Cacao
[ Theobroma cacao ]
This plant is widely considered a divine food and used by the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations as early as 600 BC.
Indigenous Knowledge
A drink made of a mix of chocolate, cuastecomate, raicilla, honey, and cinnamon is considered medicinal, traditionally taken in the morning for bronchitis, colds, and as a cough aid.
More Facts
In ancient Mexico, cacao assumed an importance nearly as great as that of gold to the Europeans, and eventually to a high level of importance to the peoples of the world.
Did you know?
In ancient Mexico, cacao beans were used as currency.
Uses
Drink
Symptoms / Illness
Bronchitis, colds, cough
Biomedical Science
The phenolic compounds in cacao contain bioactive elements that have health benefits for inflammation, cardiovascular illness, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer (Baharum, Z., Akim, A. M., Taufiq-Yap, Y. H., Hamid, R. A., & Kasran, R. 2014). It also exhibits anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and analgesic properties. Cocoa has higher antioxidant activity than teas and red wine (Hii, C. L., Law, C. L., Suzannah, S., & Cloke, M.,2009). High-quality dark chocolate has a high concentration of the stimulant theobromine and is also rich in flavanols. Increased concentrations of the flavonoid epicatechin demonstrate antioxidant activity, which, in turn, decreases the activity of low-density lipoproteins. (Wilson, P. K., 2010). Flavanol-rich cocoa increases cerebral blood flow, which suggests cocoa as a possible adjunctive treatment for cognitive health. Chocolate also appears to release phenethylamine, anandamide (the bliss chemical, and serotonin. Chocolate also has moisturizing properties for the skin, improving appearance and texture, photoprotection from UV light (Kim, J., Lee, K. W., & Lee, H. J., 2011).
Contraindications
In general, cacao is safe for consumption. However, it should be used cautiously in individuals with caffeine sensitivity, as it contains theobromine, a stimulant. Overconsumption may lead to insomnia, jitteriness, or increased heart rate. People with chocolate allergies should avoid it. Pregnant women should limit intake due to caffeine and theobromine content, which may affect fetal development in high doses. Cacao may interact with stimulants or medications affecting blood pressure; always seek advice from your prescriber.
Biomedical Research Papers
Baharum, Z., Akim, A. M., Taufiq-Yap, Y. H., Hamid, R. A., & Kasran, R. (2014). In vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of methanolic plant part extracts of Theobroma cacao. Molecules, 19(11), 18317-18331. File: file:///C:/Users/loral/Downloads/molecules-19-18317.pdf
Hii, C. L., Law, C. L., Suzannah, S., & Cloke, M. (2009). Polyphenols in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.). Asian Journal of Food and Agro-Industry, 2(4), 702-722. URL: https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20103303306 (only abstract)
Kim, J., Lee, K. W., & Lee, H. J. (2011). Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) seeds and phytochemicals in human health. In Nuts and seeds in health and disease prevention (pp. 351-360). Academic Press. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-375688-6.10042-8
Wilson, P. K. (2010). Centuries of seeking chocolate’s medicinal benefits. The Lancet, 376(9736), 158-159.
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