Have you discovered the bliss of a cup of cacao?

A far cry from the nostalgic hot chocolates you may have enjoyed as a young'un, a cup of cacao is an unprocessed, sugar-free superfood with myriad health benefits.

Shop natural, real cacao products on organico.ie

No wonder the Aztecs and Mayans heralded cacao throughout history, not only as a simple drink, but as an integral part of their spiritual, religious, and ceremonial rites of passage.

If you're looking for a sugar hit, cacao isn't it (although we are fond of adding a little sweetness to our cup—keep reading for our recipe!).

It's naturally a little bit bitter, and is packed full of beneficial minerals, flavonoids, and antioxidants to boost your health and promote energy—without the caffeine crash.

Let's take a look at some of the health benefits of cacao:

Health benefits of cacao

Cognitive function

Thanks to its flavonoid antioxidant profile, cacao promotes increased blood flow to the brain. This aids in better memory function, clear-headedness, and can alleviate brain fog and cognitive signs of ageing.

Sustained energy

Although there are small amounts of naturally occurring caffeine in a cup of cacao, it's a lot less than that of caffeine.

But cacao's real source of energy is its naturally high levels of theobromine, a gentle, mild stimulant that promotes increased energy levels but doesn't leave you feeling jittery or crashing out in its afterlife.

It also contains iron and zinc, essential compounds that make up the wider picture of our energy levels and overall wellness.

Digestion aid

Did you know that cacao is naturally fibre-rich? Drinking just one cup per day can help you support your gut microbiome and aid healthy digestive function.

Nervous system support

Thanks to its naturally occurring magnesium levels, drinking cacao can bring a sense of calmness to your body and mind.

Magnesium is a mineral with over 500 functions in the body, perhaps most notably is its relaxation properties. It helps to balance our levels of cortisol, relieve muscle tension, and encourage deeper sleep.

Good mood food

Tryptophan is an amino acid that plays an essential role in processing serotonin, the famous feel-good hormone.

Our bodies can't produce tryptophan by themselves, meaning we have to consume it in our diet. Thankfully, cacao is an excellent source of tryptophan, which is what plays into its reputation as a mood-enhancing drink.

Our favourite cacao recipe

Cacao is a beautifully versatile, adaptable drink. You can essentially add whatever you like to enhance its inherent flavour profile, keeping it as simple or jazzing it up as much as you fancy.

Here's our go-to recipe for a lavish cup of cacao:

Spiced Cacao Adaptogen Elixir

Ingredients (serves 1)

Method

  1. Prep the nibs: If using a block of cacao, you'll need to blitz the cacao nibs in a spice/coffee grinder or high-speed blender until they resemble coarse powder. We like the pre-grated nibs from Nibbed Cacao for ease of use.
  2. Warm gently: In a small pan, heat the oat milk on low (don’t boil—keep below 70°C to protect nutrients).
  3. Whisk in powders: Add ground cacao, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth and frothy.
  4. Add the adaptogens: Stir in Mush-Mór blend once milk is hot but not boiling, allowing the powders to dissolve.
  5. Sweeten: Remove from heat and stir in honey (adding last preserves its beneficial enzymes).
  6. Serve: Pour into your favourite mug, sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon or a few cacao nibs on top for crunch.

Stock up on organic cacao

Ready to replenish your cupboards with this fabulous superfood? You can purchase a whole range of cacao products on organico.ie.