Pucker up to the power of chocolate! Pure chocolate, better known as cocoa or cacao, is more exciting than a kiss according to the ancient healers of Central and South America. The Aztecs, who have always associated cacao with fertility and love, called the magical bean yollotl eztli, which means “heart blood”.
Faithful chocolate lovers say cacao has the capacity to open the heart and return us to a state of pure feeling. In its raw form, cacao contains euphoric properties, is an aphrodisiac, motivates and balances brain activity, and is known to have rejuvenating anti-aging potential.
Faithful chocolate lovers say cacao has the capacity to open the heart and return us to a state of pure feeling. In its raw form, cacao contains euphoric properties, is an aphrodisiac, motivates and balances brain activity, and is known to have rejuvenating anti-aging potential.
For full benefit, it is important to take in chocolate at its most genuine state. Native Americans always preferred the natural, bitter taste of cacao. Many years later, Europeans introduced refined sugar to sweeten its spirit. Unfortunately, this reduces the medicinal value and alters the unique soothing capacities.
Because this superfood has over 300 chemical compounds, it is one of the most pleasurably satisfying foods on the planet. But it’s not just for eating... Today cacao is infused into modern elixirs like scrubs, scented oils, moisturizers, soaps and more. Combine the stimulating essence of cacao with a silky lip balm, and you could be in for a real treat!
Because this superfood has over 300 chemical compounds, it is one of the most pleasurably satisfying foods on the planet. But it’s not just for eating... Today cacao is infused into modern elixirs like scrubs, scented oils, moisturizers, soaps and more. Combine the stimulating essence of cacao with a silky lip balm, and you could be in for a real treat!
To top it all off, indulging in raw chocolate is all part of a conscious lifestyle. Mythology encompassing native cacao almost always speaks of reuniting the connection between the human heart and Mother Nature. The legend of Khuno, god of storms, tells the story of the very first cacao tree.
According to the fable, Khuno destroyed a village with torrential rain because he was angry at the tribe for setting fire to the jungle. It was the tribe’s intention to clear the land for their crops. But when the storm let-up the people discovered a cacao tree standing strong. Realizing the virtue of cacao, the tribe learned to live in harmony with the jungle.
According to the fable, Khuno destroyed a village with torrential rain because he was angry at the tribe for setting fire to the jungle. It was the tribe’s intention to clear the land for their crops. But when the storm let-up the people discovered a cacao tree standing strong. Realizing the virtue of cacao, the tribe learned to live in harmony with the jungle.
Let’s carry on the tradition by enjoying chocolate in its most impressive form, pura cacao. Next week I will share cozy cocoa concoctions perfect for warming-up this winter, tempting your company, and gifting to loved ones.
Pura Vida!!
Erin
Pura Vida!!
Erin