School of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion
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SERVING SIZE: 1 tbsp SPECIES: Theobroma cacao FAMILY:
Malvaceae MEAL: PREPARATION: EAT IN: "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,  SEE MORE REVIEWS & COMMENTSAbout the Author: John Immel, How Can Chocolate (Cacao) Make You Feel Great?AYURVEDIC ANALYSISMedicinal 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. 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)BUYING & PREPARATIONChocolate 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 RecipesMelted 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'. Learn about the health benefits of Chocolate (Cacao) for FREE
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WHY SHOULD YOU EAT AYURVEDICALLY?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. Foods that supplement your specific body type’s needs and digest easily create your 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.Is Chocolate (Cacao) Good for Me?MEDICINAL QUALITIES
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.Digestion: Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODICHerbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, colic or IBS.Energy Vitality Strength: Stimulates energy STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbsHeart & Circulation: Blood Thinner BLOOD-THINNERHerbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.Lung and Sinus: Antitussive , ANTITUSSIVECough suppressant, particularly for dry coughs or a tickle in your throat.Bronchodilator BRONCHODILATORAn herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. Helpful in cough and asthma.Mind, Stress & Sleep: Nervine NERVINEHerbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer?s, even chronic pain.Reproductive Health: Aphrodisiac APHRODISIACHerbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.Muscle-Health: Muscle relaxant MUSCLE-RELAXANTHerbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONERS!(Not you? Keep scrolling!) Are you struggling with your health?Learn how to feel your best by balancing your diet in just a week.How to Use Food AyurvedicallyHOW 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. View Other Ingredients for Autumn-WinterChocolate (Cacao) is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter ingredients here.Comments & Impressions of 'Chocolate (cacao)'Do you like 'chocolate (cacao)'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'chocolate (cacao)'?
How about really dark chocolate - like 99%
I thought that chocolate is too fatty for Kapha? What kind of chocolate are you writing about?
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.
What if I'm talking about gourmet chocolates including real cacao butter, not some low grade products?
Chocolate aggravates Vata / Pitta whether or not the chocolate is organic.
I make a home-brew of raw organic cacao powder with organic cacao butter, coconut oil, and raw honey. I make a paste with water. I am Vata/Pitta, but this seems to work really well for me (or maybe it's the chocolate high!. I eat this in place of dark chocolate which of course has refined sugar. Lately I have added a pinch of cardamom.
Are there any other fruits that would be better to dip in dark chocolate?
Cacao by itself is just about the strongest food stimulant you can use. Most peoples' bodies will get used to caffeine, and thus it will be tolerated as less stimulating over time, but cacao will continue to over-stimulate the brain and sexual organs, even over long periods of time. It upsets balance in the body, and should be used as a stimulant and medicine, in my opinion, and not a food!
Maybe it's different for Mexican and South American natives, because of their genetics and history with cacao, and possibly some other people around the world. I hear that many tribes in the Amazon Rainforest will drink guayusa, and that they seem to tolerate it very well. The Japanese people seem to tolerate green tea well, too.
I have recently purchased a Nutribullet and allows me to put raw ingredients in it. I know that am Vata Kapha type. I am curious if raw cacao for bone health is fine for me prior to 2pm maybe. I put it with arugula, raspberries, flax oil, almonds, tahini and avocado. Would the amount I use make a difference? There's no sugar :)
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?
Consider almond milk...or gold milk.
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!
I read an extensive article about how cocoa is toxic for the body, in particular the liver....what are your thoughts? I am a chocolate lover, addict perhaps!
Should those of us who are pitta types avoid chocolate all together or simply limit consumption?
Commercial chocolate probably not good for anyone but cocoa powder or nibs are very bitter which lessens pitta. Add a sweet fruit or maple syrup or a little raw sugar plus a little almond milk or organic cows milk which all lessen pitta. It is not hard to digest unless you eat too much of it. It does have a stimulating effect which is lessened by its dilating effect and the calming nurturing effect almost everyone feels due to its love! chemical phenylethylamine.
a traditional home remedy for
This information has not been validated by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
Digestion Anal Spasm, Popping/clicking/locking jawRespiratory Health Asthma, Chronic coughReproductive Health Clots in menstrual blood, Low libido, Painful menstruationBlood and Circulation High Blood Pressure
About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. His online course Balance Your Ayurvedic Diet in a Week provides tools for gracefully healing with Ayurveda to thousands. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his 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. |
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