{"id":102152,"date":"2022-11-27T21:18:02","date_gmt":"2022-11-27T21:18:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yogaesoteric.net\/?p=102152"},"modified":"2022-11-27T21:18:02","modified_gmt":"2022-11-27T21:18:02","slug":"food-of-the-gods-sacred-chocolate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yogaesoteric.net\/en\/food-of-the-gods-sacred-chocolate\/","title":{"rendered":"Food of the gods: sacred chocolate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever wondered why people exchange chocolate on romantic occasions?<\/p>\n

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Long before Willie Wonka came around, it was known among the ancient Maya as the \u201cfood of the gods<\/em>,\u201d because chocolate, or cacao, can act as a powerful aphrodisiac that awakens the \u201clove hormones<\/em>\u201d in the body, such as serotonin and dopamine.<\/p>\n

It has the power to provide clarity of the consciousness, to move you from your head to your heart, and to produce a gentle euphoria.<\/p>\n

In the jungle, certain shamans use cacao in its raw, unadulterated form for healing. But here in the modern world, this plant spirit\u2014or the energy behind the form called cacao\u2014is often overlooked as a sacred medicine.<\/p>\n

But when used correctly, cacao unlocks your ability to explore your own personal and mystical journey from an enlightening new perspective.<\/p>\n

If you are drinking a homemade cacao hot chocolate in the mornings instead of coffee, it unleashes such beautiful creative energies while also giving you a subtle morning boost.<\/p>\n

More on the mysteries of cacao below, but first, we share a delicious sacred hot chocolate recipe. (Be careful of how much raw cacao you use \u2013 this stuff can be potent!)<\/p>\n

Sacred Hot Chocolate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ingredients:<\/p>\n

(makes 1 serving)<\/p>\n

10 oz. hot water (almond milk can be substituted for beginners)<\/p>\n

2 Tbsp. raw cacao powder<\/p>\n

2 Tbsp. honey<\/p>\n

1 Tbsp. organic coconut oil<\/p>\n

1 tsp. maca powder<\/p>\n

\u00bc tsp organic vanilla extract<\/p>\n

Pinch of cayenne<\/p>\n

Pinch of cinnamon<\/p>\n

Directions:<\/p>\n

1. Put all ingredients, except for cinnamon and honey, into a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat.<\/p>\n

2. Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly.<\/p>\n

3. Once the contents are simmering, remove from heat and pour into a cup.<\/p>\n

4. Allow to cool to about 40 degrees and add honey.<\/p>\n

5. Sprinkle cinnamon over top of the brew and enjoy!<\/p>\n

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A Maya legend tells us that whenever there is an imbalance between humans and nature, cacao comes from the rainforest to open people\u2019s hearts and return the planet to a state of harmony.<\/p>\n

One of cacao\u2019s active pharmacological ingredients consists of N-acylethanolamines, which, according to Drugs.com<\/em>, are \u201ccompounds found in chocolate that are structurally similar to anandamine, which is similar to the cannabinoid responsible for euphoria from cannabis. These compounds may not exert their effect by binding with the tetrahydrocannabinol receptors, but by inhibiting breakdown of endogenously produced anandamine, thus prolonging a \u2018natural high.<\/em>\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Cacao\u2019s alchemy can be subtle and its messages can come quietly. It is an excellent synergist and partnership facilitator, helping each of us to become aware of our subconscious mind. If we pay attention to these \u201ceasier\u201d lessons, we can avoid the hard ones.<\/p>\n

As psychologist Carl Jung explained, the language of the subconscious is symbols, images, and metaphors. He encouraged us to notice repetitive images and also the physiological responses, like headache or nausea\u2014seemingly common phenomena that are often ignored. Through deep meditation with the plant, its medicine can show you deeper truths about these experiences. Don\u2019t be surprised if you experience a proverbial \u201cAha!\u201d moment.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the health benefits of cacao:<\/strong><\/p>\n