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AYURVEDIC FOODS

CHOCOLATE (CACAO)

Health Benefits & Uses

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Customer Reviews

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"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..."

- Susan Simonetti, Cocoa beach, FL

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Ayurvedic Perspective on Chocolate (Cacao)
Similars: Foods and herbs similar to Chocolate (Cacao)
Indications: Chocolate (Cacao) may benefit these symptoms
Research: Effects on tongue, nervous system, temperature, elimination, etc.
Comments and reviews

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

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 Benefits

Chocolate'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 & Limits

Ayurvedically, 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.

Chocolate & Loneliness

Chocolate 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.

COOKING CHOCOLATE (CACAO)

Browse Recipes 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'.

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WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.

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When I Eat Chocolate (Cacao):

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I FEEL BETTER I FEEL WORSE I FEEL THE SAME

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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 for your body type. Time to complete: approximately 1 minute.

SERVING SIZE: 1 tbsp

SPECIES: Theobroma cacao

FAMILY: Malvaceae

MEAL: SNACK-DESSERT

PREPARATION: ROASTED

EAT IN: AUTUMN-WINTER

AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICS

What is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?

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.

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MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

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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.

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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?

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BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.

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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. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. Catabolic people tend to be easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic people tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic people are heavy, stable and grounded, but if they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion.

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PACIFIES	AGGRAVATES

HAS THE FOLLOWING

Family:
Malvaceae

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

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.

Here are the herbal actions of Chocolate (Cacao):

Mind, Stress & Sleep:

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

Herbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, even chronic pain.

SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:

Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Respiratory-Health:

Bronchodilator

MILD BRONCHODILATOR

An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.

SEE ALL 'BRONCHODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Antitussive

ANTITUSSIVE

Cough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat.

SEE ALL 'ANTITUSSIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:

Antioxidant

STRONG 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

Blood Thinner

BLOOD-THINNER

Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:

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

Strength, Muscle Health:

Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' 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:

Catechins

STRONG CATECHINS

Antioxidant that reduces cancer and blood clots, dilates blood vessels, and is antimicrobial.

SEE ALL 'CATECHINS' FOODS / HERBS

Flavonoids

STRONG 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 Oxide

STRONG 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,

Caffeine Methylxanthines

CAFFEINE-METHYLXANTHINES

Methylxanthines are purine alkaloids that have a stimulant and bronchodilating effect.

SEE ALL 'CAFFEINE-METHYLXANTHINES' FOODS / HERBS

Polyphenols

POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.

SEE ALL 'POLYPHENOLS' FOODS / HERBS

Resveratrol

RESVERATROL

Antioxidant frequently used for anti-aging. Protects airways and blood vessels. Anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic.

SEE ALL 'RESVERATROL' FOODS / HERBS

Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

Compare Chocolate (Cacao) with these Foods

Compare the following foods with Chocolate (Cacao):

Poppy Seed

Poppy Seed has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Anxiolytic, Antispasmodic, Muscle-relaxant, Antitussive

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Saffron

Saffron has these Actions in Common

Aphrodisiac, Stimulates-energy, Blood-thinner, Anxiolytic, Nervine

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Rosemary

Rosemary has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Nervine, Bronchodilator, Stimulates-energy, Muscle-relaxant

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Hing (Asafoetida)

Hing (Asafoetida) has these Actions in Common

Antitussive, Bronchodilator, Antispasmodic, Stimulates-energy

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Green Tea

Green Tea has these Actions in Common

Blood-thinner, Bronchodilator, Antioxidant, Stimulates-energy

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Caraway Seeds

Caraway Seeds has these Actions in Common

Antitussive, Bronchodilator, Antispasmodic, Stimulates-energy

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Chamomile

Chamomile has these Actions in Common

Anxiolytic, Blood-thinner, Antispasmodic, Nervine

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Mint

Mint has these Actions in Common

Anxiolytic, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Stimulates-energy

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Basil

Basil has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Nervine, Anxiolytic, Bronchodilator

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Beets

Beets has these Actions in Common

Blood-thinner, Muscle-relaxant, Anxiolytic, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Compare Chocolate (Cacao) with these Herb Supplements

Compare the following herb supplements with Chocolate (Cacao):

Dong Quai

Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Blood-thinner, Bronchodilator, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy

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Lobelia

Lobelia has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Anxiolytic, Bronchodilator, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine

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KapiKacchu

KapiKacchu has these Actions in Common

Aphrodisiac, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic

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Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Aphrodisiac, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine

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Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Nervine, Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Bronchodilator, Muscle-relaxant

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Mahanarayan Oil (16 oz)

Mahanarayan Oil (16 oz) has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Blood-thinner, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy

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Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy

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Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Bronchodilator, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy

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Breathing Exercises

Breathing Exercises has these Actions in Common

Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine

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Belly breathing

Belly breathing has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Muscle-relaxant, Nervine, Stimulates-energy

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Angelica

Angelica has these Actions in Common

Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Blood-thinner, Bronchodilator, Stimulates-energy

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Chocolate (Cacao) Research & Clinical Trials

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.