How and Why Cacao Has Become My Go-To Mood Booster and Morning Pick-Me-Up Ritual
Fall In Love with Cacao: The Power of Regenerative Agriculture, the Health Benefits of this Superfood in Tune with Women's Cycles, and the Harmony of the Indigenous Concept of One Health
I’ve been living in the heart of Chiapas, Mexico for the last 15 years and one of many delights is the proximity to incredibly sourced coffee and cacao. Both are wonderful antioxidants, rich in cultural significance with largely under-appreciated and misunderstood flavour complexes compared to their mass produced versions at scale on the global market.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good coffee, and now my definition of good is quite picky, but as I age and increasingly heighten my awareness to how things affect me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually I find coffee a bit harsh.
The more I have experimented with cacao like the Mayans drank it - no milk, no sugar - the more I have experienced the ancient wisdom and benefits it holds. It is a softer boost. It is a feminine coffee if you will. I’m not saying you need to ditch coffee, but I invite you to truly tune in and see how it affects you when you are menstruating and as you age AND try some high quality cacao. You don’t need to get pulled into the new age ‘ceremony’ - you are the ritual, you are the ceremony. It is the quality that makes it ceremony- worthy.
Have I piqued your interest? Read on, and tune in this month, and bookmark this post for updates.
This month on the podcast I am sharing my conversation with a special friend, Ale Forero who is a trans-disciplinary artist and researcher on intersection of cacao & women's health.
Our conversation is divided into a 3-part series which I will drop here as they are released. My intention with my SubStack posts is that they are living documents.
The Fall in Love with Cacao Series
PART 1: Regenerative Cacao: Bean to Bar Consciousness
Are you curious to explore sustainable cacao production and the journey from cacao to fine chocolate, and the vision for creating a regenerative culture? Here are some key themes we talked about that we need to understand to appreciate a holistic approach to optimal quality and production:
Cacao Regenerative Culture: We discuss the creation of agroforestry systems with cacao farmers, fermentation workshops, and the production of fine flavoured cacao, chocolate bars, and drinking chocolate.
Ethical Sourcing: The importance of direct trading, balanced relationships, and the avoidance of exploitation in the cacao industry is emphasized, with a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Cacao Fermentation Process: The craft of fermentation as a pivotal step in decoding the aroma and flavour complexity of cacao, leading to the creation of various cacao-based products.
Future Research and Education: The project's long-term vision involves conducting research, spreading knowledge, and creating a bridge between rural and urban contexts, with a focus on social and environmental justice.
Impactful Self-Care: The podcast identifies the ripple effect of purpose-driven sustainable wellness practices and the significance of self-care as a tool for sustainable energy, confidence, and holistic wellness.
PART 2: Superfood Health Benefits for Women
The second part delves into the transformative impact of cacao on women's health, emphasizing the need for intentional consumption and the incorporation of harmonizing ingredients to enhance overall wellness. Join us as we explore the profound benefits of cacao as an essential component of women's health and wellness in depth, but here were my takeaways:
Health Benefits of Cacao: Cacao is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vital nutrients such as magnesium and iron, making it a superfood for both men and women.
Cacao and Women's Health: Cacao plays a vital role in supporting women's health, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, where it helps balance hormones, reduce stress, and support serotonin production.
Importance of Ovulation: We highlight the significance of ovulation for women's overall health, including its role in bone health, cognitive function, and immune system support, advocating for a holistic approach to women's wellness.
Intentional Consumption: Emphasizing the significance of intentional and mindful consumption, the discussion encourages women to create a nurturing ritual around consuming cacao, embracing its sensory and embodied experience.
Harmonious Recipes: Jangala incorporates additional harmonizing ingredients such as lavender, cardamom, reishi mushrooms, and patashte into their cacao products, aiming to create a blend that supports gut health and overall well-being.
PART 3: One Health and Ecotourism in Chiapas, Mexico
Lastly we explore the indigenous concept of one health and its relevance to modern wellness practices. Our discussion highlights the need to embrace regenerative culture, understand the origin of products, and immerse in nature to achieve holistic well-being. We emphasize the interconnectedness of individual, community, and environmental health in promoting a sustainable and balanced way of life.we touch on the connection between spirituality, community, and environmental sustainability.
5 Things To Consider:
Indigenous Concept of One Health: Discussion on the traditional indigenous concept of one health, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the health of people, animals, and the environment.
Ecotourism in Chiapas, Mexico: Exploration of the ecotourism options offered by Jangala, providing an opportunity to experience the cacao production process, meet farmers, and immerse in the holistic experience of connecting with nature.
The Impact of Colonial Mindset on Wellness: Analysis of how the colonial mindset has influenced the global view of wellness and the importance of understanding the origin and traceability of the products we consume.
Regenerative Culture and Relationship with Earth: Emphasis on regenerative culture, honouring the origin of products, and establishing a balanced relationship with the earth for the well-being of individuals and communities.
The Role of Immersion and Regeneration: Importance of immersing oneself in nature and regenerating the mind, body, and spirit through well-aligned lifestyle choices, echoing the holistic principle of wellness.
Keywords
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