Cacao - A nootropic

Nootropics are natural plants and herbs that increase neurological function, productivity, intelligence, creativity memory and focus. And civilisations have been using them for thousands and thousands of years.

When we think about this from a typical biological and scientific standpoint we can all attribute the consumption of Cacao to feeling far more alert in the mind.

From a more energetic perspective, it is this heightened and lightly altered state of mind that opens us to broader and more heightened experiences such as visualisations, messages, soul nudges from Spirits, Ancestors and the guidance we receive while in ceremonies.

Think of Cacao as an activator of neurological pathways that normally would not be so switched on in our day to day lives.

SEROTONIN
Cacao is a natural source of Tryptophan, an essential amino acid that synthesizes serotonin in the body. Serotonin is most commonly known as the Happy Hormone. However it also plays a key role in our digestive stimulation and can be the reason some people either feel nauseous when they drink too much Cacao or need to run to the bathroom 15 minutes later. It has been found those who suffer from depression have a combination of lower bowel activity and low serotonin levels in the brain.

PHENYLETHYLAMINE (PEA)
A neurotransmitter that is produced in the body when we fall in love. It synthesizes dopamine in the mind. Dopamine is responsible for creating the deep pleasure state many of us do when we drink Cacao.

THEMBROMINE
Known as the main stimulant in Cacao. It is in the same class of stimulants as caffeine, but theobromine is a cardiovascular stimulant rather than a nervous system stimulant. Therefore a longer lasting, more relaxed energy release is experienced without the spike and crash. It also doesn’t typically make you feel as on edge or jittery as caffeine. Theobromine is also a natural vasodilator which means it relaxes and opens our blood vessels, allowing more of the components of Cacao to be absorbed by the body. It is also responsible for that incredible heart expansion and opening sensation we receive while sitting with Cacao.

ANANDAMIDE
Anandamide in Ancient Sanskrit means Bliss. It is a powerful neurotransmitter that we produce naturally in the body and it is exactly what creates that beautiful blissful feeling. Some of the acetyl-ethanolamines in Cacao inhibit the receptors in our body that naturally break down Anandamide (our body usually breaks it down very very quickly) so the effects of it last longer in our body. This allows our body to effectively regulate our Endocannabinoid System - It is linked with and can regulate the nervous, immune, hormonal and/or the endocrine systems.

Credit: © Cacao Mama Facilitation Course, by Tess Martin.