Nourishing Cacao Latte
I’ve been making this ultra nourishing and heart-opening cacao latte for over 6 years now. I gave up daily coffee around the same time to help minimize migraines and anxiety symptoms that I was experiencing back then, and found the cacao latte to be a wonderful alternative. I love that cacao makes me feel good and that it has so many potent health benefits. This recipe is also super customizable so feel free to play around with adding different ingredients such as rose powder, cardamom, etc. First, let’s talk about all the incredible benefits cacao holds….
Unveiling the Scientific Health Benefits of Drinking Cacao
In recent years, cacao has emerged from the depths of ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations to claim its place in the spotlight of modern health and wellness trends. While chocolate lovers around the world rejoice in its rich and indulgent flavor, researchers are delving deeper into the myriad of health benefits associated with consuming this rich and nourishing plant.
Understanding Cacao: The Source of Cacao's Magic
Cacao, the purest form of chocolate, is derived from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. Unlike the highly processed chocolate products lining supermarket shelves, raw cacao retains its natural nutrients and antioxidants, making it a nutritional powerhouse. It’s very important though to purchase your cacao from a high-quality and reputable source that focuses on ethical practices. Any plant medicine we consume carries energy that we end up absorbing. Therefore, always support companies who not only care about the living of the farmers and workers harvesting the plants, but the health and replenishment of the land and soil.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
One of the most celebrated attributes of cacao is its exceptionally high antioxidant content. Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. Cacao boasts an impressive array of antioxidants, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins, which contribute to its potent health-promoting effects.
Heart Health Ally
Cacao holds many benefits for the heart, both spiritually and physiologically. When sourced from a company who offers both organic and ethically-harvested cacao, this plant has potent heart-opening benefits energetically. It can be paired with other heart-soothing plants such as damiana, rose, cinnamon and more. I’ve used cacao as a spiritual balm during many challenging times and I’m always grateful for the insight, connection and healing it so generously gives. Numerous studies have also suggested that cacao consumption may support heart health by improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. The flavonoids found abundantly in cacao have been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease by promoting healthy blood vessel function and reducing the formation of blood clots.
Mood Enhancement and Stress Reduction
Many of us are familiar with the mood-boosting properties of chocolate, and science offers some insights into why this may be the case. Cacao contains several compounds that can positively influence mood, including phenylethylamine (PEA), which is associated with feelings of euphoria, and serotonin precursors, which may help regulate mood and promote feelings of well-being. Additionally, cacao is a natural source of magnesium, a mineral known for its calming effects on the nervous system, making it a go-to choice for those seeking stress relief.
Brain Health and Cognitive Function
The benefits of cacao extend beyond the heart to the brain. Research suggests that the flavonoids present in cacao may have neuroprotective effects, helping to safeguard cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Moreover, certain compounds in cacao have been shown to enhance cerebral blood flow, which may support brain health and improve cognitive performance.
A Nutrient-Rich Superfood
In addition to its impressive antioxidant profile, cacao is also rich in essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium, as well as vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B5, and B9. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, bone health, and immune function, further cementing cacao's status as a bona fide superfood.
Incorporating Cacao into Your Diet
Incorporating cacao into your diet can be a delicious and rewarding experience. From enjoying a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate to adding raw cacao nibs to smoothies, oatmeal, or homemade energy balls, the possibilities are endless.
Final Thoughts
While indulging in chocolate has long been considered a guilty pleasure, the scientific evidence suggests that consuming cacao in its purest form can be a health-enhancing choice. From promoting heart health and uplifting mood to supporting brain function and supplying essential nutrients, cacao truly earns its reputation as a remarkable superfood.
Now, time for the recipe…. here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients….
8-10oz liquid of choice
I prefer organic whole milk, but feel free to use spring or filtered water, bone broth or a clean plant or nut based milk of your choice.
If using water or bone broth, you’ll need to add a little extra coconut cream if you desire a fluffier and creamy texture.
Be mindful of the plant and nut based milk alternatives found in stores. It’s best to try and make your own at home in order to avoid processed oils, gums and additives that even organically-labeled plant and nut milks in stores have.
1-2 organic medjool dates
If I’m making a single serving just for myself, I only use 1 date because I don’t like it to be too sweet, but if you prefer things on the sweeter side, you can use 2 dates. If you don’t have any dates, you can also use organic maple syrup (start small with 1-2 teaspoons so you don’t over sweeten it).
1 tablespoon or organic, raw heirloom cacao (I love the one from Anima Mundi Herbals)
for a richer chocolate flavor, opt for 1.5 to 2 full tablespoons of cacao. I usually use around 1-1.5 Tbs of cacao because I like a more subtle taste.
1 tablespoon of organic coconut cream powder (optional) (again, Anima Mundi Herbals is my favorite)
this not only creates a nice creamy and fluffy texture but it has some seriously nourishing benefits: high in fatty acids and trace minerals, coconut cream is excellent for your gut, skin and brain health. If you add too much coconut cream to milk however, it becomes too thick, so try and stick with 1 Tbs or less. If you’re using filtered or spring water, or bone broth, you can add a little extra coconut cream if you want a creamier consistency
If you don’t like the flavor of coconut, I would opt to leave this out all together because it does have a subtle but noticeable coconut taste.
organic ceylon cinnamon (optional)
Use however much you’d like — I love love love cinnamon and will forever be a spice girl, but you can leave this out if you’re not a cinny-lover. I usually use about 1 teaspoon for a single serving. If you do opt for cinnamon, try and use an organic ceylon cinnamon because it is much more nutritionally dense and can be consumed in higher quantities. Ceylon is considered to be the “true” cinnamon that is usually sourced from places like Sri Lanka, Madagascar and the Seychelles. Although it is more expensive, Ceylon has a lighter, brighter and spicier flavor than cassia cinnamon, and has 63x LESS coumarin than cassia so it is safer to use, especially in large quantities.
organic vanilla extract (optional)
Again, I love love love vanilla and always measure with my heart when it comes to adding it into any recipe. I usually add about 1-2 teaspoons in this recipe. Feel free to leave this out if you aren’t a vanilla lover.
Immersion Blender with the blade attachment works best
You can use those smaller hand whisk blenders that are designed for mixing powders into water, but I don’t love the overly frothy texture it tends to create, and it can be hard for those types of mixers to fully blend items like dates. The immersion blender with the stainless steel mixing blade like this works best and is an awesome kitchen tool to have for so many different uses, from soups to sauces and more.
1 small sauce pan to warm ingredients over the stove
Set of Tbs and Tsp measuring spoons
Directions….
Start by warming your milk or liquid of choice on medium heat in a small sauce pan
Once warm, add in pitted date(s), cinnamon and vanilla first
Once hot to the touch, turn off heat, and slowly add in the cacao and coconut cream powder. Be sure not to allow your milk to boil, you want it to be nice and hot but not boiling because this can destroy the nutrients
Now that all of your ingredients are incorporated, it’s time to blend with the immersion blender and blade attachment for 15-30 seconds, making sure all clumps are fully dissolved and any medjool date bits are well blended
Serve in your favorite mug, sip and enjoy!
Let me know if you make this at home and keep an eye out for more recipes :)
Love,
Kelley
