Cacao Smoothie & Elixir

Cacao, in its purest form, is an incredibly high source of antioxidants and minerals. In fact, raw cacao has forty times more antioxidants compared to blueberries. Rich in magnesium and tryptophan, cacao helps to relax the body, helps with muscle function and tone and depending on the percentage and quantity, can even aid sleep for some people. Having vasodilating properties, thanks to the theobromine that is present, raw cacao is also heart healthy, increasing blood flow to the heart. Last, but not least, is Anandamine – the “bliss chemical” or “love chemical”  that associates chocolate with sensuality and ‘feeling good’. I think it’s safe to say that chocolate, depending on where it’s from, how it’s processed, and how it’s consumed, is a SUPERFOOD.

My favorite chocolate is dark, sustainably sourced and ethically made.  This chocolate has its own space in my fridge, almost always stocked. I’m also all for chocolate with things in it, like nuts, sea salt (yes please), coconut and so on. For me, there’s just something wonderful about opening a beautifully designed outer package (usually there is a little story inside or something to tell about the source), to potentially another shiny gold lining, peeling back once more to expose the gift - the chocolate. A square or two each day is a usual treat for me.

I also have raw cacao nibs and powder (and organic cocoa powder) that I use in baking, elixirs, smoothies, and ice lollies. Here are two of my favorite ways to drink chocolate, preserving the sacred flavor and quality of cacao:

Cacao Smoothie and Elixir Recipe

Ingredients:

8 oz. Hemp Milk

1 tbsp hemp seeds

1 tbsp raw almond butter

1 Tbsp maple syrup

2 tbsp raw cacao

1 - 2 drops vanilla

1 pinch sea salt

Smoothie version, add:

1 cup ice

½ banana

Elixir version:

Heat the hemp milk

½ cup boiling water

*additional ingredients in the elixir to really make this a health forward beverage would be things like turmeric, cayenne pepper, medicinal mushrooms, etc… remember, cacao contains theobromine, a vasodilator. This means all of those rich ingredients get shuttled through the blood system in a more effective way!

Directions:

Add ingredients to your high speed blender. Blend on high until smooth. Enjoy the bliss!

If you are interested in learning more about cacao, check out our Article of the Month.