CHOCOLATE (CACAO)Health Benefits & Uses |
RECIPES WITH IT |
CREATE A RECIPE WITH IT |
COMPARE IT |
How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?
CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW
Recipes with Chocolate (Cacao): Xocolatl - Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate
Sensual and luxurious, chocolate is evocative of desire and indulgence. It warms the heart and abdomen while elevating mood and lifting depression. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, especially for women for whom chocolate may be addictive. The caffeine in chocolate stimulates brain activity and elevates the mood. Cinnamon or cayenne in hot chocolate enhances these passionate and stimulating qualities.Medicinal BenefitsChocolate's role in fertility extends beyond passion to the traditional use of cacao in pregnancy and to ease childbirth. Chocolate's warms and wakes up the reproductive organs - relaxing pelvic muscles during labor while simultaneously shifting a mother's awareness to the muscles of the pelvic floor. The shift in awareness helps her find and engage the muscles to deliver the fetus. Vasodilation of pelvic muscles also helps reduce preclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).
Chocolate reduces chest congestion by improving circulation in major vessels around the heart and by relaxing bronchial spasms, which is also useful in asthma. In one study chocolate was found to be 3x more effective than codeine at reducing cough, without the drowsy side effects. The antitussive quality is due to theobromine, which suppresses the vagus nerve. Meso-Americans also used chocolate to treat fever.Contraindications & LimitsAyurvedically, chocolate aggravates Pitta and Vata primarily. Chocolate is also difficult to digest. Over consumption can leave you feeling nauseous. Its hot quality could leave a mild stinging sensation in the eyes about 15 minutes after eating - an early warning sign of high Pitta.
Chocolate has a reputation for breaking the will of dieters. In one study, chocolate derailed the discipline regimens of 48% of women and 32% of men. With chocolate, a little goes a long way. We recommend a maximum of two squares daily.
Although chocolate has many health benefits, the fats and sugars mixed into chocolate can aggravate Kapha heaviness & mucus congestion. Here are some more supportive ways of preparing chocolate: Try dark chocolate sprinkled with Red Chili, or candied Ginger coated in dark chocolate. Ginger and Red Chili help kindle your metabolic fire (agni) so that you digest the chocolate better.
Recipes with Chocolate (Cacao): Black Bean Chocolate Smoothie
Chocolate & LonelinessChocolate cravings come more intensely in times of loneliness. Add rose to your chocolate which will nourish the heart, leaving you feeling much more satisfied than plain chocolate. Dark chocolate covered almonds with sea salt and protein helps prevent a sugar spike from eating chocolate alone. Salt adds a stimulating taste that helps balance the sweet.
Chocolate is high in magnesium, anti-oxidants and flavonoids. It also contains tryptophan (a serotonin percursor), theobromine (a substance similar to caffeine) and trace amounts of amandamides (which activates the same receptor in the brain as marijuana). All of these factors combine into an alluring substance that is sensual, comforting, rich, and decadent. And, perhaps a little mind altering.
About Chocolate (Cacao)
Romance may be sealed with a box of chocolates, but passion for chocolate is as eternal as true love. Long before John Cadbury invented the chocolate bar, native meso-american peoples brewed chocolate with medicinal herbs. Chocolate has been used as sacrament and in shamanic ceremony, a practice that continues to this day, for over three millennia. The botanical name of chocolate, 'Theobroma', means "Food of the Gods", a testimony that your affection for chocolate may be as deep as your soul.
Buying & Preparation
On the grocery shelf, chocolate is usually mixed with refined sugars, dairy and fats. Choose dark chocolate with at least 70 per cent cocoa because it has minimal sugar and fat.
Chocolate seeds contain a bitter alkaloid that must be fermented to develop the flavor. After fermentation the beans are dried, cleaned, roasted, and then shelled to reveal the cacao nibs. Since chocolate is more a medicinal herb than a food, the best way to consume chocolate is in small doses.
Recipes with Chocolate (Cacao): Peppermint Cocoa Shake
Cooking Chocolate (Cacao)The creamy texture of melted chocolate is a delight for all ages. Whether baked into brownies, chocolate chip cookies, cakes & cupcakes, melted into syrups, fudge, puddings & mousses, candied into truffles and chocolate bars, or served as ice-cream or hot-chocolate, chocolate is a versatile treat and popular food in celebrations and displays of affection.
Melted chocolate can be hardened with nuts & pistachios for texture. Strawberries dipped in chocolate offer a sensual treat, but are a difficult to digest food combination. Instead, dry dipping dried fruits and crystallized ginger into chocolates.
Or, mix cacao with tahini and honey for a luxurious treat. Chocolate, sesame seeds, nuts, cayenne and other spices form the popular Mexican sauce 'mole pablano'.Browse Recipes
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Is Chocolate (Cacao) Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?
Find out by taking this free, easy quiz.
You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Chocolate (Cacao)' is a good fit.
Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body. Take the Quiz
AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT
Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances.
With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you.
Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature.
By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health.
See How it Works.
SERVING SIZE: 1 tbsp SPECIES: Theobroma cacao
Biocharacteristics of Chocolate (Cacao)
See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)
Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics
(gunas).
Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance.
By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick.
Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold).
You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.
Learn More
| MOBILE ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC
Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE DIFFICULT ABOUT DIFFICULT BIOCHARACTERISTIC
Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DIFFICULT HOT ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT LIQUEFIED ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED | TASTES
The 6 Tastes
Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food.
Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body.
Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food.
Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods.
Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion.
Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste.
One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes.
The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent.
Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?
Learn More
| BITTER ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC
Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER | DOSHAS
The Three Doshas / Body Types
According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine,
people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person.
Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness.
Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency.
Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses.
The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.
The 3 functional body types
(doshas),
are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).
Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry.
Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed.
Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.
Learn More
| | HAS THE FOLLOWING | Family: Malvaceae |
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Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Chocolate (Cacao) Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
Anxiolytic ANXIOLYTIC
Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.
SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS , Nervine NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS AntioxidantSTRONG ANTIOXIDANT
An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.
SEE ALL 'ANTIOXIDANT' FOODS / HERBS , Aphrodisiac APHRODISIAC
Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.
SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS , Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODIC
Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.
SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS Constituents: , FlavonoidsSTRONG FLAVONOIDS
Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.
SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS , Nitric OxideSTRONG NITRIC-OXIDE
Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.
SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS , Tannins, , , Resveratrol RESVERATROL
Antioxidant frequently used for anti-aging. Protects airways and blood vessels. Anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic.
SEE ALL 'RESVERATROL' FOODS / HERBS
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Foods with a Similar Nature to Chocolate (Cacao)
Poppy Seed
Poppy Seed has these Actions in Common
Antioxidant, Anxiolytic, Antispasmodic, Muscle-relaxant, Antitussive
LEARN MORE
Saffron
Saffron has these Actions in Common
Blood-thinner, Anxiolytic, Nervine, Aphrodisiac, Stimulates-energy
LEARN MORE
Rosemary
Rosemary has these Actions in Common
Bronchodilator, Stimulates-energy, Muscle-relaxant, Antispasmodic, Nervine
LEARN MORE
Lavender
Lavender has these Actions in Common
Anxiolytic, Muscle-relaxant, Antispasmodic, Nervine
LEARN MORE
Hing (Asafoetida)
Hing (Asafoetida) has these Actions in Common
Bronchodilator, Antispasmodic, Stimulates-energy, Antitussive
LEARN MORE
Caraway Seeds
Caraway Seeds has these Actions in Common
Antispasmodic, Stimulates-energy, Antitussive, Bronchodilator
LEARN MORE
Chamomile
Chamomile has these Actions in Common
Antispasmodic, Nervine, Anxiolytic, Blood-thinner
LEARN MORE
Green Tea
Green Tea has these Actions in Common
Stimulates-energy, Blood-thinner, Bronchodilator, Antioxidant
LEARN MORE
Beets
Beets has these Actions in Common
Blood-thinner, Muscle-relaxant, Anxiolytic, Stimulates-energy
LEARN MORE
Mint
Mint has these Actions in Common
Nervine, Antispasmodic, Stimulates-energy, Anxiolytic
LEARN MORE
Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Chocolate (Cacao)
Dong Quai
Dong Quai has these Actions in Common
Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Blood-thinner, Bronchodilator, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy
LEARN MORE
Lobelia
Lobelia has these Actions in Common
Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Anxiolytic, Bronchodilator, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine
LEARN MORE
KapiKacchu
KapiKacchu has these Actions in Common
Aphrodisiac, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic
LEARN MORE
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common
Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Aphrodisiac, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine
LEARN MORE
Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)
Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common
Bronchodilator, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic
LEARN MORE
Mahanarayan Oil
Mahanarayan Oil has these Actions in Common
Antispasmodic, Blood-thinner, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy
LEARN MORE
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm has these Actions in Common
Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy
LEARN MORE
Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)
Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common
Nervine, Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilator, Muscle-relaxant
LEARN MORE
Yogaraj Guggulu
Yogaraj Guggulu has these Actions in Common
Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Blood-thinner, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine
LEARN MORE
Breathing Exercises
Breathing Exercises has these Actions in Common
Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic
LEARN MORE
Belly breathing
Belly breathing has these Actions in Common
Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy
LEARN MORE
Impact of Chocolate (Cacao)
In each clinical research trial below, students from the
Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects.
See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.
TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your temperature?
0
|
0
|
9
|
17
|
1
| Much colder | Slightly colder | Same | Slightly warmer | Much warmer |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your ear temperature?
9
|
18
|
0
| Hotter | No Change | Cooler |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your sweat quantity?
0
|
1
|
19
|
6
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of your skin?
0
|
1
|
7
|
0
|
19
| Yellower/Greener | Paler | Redder | Grayer | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of your tongue body?
4
|
11
|
0
|
12
| Paler | Redder | Bluer | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the swelling of your tongue body?
4
|
5
|
18
| More Swelling | Less Swelling | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your appetite/hunger?
4
|
10
|
6
|
7
|
0
| Much less hungry | Slightly less hungry | Same | Slightly hungrier | Much hungrier |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your digestion speed?
0
|
16
|
6
|
5
|
0
| Much faster | Slightly faster | Same | Slightly slower | Much slower |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
TOXINS
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the amount of gas & bloating?
0
|
5
|
16
|
5
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your stool smell?
0
|
1
|
21
|
4
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)Tongue: How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
0
|
6
|
13
|
6
|
2
| Much smaller | Slightly less | Same | Slightly larger coating | Much larger |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of your tongue coating?
1
|
16
|
1
|
2
|
7
| Yellower | Browner | Grayer | Whiter | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your throat soreness?
2
|
22
|
3
| More sore | No Change | Less sore |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your urine smell?
0
|
1
|
24
|
2
|
0
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
1
|
1
|
24
|
1
|
0
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Many more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your sweat smell?
0
|
0
|
24
|
2
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your acne?
3
|
24
|
0
| More acne | No Change | Less acne |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your freckles/moles?
0
|
27
|
0
| Darker | No Change | Lighter |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3
| Redder/Bloodshot | Yellower | Grayer | Browner | Whiter |
22
| No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of the lower eye lid?
0
|
0
|
26
|
1
| More green/dark green | More purple | No Change | Less green/purple |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
HYDRATION
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your urine frequency/quantity?
1
|
3
|
18
|
5
|
0
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the dryness of your skin?
9
|
3
|
15
| Drier | Oilier | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
1
|
20
|
6
| Puffier | No Change | Less Puffy |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the cracks on your tongue?
1
|
4
|
16
|
6
|
0
| Larger/longer/more cracks | Slightly more | Same | Slightly less/smaller/shorter | Much less |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
FLUID-THICKNESS
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your ear pressure?
4
|
21
|
2
| More pressure | No Change | Less pressure |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your congestion?
4
|
16
|
7
| More congestion | No Change | Less congestion |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
5
|
14
|
8
| More thick | No Change | Less thick |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
NERVOUS-SYSTEM
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your energy levels?
0
|
1
|
3
|
22
|
1
| Much less energy | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more energy | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your muscle tension?
0
|
8
|
10
|
7
|
2
| Much less tension | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more tension | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your anxiety?
0
|
7
|
9
|
9
|
2
| Much less anxiety | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more anxiety | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the stillness of your tongue?
3
|
15
|
9
| More still | No Change | More Trembling / Jittery |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
DIGESTION
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the amount of gas & bloating?
0
|
5
|
16
|
5
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?
0
|
3
|
17
|
7
|
0
| Much relief | Slight relief | Same | Slightly more burning | Much more burning |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your appetite/hunger?
4
|
10
|
6
|
7
|
0
| Much less hungry | Slightly less hungry | Same | Slightly hungrier | Much hungrier |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your digestion speed?
0
|
16
|
6
|
5
|
0
| Much faster | Slightly faster | Same | Slightly slower | Much slower |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
TONGUE
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the cracks on your tongue?
1
|
4
|
16
|
6
|
0
| Larger/longer/more cracks | Slightly more | Same | Slightly less/smaller/shorter | Much less |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)Tongue: How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
0
|
6
|
13
|
6
|
2
| Much smaller | Slightly less | Same | Slightly larger coating | Much larger |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the swelling of your tongue body?
4
|
5
|
18
| More Swelling | Less Swelling | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of your tongue body?
4
|
11
|
0
|
12
| Paler | Redder | Bluer | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the stillness of your tongue?
3
|
15
|
9
| More still | No Change | More Trembling / Jittery |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of your tongue coating?
1
|
16
|
1
|
2
|
7
| Yellower | Browner | Grayer | Whiter | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
STOOL
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your stool smell?
0
|
1
|
21
|
4
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your stool consistency?
0
|
9
|
11
|
6
|
1
| Much softer | Slightly softer | Same | Slightly harder | Much harder |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your stool frequency/quantity?
1
|
3
|
15
|
7
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your stool color?
0
|
1
|
0
|
2
|
24
| More yellow | More gray | More green | More orange | Same |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your stool lightness?
0
|
2
|
17
|
8
|
0
| Much lighter | Slightly lighter | Same | Slightly darker | Much darker |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
URINE
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your urine smell?
0
|
1
|
24
|
2
|
0
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your urine lightness?
0
|
2
|
21
|
4
|
0
| Much lighter | Slightly lighter | Same | Slightly Darker | Much Darker |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your urine frequency/quantity?
1
|
3
|
18
|
5
|
0
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
1
|
1
|
24
|
1
|
0
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Many more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your urine clarity?
3
|
19
|
5
| More cloudy | Same | More clear |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
SWEAT
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your sweat smell?
0
|
0
|
24
|
2
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your sweat quantity?
0
|
1
|
19
|
6
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
SKIN
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of your skin?
0
|
1
|
7
|
0
|
19
| Yellower/Greener | Paler | Redder | Grayer | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your freckles/moles?
0
|
27
|
0
| Darker | No Change | Lighter |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your acne?
3
|
24
|
0
| More acne | No Change | Less acne |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the dryness of your skin?
9
|
3
|
15
| Drier | Oilier | No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
EYE
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
1
|
20
|
6
| Puffier | No Change | Less Puffy |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3
| Redder/Bloodshot | Yellower | Grayer | Browner | Whiter |
22
| No Change |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the color of the lower eye lid?
0
|
0
|
26
|
1
| More green/dark green | More purple | No Change | Less green/purple |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
ENT
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your ear pressure?
4
|
21
|
2
| More pressure | No Change | Less pressure |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your throat soreness?
2
|
22
|
3
| More sore | No Change | Less sore |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
5
|
14
|
8
| More thick | No Change | Less thick |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your ear temperature?
9
|
18
|
0
| Hotter | No Change | Cooler |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your congestion?
4
|
16
|
7
| More congestion | No Change | Less congestion |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
HEART
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your heart rate?
0
|
2
|
11
|
13
|
1
| Much slower | Slightly slower | Same | Slightly faster | Much faster |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your heart rhythm?
7
|
20
|
0
| More palpitations | Same | Less palpitations |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?
0
|
2
|
23
|
1
|
1
| Much less | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
SYSTEMIC
How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your muscle tension?
0
|
8
|
10
|
7
|
2
| Much less tension | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more tension | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your anxiety?
0
|
7
|
9
|
9
|
2
| Much less anxiety | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more anxiety | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your temperature?
0
|
0
|
9
|
17
|
1
| Much colder | Slightly colder | Same | Slightly warmer | Much warmer |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)How did Chocolate (Cacao) affect your energy levels?
0
|
1
|
3
|
22
|
1
| Much less energy | Slightly less | Same | Slightly more energy | Much more |
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:80 (2021-12-04 - 2021-12-13)
Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine. TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Chocolate (Cacao) may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual.
Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.
HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?
Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when
right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in
Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire
reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once
you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
Clinical Tools & Resources
Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel,
as well as public service work in South Asia.
John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem.
His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion.
John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing.
In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots,
and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church.
Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick.
That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.
Read more
Comments & Impressions of 'Chocolate (cacao)'
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(4.00 out of 5 stars) 7 ratings, 286 likes Sign in to review this food
How about really dark chocolate - like 99%
- Paula Baum, Tucson, AZ , 10-23-11 ( Reply)
Only the milk and sugar in chocolate aggravates Kapha. Pure, dark chocolate aggravates Pitta because it is heating and aggravates Vata because it is difficult to digest.
Chocolate aggravates Vata / Pitta whether or not the chocolate is organic.
If one was to make a hot chocolate drink of cacao powder and cayenne what base of the drink is suitable for Kapha instead of milk?
- Jacqueline Davis, Ocean shores , 03-22-14 ( Reply)
Consider almond milk...or gold milk.
- David McKaig, Swannanoa, NC , 03-24-14 ( Reply)
I am happy to read this. I allow myself 1 square of good 70% chocolate after dinner. It is all I need to satisfy the craving. Now I a can enjoy it without guilt!
Should those of us who are pitta types avoid chocolate all together or simply limit consumption?
- Mary Ellen, Avon lake, OH , 01-08-15 ( Reply)
What is a good way for vata people to take some chocolate? I know they crave the fat and sweetness, but the cacao is bitter.How do they cope with the cravings if there is no healthy way for them to take it?
How does one use Cacao powder in a healthy way for the different doshas?
- Jan Willem, Sturgeon, PD , 01-22-19 ( Reply)
It's better for Vata to get fat and sweet taste from other foods.
Cacao is most recommended for Kapha. It aggravates Pitta because it is heating and aggravates Vata because it is difficult to digest.
- Carrie Hoffman, Williams, AZ , 06-30-20 ( Reply)
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