Chocolate: A Sacred Superfood

Sponsored content from Kristin Grayce McGary

Chocolate was first discovered in Central America and used as food, medicine, and in spiritual ceremonies for over 2000 years. In Latin, Theobroma (the scientific name for chocolate) means “Food of the Gods” and cacao derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word xocolatl, from xococ (bitter) and atl (water). This chocolate is far from your conventional and highly processed Hershey bar.

Raw cacao is a potent superfood!

The higher the cacao content, the better it is for you. Cacao ceremonies can be a profound opportunity to experience chocolate in a new and therapeutic way. I have led many of them and experienced deep connection in mind, body, and spirit. It's a sacred and delicious medicine with numerous benefits:

• It’s full of antioxidants- antiaging and anti-inflammatory
• Contains bioavailable magnesium important for muscles, cardiovascular, and brain function
• It has aphrodisiac properties which increase libido and make you feel cuddly
• A great source of iron
• Elevates mood and is a natural anti-depressant via four known happy brain chemicals: serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine.
• The compound called theobromine stimulates the central nervous system in a similar way to caffeine but milder. It’s a healthier pick-me-up than coffee!

Instead of eating chocolate alone imagine eating it as a kind of sacrament in community with others and while meditating. Some ceremonies offer a drinkable version of cacao, often sweetened to make it palatable. Traditionally no sugar was used. I like to use raw cacao pieces infused with essential oils, herbs, green superfoods, flower essences, prayer, and vibration from tuning forks when I hold sacred cacao ceremonies. I tend to work with the 5 Elements of Asian medicine: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood, which inform the ingredients and shape of the cacao morsels.

You can create your own cacao experience at home. Find organic raw cacao paste or powder, melt it with a little cacao butter or coconut milk, and add monk fruit as a sweetener. Only use a few ounces of raw cacao as it can be quite stimulating. Set an intention about where you’re going in life or what you want from it. Set it as if you’re already where you want to be and have what you want.

I like to fill in this phrase “I am______, feeling _______”. As you sip your power packed cacao drink, bring your awareness to your intention. See, feel, smell, hear what you intend as if it’s manifest. Hold gratitude and thank the sacred cacao plant for assisting you. Enjoy!