Ceremonial Cacao – A Super Food. “Food of the Gods”

(You can buy Ceremonial grade Cacao handmade by The Ruk'u'x'Ulew Womens Collective in Guatemala in the shop section here)

The Ruk'u'x'Ulew Women's Collective was founded by Cecilia Mendoza Chiyal, an indigenous Mayan mother of three, born and raised in San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. Cecilia was given the name Ruk'u'x Ulew [Roo-Koosh-Ouh-Leh-Ou] by the fire spirits as the name for her cacao business. It is a word from her native language, Kaqchikel , and translates as ‘Heart of The Earth’. 

“Helping us get out of our heads and in to our hearts”

Ceremonial Cacao has been used medicinally since ancient times and originates back to The Mokaya, The Olmecs, The Mayans and The Aztecs. Now used around the World, by Westerners and within indigenous cultures still today, it is at its core, a sacred and spiritual plant medicine of the heart, bringing us closer to nature and cultivating deeper healing from within.

Benefits: Ceremonial Cacao has a wealth of both physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits.

Ceremonial grade Cacao comes mainly from the Criollo plant and has over 700 known compounds. It is also a known source of serotonin, tryptophan, caffeine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine. Cacao produces high levels of Oxytocin, a neurotransmitter associated with empathy, trust, sexual activity, generosity and relationship-building. Cacao stimulates the release of Endorphins, which help create feelings of euphoria and bliss.

Anandamide: known as the bliss chemical. Ananda is the Sanskrit word for “happiness, pleasure, joy, and delight.”

“Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, stimulating a sense of happiness and mental wellness.”

When we don’t have enough Anandamide, we may be more susceptible to:

• anxiety
• fear
• low mood
• insomnia
• digestive problems
• stress

Anandamide positively influences physiological systems such as pain, pleasure, reward and appetite. Positively effecting rest and digest functions its no wonder that the use of Cacao is becoming increasing popular for those seeking health and wealth abundance.

Other than our own biological ability to produce Anandamide, there are also food sources:  

1. Ceremonial Cacao
2. Black Truffles

There are also foods that increase the activity of Anandamide (the ones that have Kaempferol) such as Black Pepper, some fruits, spices, vegetables and Green Tea. PRO TIP: For this reason, It’s a good idea to use green tea to make your ceremonial Cacao! You can also boost your own anandamide production with exercise, like Yoga, running, hiking.

Theobromine: Increases blood flow which contributes to Mama Cacaos heart opening effects on a physical level as well as spiritual. Studies have shown the space around the heart increases by up to 30% under the effects of the plant medicine Cacao. Theobromine gives us an energy boost much like Caffeine but without the jitters, anxiety or crash, the effects of Theobromine lasts up to 7 hours.

Phenethylamine: A compound that stimulates the nervous system, triggering the release or endorphins and dopamine.

Flavanols: Cell protection-responsible for fighting free radicals in the body, reduces high blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart preventing life-threatening blood clots.

Magnesium: every cell in the body contains this mineral and requires it to function. Most of us are unfortunately deficient in Magnesium. Magnesium helps increase energy, calms nerves, aids in digestion, and relieves muscle aches and pains.

Copper: a mineral required for biological processes such as iron transport, glucose metabolism, infant growth and brain development.

Calcium: Cacao contains more calcium than Cow’s milk. Supports bones and teeth health.

Iron: Highest plant-based source of Iron known to mankind! To get the most out of Iron it must be combined with Vitamin C.

Other benefits of Cacao:

• Enhances cognitive function
• Boosts mental health
• Reduces oxidative stress with antioxidants
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Supports metabolic health
• Anti-inflammatory
• Boosts energy levels
• Strengthens bone and skin health
• Reduces the risk of cancer
• Reduces Stress

Now in stock: 227g blocks of Ceremonial grade Guatemalan Cacao