Cacao has been used for thousands of years as a sacred beverage in many cultures, especially in Central and South America. For the Maya and Aztecs, cacao was not just food—but a plant that connected people to their heart, nature, community, and spiritual nourishment.
Today, many experience cacao as a warm, calming, and "heart-opening" beverage that helps us slow down, connect better with ourselves, and create greater presence.
What makes cacao so special?
Unlike traditional cacao, which is often heavily processed and sweetened, pure ceremonial cacao contains high levels of nutrients and active phytochemicals that can affect both body and mind.
Theobromine — gentle energy for the heart
One of the main active ingredients in cacao is theobromine.
It is a natural stimulant that belongs to the same family as caffeine, but has a much milder effect on the body.
Theobromine can, among other things:
— increased blood flow
— promoted greater concentration
— provide soft and consistent energy
— help the body relax at the same time
Many people experience cacao very differently than coffee. The energy is often warmer, softer, and less stressful for the nervous system.
Cacao and the "love substances" in the brain
Cacao contains natural chemicals associated with well-being, connection, and joy. That's why many people refer to cacao as a "heart-opening" drink.
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
One of the most well-known chemicals in cacao is Phenylethylamine, often called the “love chemical.” The body also produces this chemical when we fall in love.
PEA is associated with, among other things:
— joy
— tension
— increased connectivity
— a feeling of love and well-being
Anandamide — "bliss molecule"
Cacao also contains the chemical Anandamide, which is sometimes called the “bliss molecule.” The word comes from the Sanskrit word ananda , which means joy or bliss.
Anandamide is associated with:
— well-being
— calm
— a feeling of pleasure
— more presence
Tryptophan and serotonin
Cacao also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which the body uses to produce serotonin.
Serotonin is associated with, among other things:
— mood balance
— calm
— well-being
— better sleep
Natural support for well-being
Cacao does not “produce” serotonin or dopamine itself, but it does contain substances that can support the processes in the body related to these important neurotransmitters. That’s why many people experience cacao as a warm, uplifting, and deeply nourishing drink — both physically and mentally.
Magnesium-rich superfood
Cacao is also rich in minerals, especially magnesium.
Magnesium supports, among other things:
— the nervous system
— muscle relaxation
— sleep
— energy production
— hormonal balance
Many people have low levels of magnesium today due to stress, strain, and a nutrient-poor diet, so cacao can be a beautiful way to nourish the body naturally.
Other nutrients in cacao
Raw cacao also contains:
— iron
— zinc
— copper
— antioxidants
— flavonoids that can support the cardiovascular system
Research suggests that flavonoids in cacao may support, among other things:
— blood flow
— heart health
— brain function
— less inflammation in the body
When is the best time to drink cacao?
It depends a bit on what the purpose is, do we want to start the day with a cup for ourselves and set an intention for the day or is the purpose different? Many people start the day by drinking cacao instead of coffee in order to experience a softer and calmer energy throughout the day.
For yoga or meditation
Cacao can help people get better connected to their bodies and mindfulness.
In a quiet evening
Smaller doses of cacao can be used as a warm and nourishing evening routine, but are not recommended for those who are sensitive to or struggle with sleep problems. However, ceremonial cacao can be stimulating for some, so very large doses late at night are not suitable for everyone.
What is a cacao ceremony?
A cacao ceremony is not about perfection or rules of how a ceremony should be, but rather about presence and connection both within yourself and with other people if you are drinking cacao in a group. You can drink your cup with your own intention. I recommend putting on beautiful music, because cacao is extremely receptive to the energy that comes from beautiful music, bless your cup and whisper beautiful words into it and what you need or what you are looking for.
Many people use cacao as a way to:
— slow down
— open your heart
— connect with their emotions
— set an intention
— meditate
— sing
— dance
— write in a diary
— connect with others in the community
The ceremony can be simple and doable for everyone:
It is simply enough to sit in silence with a cup of cacao and breathe deeply. Then there are larger guided experiences where music is played, meditation, yoga nidra, breathing exercises or a circle where people come together and enjoy drinking this natural drink from Mother Earth, which is often called cacao.
More than just a drink
For many, cacao becomes not just a hot drink — but a ritual.
A moment to pause in the pace of the day and reconnect with ourselves again and again. In a world where many live in stress and constant stimulation, cacao can remind us of something very simple like softening, breathing, and opening our hearts a little more so that life becomes better.