Looking for a healthy treat that can boost your emotional state and help bring the stress of the day down? We’ve got your back...or our Raw Cacao does. The mood boosting properties of raw cacao are known to help with stress. 

The habit of surrendering to the sweets or comfort treats when we feel stressed out is familiar to all of us. The quick hit of sweetness can seem to help when you’re in the moment, but the aftermath tends to leave us feeling worse (oh, the guilt!). And then the inevitable sugar crash follows. Save the indulgent moments for worthy celebrations like a birthday or anniversary. And for day-to-day stresses, reach for a healthy dose of cacao to help you manage.

It shouldn’t take too much convincing to nosh on some delicious cacao but if you’re looking for proof that it can help with stress and mood, we’ve got it. The health perks of cacao reach beyond being a mood and stress buster - here’s a little breakdown:

• Magnesium - It’s got lots of it!
• Antioxidants - Mainly flavonoids.
• Protein - Are you surprised?
• Theobromine - For energy...the non-jittery kind.
• Anandamide and Phenylethylamine - To keep your mood up.
• Tryptophan - To promote healthy serotonin levels.
• Iron - For improved oxygen flow.
• Fiber - To keep things moving.

Cacao & Magnesium

Cacao offers a high dose of magnesium. It's vital for many biochemical processes, and it can help calm the central nervous system, reducing stress levels. Many holistic practitioners prescribe magnesium supplements to patients who are under a great deal of stress. It can also help with feelings of physical pain. That's why it is commonly recommended to help those who suffer from migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, and other muscular discomforts. While supplements can help to take things further, we prefer to glean most of our nutrients from food sources and with cacao being a superfood, you’re getting all that and then some. Our Cacao Powder is perfect for making a warming elixir to help soothe your body and calm your mind.

Cacao & Neurotransmitters

Phenylethylamine (AKA PEA) is a compound that has been studied and shown to help stimulate the brain to release neurotransmitters, which then translates to a release of the hormones that help us to feel good and calm; also helping to ward off feelings of anxiety and depression(1). PEA can help improve focus and mental clarity.

Tryptophan, an amino acid that is highly present in PEA, is connected closely to the production of the important mood specific neurotransmitter, serotonin. Low levels of serotonin can lead to feelings of sadness or depression, so upping your intake of cacao can offer some natural support. Cacao Nibs are a fantastic mood booster because they offer a healthy crunch, and crunchy snacks can also help release serotonin. Sprinkle our Cacao Nibs over your Acai Bowl or add them to your favorite trail mix.

Cacao & Chocolate Are Not The Same

It’s important to mention that we’re focusing on cacao, not chocolate, here. While chocolate certainly has its benefits, it’s not quite equal to cacao on the health spectrum. The Sunfood Organic Cacao is minimally processed to ensure the highest nutrient density and quality is retained for maximum benefit.

Looking for a recipe idea? Give our Brazil Nut Cacao Blast smoothie a try and let us know what you think!

Organic Cacao Powder	Organic Cacao Paste	Organic Cacao Nibs