Is Ceremonial Cacao Really Good for You? A Deep Dive into its True Health Benefits
Ceremonial cacao is made from 100% pure cacao paste, derived from heirloom cacao beans, minimally processed to preserve its potent bioactive compounds. Unlike commercial chocolate, it contains no additives, refined sugars or dairy. Its preparation and consumption are rooted in centuries-old ceremonies among indigenous communities in Central and South America.
Today, premium producers such as Cacao Adventures ensure their ceremonial cacao is sustainably sourced, ethically traded, and stone-ground to preserve its integrity and spirit, offering a product as close to the original tradition as possible.
Ceremonial cacao is dense in vital nutrients and compounds beneficial to both body and mind: Magnesium – Supports muscle function, heart health, and relaxation.
– Supports muscle function, heart health, and relaxation. Iron – Crucial for oxygen transport and cellular energy.
– Crucial for oxygen transport and cellular energy. Zinc – Enhances immune function and wound healing.
– Enhances immune function and wound healing. Flavanols – Potent antioxidants that reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
– Potent antioxidants that reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Theobromine – A mild stimulant that improves energy, mood, and focus.
Source: BBC Good Food: Health benefits of cacao – magnesium, iron, zinc and flavanols
Ceremonial cacao promotes the natural release of dopamine, serotonin, and anandamide, resulting in feelings of euphoria and peace. The experience is often described as 'heart-opening,' especially when paired with meditation or breathwork.
Thanks to its magnesium content and calming theobromine, ceremonial cacao can soothe the nervous system and ease anxiety. It offers gentle stimulation without the jitteriness associated with caffeine.
The flavanols in ceremonial cacao have been clinically shown to reduce blood pressure and improve vascular health. With regular, mindful consumption, it may contribute to a healthier heart and enhanced blood flow.
Theobromine acts as a natural stimulant and vasodilator, delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body—perfect for pre-yoga sessions, dance, or light workouts. Users report a grounded yet elevated energy after consuming cacao, with no crashes or overstimulation.
Ceremonial cacao plays a central role in heart-centred rituals designed to promote healing, connection and expanded consciousness. Traditionally used by Mayan and Aztec cultures, these ceremonies are now embraced globally by those seeking deeper self-awareness.
While both come from the cacao bean, the difference is vast: Ceremonial Cacao Commercial Chocolate Pure cacao paste (no additives) Contains sugar, milk, emulsifiers Stone-ground, low-heat processed Highly processed and diluted Used in ritual and healing Used for flavour and snacking
Cacao Adventures' ceremonial cacao is stone-ground and crafted to preserve its natural oils and therapeutic compounds, ensuring a deeply nourishing experience every time.
In general, ceremonial cacao is safe and well-tolerated. However, because of its high theobromine content, it's advised to begin with a lower dose (around 20g) and increase slowly, particularly for those with sensitivity to stimulants or cardiovascular conditions.
Cacao Adventures includes helpful guidance and dosage recommendations with every product, making it accessible for newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike.
Crafting a sacred cacao drink is as much a ritual as it is nourishment:
You'll need: 2 tablespoons ceremonial-grade cacao (chopped or in paste form)
1 cup hot water (not boiling—about 170°F works best to preserve nutrients)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste—cayenne works too)
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon raw honey or agave
Steps: Place 3-5 coins of Cacao Adventures Ceremonial Grade Cacao in a cup and cover them slightly with hot water, let it sit for one minute, then stir. Blend it together: In a small pot or blender, combine the cacao, hot water, cinnamon, chili, and salt. Stir over low heat until the cacao dissolves, or blend for a frothy texture (a nod to the froth prized in ancient recipes). A milk frother works great too. Taste and adjust: Add honey if you like a touch of sweetness, but go light—let the cacao shine. Set an intention: Before sipping, take a moment. In ceremonies, this is key—whether it's gratitude, clarity, or just savoring the moment.
Ceremonial cacao isn't just good for you—it's also good for the planet when sourced responsibly. Cacao Adventures works closely with indigenous farming cooperatives, ensuring fair wages, biodiversity, and reforestation efforts.
Every purchase supports not only your wellness but also the preservation of ancestral knowledge and ecological sustainability.
Ceremonial cacao is a powerful ally for anyone seeking deeper physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. With its rich nutritional profile and ability to foster clarity and joy, it stands as a true superfood for the soul.
Brands like Cacao Adventures are leading the way in delivering ethically sourced, energetically pure cacao to individuals and communities around the world. Whether for personal rituals or group ceremonies, their offerings allow us to connect more fully—with ourselves, each other, and the Earth.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
24-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Uruguay confronts a powerful new threat to its palm trees: A tiny red bug
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Palm trees in Uruguay are more than just plants, they are icons, much like olive groves for Greeks or cherry blossoms for the Japanese. The treasured trees lining one of the world's longest sidewalks through Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, and adorn the swanky Atlantic beach resorts of Punta del Este have recently come under ruthless attack. Across the small South American country, palm trees are falling prey to a fierce enemy measuring just 5 centimetres (2 inches) in length: The red palm weevil. First the elegant fronds droop. Then the tell-tale holes appear in the trunk. Soon enough, the tree is tilting toward collapse. The weevil has devoured thousands of Uruguay's palm trees since its unexplained arrival from Southeast Asia in 2022. But authorities are only now waking up to the threat as the landscape of municipalities transforms and fears grow that the country's beloved palms could be wiped out. 'We are late in addressing this,' Estela Delgado, the national director of biodiversity at Uruguay's Ministry of Environment, acknowledged last month. 'But we are doing so with great commitment and seriousness.' The insect and its devastating impact can be found in 60 countries around the world but nowhere else in South America . Authorities first detected it in the town of Canelones, bordering Montevideo, where the insect killed more than 2,000 palm trees in less than a month. Weevils quietly wreak destruction by boring through the open scars of pruned palms and laying hundreds of eggs inside. When larvae hatch, they tunnel through trunks and eat up the trees' internal tissue. Death strikes within weeks. The Uruguayan government set up a task force to combat the plague in March. In May, Environment Minister Edgardo Ortuño declared the fight against the red palm weevil 'a national priority.' As of this year, the red bug has proliferated in eight of the country's 19 regions, including Montevideo. Half of the capital's 19,000 palm trees have been infected, estimates Gerardo Grinvald, director of pest control company Equitec, which helps authorities combat the bug. The insect first attacks decorative Canary palms, the tree in so many pictures of Uruguay's sunny landscape, before moving onto its date palms. 'It's an invisible pest,' Grinvald said, explaining the challenge of identifying an infestation when it starts. As a result, landowners fail to isolate and quarantine their trees, fueling the weevil's crawl across the country. The Montevideo municipality this year earmarked $70,000 for chemical pesticide sprays and insecticide injections meant to kill bugs inside infested trunks, with the goal of saving some 850 trees in the city's prominent Parque Rodó, a scenic urban park along the coast. In the southeast corner of Uruguay, home to Punta del Este, a beachy, palm-fringed haven for jet-set elites from all over the world, authorities recently allocated $625,000 for efforts to dispose of infected trees and lure weevils away from affected areas with pheromone traps and other methods. 'We are losing our palm trees,' lamented Montevideo resident Rafael dos Santos as he walked his dog in Parque Rodó. 'They are historic in Uruguay, and a part of us.' As the weevil's march continues unabated, authorities now fear native trees of Uruguay's UNESCO biosphere reserve bordering Brazil will fall victim next, potentially facilitating the spread of the parasite across an unprepared continent. ___ Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at .
Vogue
22-07-2025
- Vogue
Will Batana Oil Give You Longer Hair?
You might have heard of argan oil and be familiar with rosemary oil, but how much do you know about batana oil? The latest hair oil to know about is a nutrient-packed oil that's extracted from the nuts of the palm tree. Native to Honduras and other Central and South American countries, it is rich in fatty acids and has been used for centuries to encourage thicker, shinier strands and a healthier scalp. To help you understand all about batana oil and why you might want to add it to your haircare routine, we enlisted the help of trichologist Hannah Gaboardi who answers all your burning questions. Read on to discover more. Does it promote hair growth? 'Although batana oil is rich in nourishing ingredients like fatty acids and antioxidants, it does not promote hair growth in the same way clinical treatments do,' says Gabpardi. 'It is known to nourish and improve the overall appearance of the hair shaft, helping to reduce frizz and brittleness. However, there is no scientific evidence to support batana oil as a treatment for stimulating follicle growth. While it can help create a healthier scalp environment, actual hair regrowth is typically achieved through anti-androgenic medications or clinically proven treatments designed specifically for hair loss.' How is it different from other oils such as rosemary oil? 'Batana oil differs from other oils in both texture and function,' explains Gaboardi. 'It can be applied directly to the hair and scalp and acts more like a deep-conditioning hair mask, delivering rich moisture to the hair shaft and scalp. In contrast, oils like rosemary are essential oils that must be diluted and are typically used on the scalp only. Rosemary oil is intended to stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the follicles.' What hair type is batana oil good for? 'Batana oil is best for those with dry, brittle, or chemically damaged hair, as it helps restore elasticity and softness,' Gaboardi adds. 'Due to its thick, buttery consistency, it's ideal for thick, curly, or coily hair types, which absorb heavier oils more easily. It can also benefit individuals with flaky or dry scalps, as the vitamin E and fatty acids in batana oil help reduce dandruff when used correctly.' Who shouldn't use it? 'Batana oil is not recommended for people with fine or oily hair, as its heavy texture can weigh the hair down and make it greasy,' says Gaboardi. 'Those with sensitive scalps should also use caution—if not washed out properly, batana oil can clog pores, disrupt the natural hair cycle, and in some cases contribute to sebum buildup or seborrheic dermatitis. If your hair is thin or damaged, it's best to avoid applying it to the scalp and instead use it only on the mid-lengths and ends.' Will it make my hair greasy? 'Yes, batana oil has a thick, butter-like texture, which can leave the hair feeling greasy or heavy, particularly on fine or straight hair,' says Gabordi. 'However, curly, coily, or thicker textures tend to absorb the oil more easily, making it less likely to leave a greasy residue when used properly.' How long does it take to see results? 'While batana oil is not proven to stimulate hair growth, many users report noticeable improvement in hair texture and strength after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use,' says Gaboardi. 'When applied weekly as a deep conditioning treatment, it helps reduce frizz and will also reduce breakage and chemical damage. Batana oil will help nourish and strengthen the hair shaft, however, hair density and hair growth can only be achieved using the correct medication which would be prescribed by a professional or clinical treatments.'
The Hill
22-07-2025
- The Hill
Scientists warn of toxic ‘forever chemicals' in reusable period products
Many reusable menstrual products that have gained increasing popularity among teens are packed with toxic 'forever chemicals,' a new study has found. Among the biggest repeat offenders are washable pads and underwear, according to the study, published on Tuesday in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. And as more consumers opt for multi-use products over their disposable counterparts, the study authors expressed cause for concern. 'Since reusable products are on the rise due to their increased sustainability compared to single-use products, it's important to ensure that these products are safe,' co-author Marta Venier, an associated professor at the University of Notre Dame, said in a statement. 'This is crucial, especially for adolescents and young women, who are more vulnerable to potential negative health effects,' Venier added. The compounds in question are known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and are prevalent in numerous household items, such as waterproof apparel, nonstick pans and various personal care products. There are an estimated 15,000 types of PFAS, all of which are manmade, and some of which have been linked to cancers and other severe illnesses. These so-called 'forever chemicals' linger nearly interminably in the environment and up to several years in the human body. Previous research in China sounded the alarm on the prevalence of PFAS in that country's personal hygiene products, including in sanitary pads, panty liners, tampons, paper diapers, menstrual cups and bactericidal liquids. In addition, a 2020 Sierra Magazine article — which included the participation of Graham Peaslee, senior author of the current study — identified 'intentional fluorine use' in one type of period underwear, which led to a lawsuit and $5 million settlement with the brand. To identify PFAS presence in products, scientists typically begin by deploying a broad-stroke screening tool: the assessment of total fluorine in a sample. They generally deem fluorine usage as 'intentional' — or deliberate in a product's formulation, as opposed to accidental contamination — when levels surpass a specific safety threshold. In the current study, the researchers narrowed their focus on 59 reusable hygiene products — such as period underwear, reusable pads, menstrual cups and reusable incontinence underwear and pads — from North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The products, they explained, first underwent total fluorine screenings using a technology called particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy. These preliminary screenings showed that period underwear and reusable pads likely had the highest rates of intentional PFAS use: 33 percent and 25 percent of items in each of these product categories, respectively. The findings applied to markets across the globe, with intentional fluorination spotted in seven pairs of South American underwear, four North American pairs and two European pairs, according to the study. Following the initial fluorine scans, the scientists then chose 19 products for targeted analyses of 31 'ionic' and 11 'neutral' types of PFAS. Ionic PFAS are those molecules that can 'dissociate' in the environment, becoming highly mobile and capable of widespread contamination. Among the most notorious types of ionic PFAS are legacy compounds like PFOA and PFOS, which have largely been phased out of production but remain in the environment due to their persistence. Neutral PFAS, on the other hand, do not dissociate and were previously thought to be less toxic. But scientists have been challenging that assumption, as these compounds are highly volatile and can serve as precursors for ionic PFAS. In the more precise PFAS tests for the 19 period products, the researchers detected the compounds in 100 percent of the products, with two types of neutral PFAS — 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH) — boasting the most abundant presence. Co-author Sydney Brady, a PhD candidate in Venier's group, stressed in a statement that 8:2 FTOH was one of the most common types of PFAS in the North American items, despite its elimination from food packing by manufacturers. That phase-out, Brady explained, occurred due to Food and Drug Administration concerns about the chemical's 'persistence in the body after dietary exposure.' 'Notably, 8:2 FTOH can be transformed into more toxic PFOA once inside the body,' Brady warned. While recognizing that far less research exists on PFAS exposure via skin versus food or water, the authors cited initial studies on dermal absorption as a potentially 'significant exposure pathway for PFAS when present in feminine hygiene products.' 'Feminine hygiene products stay in contact with the skin for extended periods of time,' Venier said. 'The risks from the dermal absorption of PFAS, especially neutral PFAS, are not well understood.' As such, the researchers called for further studies to define the risk of PFAS exposure via human skin. In addition, after identifying at least one sample per product category that contained zero intentionally added PFAS, they stressed that safer and healthier alternatives can likely be manufactured without them.
