of our world.
The ritual of drinking cacao helps us regain connection with ourselves and provides an encouragement, an opportunity to practice gratitude, to pause, to be creative, to reflect, to take daily walks and marvel at nature.
Sitting in a circle, dancing together, we connect with our primal needs, that every human has, to feel the closeness of the tribe. In this way, we unleash mutual openness, communication, and a sense of community. Cacao is a support that enables us to deepen our relationship with nature, with the ordinary and discovering our ability to return to the connection with it in our daily lives.
"A great story is a collection of small stories."
– Z.M.
THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PLANT HAS MANY LAYERS
PHYSICAL
The physical layer, in which this superfood, when consumed regularly, affects our bodies by nourishing, healing, and supporting them.
PSYCHIC
The layer of mutual influence of molecules and compounds contained in cacao on our well-being, creativity, state of mind, and openness to the world.
SPIRITUAL
The layer of spiritual relationship, celebration, tradition, and relationship with the living part of the world.
TASTE
The taste layer is a journey full of discoveries. It is influenced by the type of grain, soil, environment, and preparation. A wide range of sensations spreading across taste buds stimulates the imagination and invites the senses to dance.
STORIES
The layer related to stories in which the memory of cacao is preserved, myths, drawings, or stories about moments in history when cacao was a currency or reigned in the salons of European aristocracy.
INDIVIDUAL
The layer of our own relationship, individual for each person, immersed in synergy and conscious discovery of what we can receive. It is the layer of "friendship" with the plant that opens to the living part of the world - which is in everything.
The Pillars of Well-being
Mental and Physical Proactivity
Nutrition, oxygenation and hydration of the body
Living Relationship with Nature
Supportive Daily Rituals
Meditation, Prayer, Reflection, Calmness
Fun, Rest and Pleasure
Valuable, Stable Relationships
Respect For Your Own Space
Healthy Boundaries
Taking on Challenges
Keeping Your Word to Yourself and Others
Mental and Physical Proactivity
Nutrition, oxygenation and hydration of the body
Living Relationship with Nature
Supportive Daily Rituals
Meditation, Prayer, Reflection, Calmness
Fun, Rest and Pleasure
Valuable, Stable Relationships
Respect For Your Own Space
Healthy Boundaries
Taking on Challenges
Keeping Your Word to Yourself and Others
The Pillars of Well-being
How does cacao support?
Cacao strengthens the body due to its content of fiber, protein, fat, mineral components, including magnesium, copper, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, and manganese, vitamins A, E, and B group, as well as antioxidants.
It is an aphrodisiac that increases libido.
It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, supporting the return to balance in stress, neurosis, and depression.
As a source of tryptophan, serotonin, and dopamine - it affects the production of endorphins, molecules of happiness.
It has a positive effect on the regeneration of the body, physical and mental.
Increases mental potential and stimulates creativity.
Has a beneficial effect on focus and concentration, improves memory, and extends life.
It pleasantly stimulates without the "coffee jitter" effect.
Helps to get rid of excess water from the body.
Has a positive effect on the microbiome of the digestive system.
It is a great support during menstruation, alleviating menopausal symptoms.
Supports weight loss
BE CAUTIOUS
- you have an allergy to cacao
- you are taking psychotropic drugs
- you are taking medication for blood pressure
- you have heart problems
- you suffer from kidney stones
- moderation is advised
ALCHEMY INGREDIENTS
ANANDAMIDE - AN ENDOCANNABINOID THAT INDUCES FEELINGS OF HAPPINESS AND SATISFACTION.
Bliss - that is the meaning of the word "Ananda" in ancient Sanskrit, from which the name "Anandamide" derives. Pleasure, ecstasy, a sense of happiness - all this is hidden under the name of this extraordinary, alchemical molecule. It is an endogenous cannabinoid produced by our body. Anandamide, a cannabinoid, is also an alkaloid that occurs in cocoa together with other compounds that mimic its effects. Our endocannabinoid system consists of a network of elaborate receptors that encompass the brain and body. They are activated by cannabinoids and trigger alchemical biological reactions. It affects the processes that occur in the body and its physiological states. It interacts on many levels, both of internal feeling and supporting health. The balance of anandamide is an important element of body homeostasis.
Theobromine - a natural stimulant that improves mood and concentration.
It is one of the most important active ingredients that we will find in cacao. Its action consists of dilating blood vessels and airways, which allows us to breathe more deeply and feel the fullness of life. Drinking cacao gives us a feeling of euphoria, similar to being in love, due to the stimulation of heart function by theobromine. It increases the contractility of the heart, accelerates the pulse, and dilates blood vessels, allowing oxygen to reach our brain more efficiently, which helps us concentrate and intellectual effort. Theobromine also has diuretic and antioxidant properties that help cleanse our body. We will find three to four times more of it in cacao than in dark chocolate and even 16 times more than in milk chocolate, which makes cacao an exceptional and valuable ingredient.
Tryptophan - natural impact on our mood, sleep, and well-being
Serotonin has its source in tryptophan, an amino acid that can only be obtained through food to replenish it in the necessary proportion for full functioning. Cacao is also a natural source of tryptophan, preferably in full-fat form without sugar. Serotonin enters into a unique alchemy with our body, supporting us on many levels. It is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for good sleep, our senses, mood, and well-being. The level of serotonin is related to our sexuality, and a deficiency can lead to excessive consumption of sweets or the onset of depressive states.
Phenylethylamine is a natural neurotransmitter that creates a feeling of being in love and improves mood.
It is a naturally occurring component in our nervous system. This substance is a strong brain stimulator that encourages the release of dopamine and serotonin. Phenylethylamine helps us feel happier by releasing endorphins and improving our mood, acting as a natural antidepressant. It is also an important component supporting concentration and memory. Phenylethylamine increases blood pressure and metabolism, participates in the fat-burning process, and regulates blood sugar levels, which can help reduce cravings for sweets.
Flavonoids
are a group of nutrients known as polyphenols. In cacao, the main flavonoid component is flavan-3-ol. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and antioxidant properties. Just one cup of cacao a day can have a supportive effect on lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, and strengthening the heart. The antioxidant action of flavonoids found in cacao is often better than that found in vegetables and fruits. Their activity does not change significantly over time. Even hundred-year-old cacao beans still have a high level of these components. Cacao also supports the body in atherosclerosis.
Vitamins and Minerals
In cacao, we will find not only a delicious taste but also a plethora of beneficial ingredients for our health. It contains beneficial fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, and mineral compounds such as magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Additionally, in 100 g of cacao, we will find several grams of fiber, which is very beneficial for our digestive system.
B vitamins are an essential ingredient for our nervous system and metabolism. They have a beneficial effect on our skin, hair, and nails.
Vitamin E, known as the vitamin of youth, protects our body from faster degeneration and slows down the aging process due to its antioxidant properties. It also has a beneficial effect on our fertility.
Magnesium is one of the most important components for our nervous system. It improves the functioning of brain cells, memory, and concentration. It also has a beneficial effect on our cardiovascular system, preventing the development of hypertension and arrhythmia. Magnesium also supports our immune system and is very helpful for women during menstruation. Iron is essential for our body and its deficiency can lead to serious health consequences.
Iron is needed to create hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to our cells. It also supports muscle regeneration after exercise and improves our overall fitness. Vegetarians should especially appreciate the high iron content in cacao. The wonderful Mayan beverage, cacao, is also a remedy for fatigue.
In addition to magnesium, it also contains calcium, which has a beneficial effect on our hormonal and metabolic system. Calcium plays a very important structural role, giving us strong bones and beautiful teeth.
Phosphorus, which is also present in cacao, works in a similar way. Our body uses it for many metabolic processes, including the conversion of fats and carbohydrates. A decrease in the level of phosphorus in the body is mainly manifested by weakness and bone and muscle pain. Cacao provides a large dose of this element and strengthens our well-being.
Another wealth contained in the black drink is zinc. Unfortunately, it is not stored in our body, so it is important to daily supply the appropriate dose of this element with food or favorite cocoa. Zinc affects the functioning of the circulatory system, hormones, immunity, and supports the nervous system. It can be an excellent supplement to the diet and support during the treatment of mood disorders. It also contributes to the proper functioning of the pancreas, helping to maintain the appropriate level of insulin. It also has a beneficial effect on male fertility. It accelerates wound healing and protects us against free radicals and premature aging.
Scientific research:
- Cacao improves well-being
- Cacao lowers cholesterol levels in the blood
- Cacao contributes to lowering blood pressure
- Cacao supports insulin resistance
- Cacao and dark chocolate reduce the risk of certain diseases
- Cacao has a beneficial effect on the heart
- Cacao improves concentration and memory
- Cacao protects the skin from UV rays
- Cacao protects the skin against UV rays
- Cacao supports type 2 diabetes
