We’re really lucky here at Ephraim Health because ever since Jim brought in a jumbo bag crammed full of Cacao Nib Husks, we’ve been able to share a flavoursome pot of Cacao Tea every day and the place is always infused with the delicious aroma of CHOCOLATE!!!
Cacao Tea is known as a ‘Heart Opener’, and we have all found that as we sip our cup of Cacao Tea, we are much more able to freely share creative ideas, plans, anecdotes and even our secrets!!
Cacao tea was first enjoyed as a health elixir by the ancient civilisations of Central America as far back as 1900 BC. It became a ritualist medicine in their ‘Cacao Ceremonies’ and it was believed to possess both magical and spiritual qualities. Cacao Ceremonies swiftly grew in popularity and today, are held frequently throughout much of the world, especially at Ephraim Health!!
So What’s The Science Behind Cacao Tea?
The main active ingredient found within Cacao is Theobromine, a phytochemical which stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain - the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter. Cacao also contains phenethylamine, another neurotransmitter which sends signals to the brain to reduce stress and depression whilst creating a state of heightened euphoria and increased empathy towards yourself and others.
This explains why Cacao is known as a ‘Heart Opener’ and really does promote a feeling of health and wellbeing as the neurotransmitters send those ‘pleasure’ signals to your brain. It also allows you to become more relaxed, energised and connected – both to your inner self and to those around you.
Alongside the ‘emotional’ health benefits of Cacao, we mustn’t forget that it’s also very high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it a great source of nourishment for the body and provider of many physical health benefits too.
A rich source of iron, copper, magnesium and calcium, Cacao supports the liver and kidneys to detox. It also supports healthy immune, heart and metabolic function as well as aiding the digestive system and suppressing the appetite hence playing a useful role in weight management.
How Will You Enjoy Your Cacao Tea?
A healthy alternative for coffee, tea and chocolate lovers, Cacao Tea it is high in nutrients, low in calories, has only a small amount of natural caffeine and all the luxurious taste of chocolate.
At Ephraim Health, our daily Cacao Ceremony starts when we add our Cacao Nib Husks to the teapot (allow one tablepoon per person/cup), then just pour on boiling water, allowing it to brew for 5-10 minutes before pouring. It smells amazing and tastes delicious!!!
If you’re looking for richer creamier texture, mix in a little something of your choice such as a dash of Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil or Cacao Butter. On the other hand, if you fancy a little bit of sweetness to enhance the natural Cacao flavour, you could stir in a spoonful of Manuka Honey, Coconut Sugar or Molasses. You could even add a touch of spice with maybe a little cinnamon, chile, ginger, nutmeg or cardamom.
Whichever way you prefer your Cacao Tea, make sure that you always take time to relax – either with friends, loved ones or just by yourself - and enjoy its unique, rich, chocolatey taste and the subtle feeling of good health and wellbeing that it evokes.