Raw Hearts

The cacao bean, or cocoa bean, comes from the cacao fruit which is primarily grown in Central and South America and West Africa. The fruit is white and creamy and each fruit contains between 20-50 beans. It is believed to orginate from South America and the first civilations to cultivate cacao were the Mayan and Olmec peoples of Mexico where it was used in rituals and ceremonies.

In its raw state the cacao bean is one of the most nutrient dense foods. It is a premium source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidents, proteins and healthy fats.

Cacao is one of the best known sources of magnesium, a mineral that is commonly deficient in many diets. It is important for building strong bones, supports the heart, helps relieve Premenstrual Tension (PMT) and is a natural laxative. It is also an excellent source of sulphur, beneficial for the hair, eyes, skin and teeth, and contains good amounts of iron, phosphorous and B vitamins.

The bean contains 10% antioxidant flavonols making it one of the richest sources of antioxidants. The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score, a method of measuring antioxidant capacities, for raw cacao powder is 995 units per gram, at least 7 times more than roasted dark chocolate.

Cacao, along with blue-green algae, also contains phenylethylamine (PEA). This is a chemical produced in the brain when experiencing moments of bliss and joy. Its presence increases the activity of neurotransmitters enabling the mind to stay alert.

Cacao contains quantities of the essential amino acid tryptophan. This is essential for the production of serotonin and is usually deficient in cooked food diets. According to Dr Gabriel Cousens this is our 'stress defence shield'.

Although cacao contains subtle amounts of methylxanthines, caffeine and theobromine when eaten in a raw form these has very few negative effects on the nervous system.

Cacao also has a synergistic effect on the ingredients you mix it with. Superfoods are extremely high in minerals and nutrients and you only need a small amount to experience abundance within your body.

On a spiritual note cacao is considered a sun food. The lunar origin of cacao is from the Sun (Tama Nui Te Raa), a male energy. Our inner sun is our heart energy, loving and opening us up to the possibilities of our true nature.