Cacao - Nature’s Superfood
Let’s compare the effects of these two stimulants. The natural alkaloid Theobromine versus the popular Caffeine. Theobromine and caffeine are similarly constructed types of pharmacologically active chemicals metabolized by the liver. Both are stimulants but with very noticeably different effects:
| THEOBROMINE | CAFFEINE |
| Gentle
Mild effect Very Slow Onset Long Lasting 50% in bloodstream after 6 to 10 hrs Increases feeling of well being Mild antidepressant (PEA) Gentle, Smooth, Sensual stimulation Stimulates Cardiovascular System Stimulates Muscular System Mild Effect on Central Nervous System Almost no one is allergic Not addictive No Withdrawal Symptoms Mild diuretic Stimulates the the Kidneys |
Intense
Strong Effect Fast Acting Rapid Dissipation 50% in bloodstream after 2 to 5 hrs Increases alertness Increases Emotional Stress Jagged, Nervous Stimulation Stimulates Cardiovascular System Stimulates Respiratory System Strong Effect on Central Nervous System Many people allergic Physically Addictive many proven withdrawal symptoms Extreme Diuretic Requires large intake of fluids to balance the diuretic effect |
This table is great to visually see the true differences between these two stimulants. The most fascinating thing is that they are very similar in structure but have very different effects on the body.
Intriguing how similar they are down to a structural make-up but how different the affects are on the body.
Sources:
http://www.xocoatl.org/caffeine.htm
There is a persistent urban legend that Chocolate contains caffeine. It would seem that this rumor is basedprimarily on a confusion between two similar alkaloids: Caffeine and Theobromine. Theobromine is the active ingredient in Chocolate and it occurs only in Cacao. The two stimulants are related and have a similar structures, but are very different chemicals with different properties, effects and origins. There are of course, some Chocolate products that have added caffeine, but it does not occur naturally in Chocolate. (1)
A typical sample of cacao nibs or cacao beans will yield anywhere from zero caffeine to 1,000 parts per million of caffeine (less than 1/20th of the caffeine present in coffee).
In February 2008, Dr. Gabriel Cousens discovered in clinical tests on healthy people that Cacao does not elevate blood sugar in the same way as a caffeine containing food or beverage. In fact, Dr. Cousens’ found that cacao has less of an effect on blood sugar than nearly any other food. (2)
Producers of processed and refined Chocolate have a reputation for adding Guarana and Gotu Kola Nut to their products which may be a reason for these rumors. Eat Raw Cacao and feel the benefits of Nature’s feel good alkaloid - Theobromine!
Sources:
1. http://www.xocoatl.org/caffeine.htm
2. http://www.sunfood.com/b2c/ecom/ecomEnduser/items/xt_itemDetailNF.aspx?siteId=1&itemNum=0878
Kirlian Photographic Analysis combines high voltage, high frequency, electrical fields and photographic techniques to make visible subtle energy fields interacting around living and non-living objects of study. These techniques utilize 50,000 volts and a broad range of frequencies to resonate with the test objects, capturing their patterns for analysis. Kirlian photographs reveal unique insights into unseen energy fields.
Kirlian Photography essentially lets use see a picture of the “Life Force Energy” a food contains. Below is a picture of Raw Cacao!
Kirlian Photo of Raw Cacao
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are actually a class of powerful antidepressant drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression.
Cacao/Chocolate contains natural mild monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). These rare MAO inhibitors actually produce favorable results when consumed by allowing more serotonin and other neurotransmitters to circulate in the brain. According to Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MAO in
hibitors facilitate youthing and rejuvenation.
MAO’s were actually the first type of antidepressant to be used, starting in the 1950s. MAOs relieve depression by preventing the enzyme monoamine oxidase from breaking down the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
MAO inhibitors may make one younger as they allow more neurotransmitters to remain in the bloodstream. A primary phenomenon that separates children from adults is the level of neurotransmitters in the blood and bodies of children. Generally, as one remains on the planet longer and longer, the level of neurotransmitters decreases. This creates physical rigidity, less creativity, less joy, and more aging! Cacao, being an MAO inhibitor, keeps plenty of neurotransmitters in circulation and thus stops this phenomenon from ever occurring.
Cacao contains Phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA can increase focus and alertness and help us feel connected to others. Our brains naturally produce a small amount of PEA all the time and much greater amounts when we 
are in love. This is no doubt why chocolate and love have such a deep correlation. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness.
Phenylethylamine is known as the “love drug” and is thought be the reason why Cacao is said to be an aphrodisiac. It is a chemical that mimics the brain chemistry of a person in love, so when levels of phenylethylamine are high in the body it relieves depression from unrequited love. This is one of the reasons so many women love chocolate - it really is a mood elevator!
The results is that we feel more alert and gives us a sense of well being and contentment. It is believed to work by making the brain release b-endorphin, an opioid peptide which is the driving force behind the pleasurable effects.
Truly amazing! Again I want to make note that this is found in Raw Cacao in the most usable and greatest amounts. Non-Raw Chocolate products, even Dark Chocolate are heavily processed and striped of most of their super-nutrients, Phenylethylamine (PEA) being one of them!
