Cacao, the Chocolate Fruit

Liquid Chocolate

Cacao –Food of the Gods

Cacao is among the most famous plants on Earth. Its name comes from the Greek, and means “food of the gods”. Cacao was used and cultivated by ancient Central American indigenous tribes such as the Mayas, Aztecs and Kunas as currency. Their abundant gold was used as a mere decoration as it could not be as valuable as that which produced health.

Modern scientists are re-discovering the many medicinal uses of antioxidant-rich cacao, including its ability to fight cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression, while stimulating cognitive function, improving memory and intelligence.

 

Cacao, and Natural Chocolate

Liquid Chocolate, made from the Cacao Fruit
Liquid Chocolate, made from the Cacao Fruit

Cacao is the most important component in the production of chocolate. While commercial chocolates often contain copious amounts of sugar, cow milk and other addictive and toxic substances, it is certainly possible to produce a high quality chocolate using only healthy ingredients like cacao, coconut, and a natural sweetener like stevia, honey or maple syrup.

 

Health Benefits of Cacao and Chocolate

A 2012 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a “close, significant linear correlation between chocolate consumption per capita and the number of Nobel laureates”. (1)

Other recent studies have shown a positive effect on cholesterol, cough, weight loss, eczema, heart disease, high blood pressure and skin care.

In my wellness center, several female clients reported an absence of PMS symptoms following a chocolate therapy administered prior to the expected onset of the monthly symptoms. This chocolate therapy consisted of painting dark chocolate sauce on the patient from head to toe, allowing the skin to absorb the nutrients, as well as inhalation of the chocolate aroma, and a small amount of this same chocolate mixture was consumed.

Chocolate has long been considered an aphrodisiac and a mood-enhancer. Raw cacao stimulates the production of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, important neurotransmitters that block pain while creating pleasure and relaxation. Endorphins are our natural pain relievers; when pain suddenly disappears, a feeling of euphoria takes its place. Dopamine produces a feeling of joy with heightened focus and attention. Serotonin is our natural anti-depressant and it is important for relaxation and sleep. Each of these neurotransmitters are needed for good physical and mental health. Higher-than-normal levels of these neurotransmitters is likely to produce a feeling of intense pleasure and euphoria.

Interestingly, when forced to choose between chocolate and sex, 22 percent of women said they’d prefer chocolate. A survey of  2000 people found that alcohol, chocolate and sex were the three most difficult things to forgo.  (2)

It is important to keep both sides of this coin in proper perspective. While decreasing pain and increasing both pleasure and relaxation are normally welcomed benefits, relying on any one nutrient to stimulate these natural functions can lead to addiction and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if consumption ceases. In other words, cacao may be considered a medicine, and it is important to regulate the dosage. An excess external stimulation may cause the body to under-produce on its own, which would explain the withdrawal symptoms.

The Chicago Sun Times reported that people who suffer extreme depression have an irregular production of phenylethylamine or PEA, an amphetamine that stimulates dopamine receptors and increases mental alertness, pulse,  blood pressure and blood sugar levels. When we fall in love, our brain naturally releases phenylethlamine, producing so much pleasure that it can be addictive. The heartbroken may self-medicate by binging on chocolate since chocolate is high in phenylethylamine.

Theophylline is a stimulant of the heart and central nervous system, relaxes the bronchial smooth muscles, and may be effective in preventing and treating apnea in premature infancy.

Anandamide is an endocannabinoid. Endocannabinoids occur naturally in the brain, but are most concentrated in the cannabis plant, and to a much lesser extent in cacao.

The Raw Cacao Fruit

Cacao pod
Cacao pod

Pictured above is an entire cacao pod, which grows directly from the trunk of a tree in Central America.

Cacao pod, split open
Cacao pod, split open

The picture above shows the cacao pod sliced in half, revealing the seeds covered in a sweet gooey white gel.

Cacao seeds coated in gel
Cacao seeds coated in gel

Pictured above are the raw seeds covered in white slimy gel. This sweet gel may be the key to prevention of cancer and heart disease as it is consumed by the indigenous tribe that does not suffer either of these degenerative diseases. There are almost no studies on the consumption of the gel, most probably because developed countries normally only receive the processed cacao and have never had access to the fruit in its raw form.

Cacaotero Theobroma

The scientific name of the chocolate fruit is “Cacaotero Theobroma”. Its chemical composition includes a large number of vitamins, amino acids and other phyto-nutrients… over 300 compounds in all. The flavor components include polyphenols, aliphatic esters, unsaturated aromatic carbonyls, pyrazines, diketopiperazines, and theobromine.

Per 100 grams, the seed contains 456 calories, 3.6 grams of water, 12.0 grams of protein, 46.3 grams of fat, 34.7 grams of total carbohydrate, 8.6 grams of fiber, 106 mg of calcium, 537 mg phosphorus, 3.6 mg iron, 30 mg beta-carotene, 0.17 mg of thiamine (Vitamin B1), 0.14 mg riboflavin (Vitamin B2), 1.7 mg niacin (Vitamin B3), and 3 mg ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

Wealth of India reported that the edible pulp of the fruit contains 79.7–88.5% water, 0.5–0.7% albuminoids, astringents, etc.; 8.3–13.1% glucose, 0.4–0.9% sucrose, a trace of starch, 0.2–0.4% non-volatile acids (as tartaric), 0.03% Fe2O3 and 0.4% mineral salts (K, Na, Ca, Mg).

Raw seeds contain 0.24 mg/100 g thiamine, 0.41 riboflavin, 0.09 pyridoxine, 2.1 nicotinamide, and 1.35 pantothenic acid.

Cocoa also contains about 18% proteins, fats (cocoa butter), amines and alkaloids including theobromine (0.5 to 2.7%), caffeine (ca 0.25% in cocoa; 0.7 to 1.70 in fat-free beans, with forasteros containing less than 0.1% and criollos containing 1.43 to 1.70%), tyramine, dopamine, salsolinol, trigonelline, nicotinic acid, and free amino acids; tannins; phospholipids; and more.

The seeds, leaves and roots contain alkaloids theobromine and caffeine which has diuretic and vasodilator. Antitumor activity was found in the root and bark. The seeds contain fat (cocoa butter) are used in pharmacy as an emollient and for making ointments and creams. It is helpful in treating dry skin, burns, dandruff, dysentery, measles, and even snakebites, according to folk healers. Overall, cocoa is slightly tonic and stimulant, although in large doses or in sensitive individuals, can cause insomnia and tachycardia. (5)

 

Cacao and Caffeine

To compare the amount of caffeine in a 6 oz cup of various beverages, I rely on information from Tyler and Palotti (6,7).

  1. Expresso coffee: 310 mg
  2. Boiled coffee: 100 mg
  3. Instant coffee: 65mg
  4. Hierba mate: 25–50 mg
  5. Tea: 10–50 mg
  6. Cola: 25 mg
  7. Coca cola: 20 mg
  8. Cocoa (cacao): 13 mg
  9. Pepsi cola: 10 mg

 

References

  1. Chocolate Consumption, Cognitive Function, and Nobel Laureates, Franz H. Messerli, The New England Journal of Medicine, October 18, 2012.
  2. Cancer Research UK, survey of 2000 people
  3. The Chicago Sun Times
  4. Wealth of India
  5. Maria Candelaria, 102-year-old herbalist
  6. Tyler 1982
  7. Palotti 1977

Raw Tomato Beet Carrot SoupSopa Cruda de Tomate, Remolacha y Zanahoria

Raw Tomato Beet Carrot Soup

This recipe takes less than five minutes to make, and it’s nutritious and delicious:

Ingredients:

  • lots of love
  • three roma tomatoes
  • one small beet
  • one medium carrot
  • three juicy lemons or limes
  • fresh basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary
  • one clove of garlic
  • optional: a cayenne pepper

Instructions:

Wash and chop everything. Juice the limes. Toss all ingredients into a high power blender and blend for 90 seconds for warm delicious soup. You can draw a heart in the soup before serving it if you desire.

Raw Tomato Beet Carrot Soup
Raw Tomato Beet Carrot Soup
Esta receta toma menos de cinco minutos para hacer, y es nutritivo y delicioso:

Ingredientes:

  • mucho amor
  • tres tomates peritas
  • una pequeña remolacha
  • una zanahoria promedia
  • tres limones o limas jugosas
  • albahaca, orégano, tomillo y romero fresco
  • un diente de ajo
  • opcional: una pimienta cayena

Instrucciones:

Lavar y picar todo. Exprime el jugo de las limas o limones. Mezcle todos los ingredientes en una licuadora de alta potencia y licuar durante 90 segundos para una deliciosa sopa calida. Puedes dibujar un corazoncito en la sopa antes de servirla si deseas.

Raw Tomato Beet Carrot Soup
Sopa Cruda de Tomate, Remolacha y Zanahoria

Kristina’s Raw Coffee Alternative

Kristina's Raw Coffee Alternative

http://youtu.be/YSFy-WfzVs0

FullyRaw Kristina shares this extremely helpful recipe for those coffee lovers that are looking to cut out the caffeine to enjoy a more balanced energy level without the crashes or “lows”. Be aware that serious addicts will likely experience some withdrawal or detox symptoms such as headache and/or lethargy. But you will definitely recover, and you will feel lighter, fresher, and more liberated.

Tools needed:

  • Breville juicer
  • Vitamix or Blendtec blender
  • Coffee cup(s)

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 cups of coconut water
  • 5-10 pitted dates
  • ¼ cup carob powder
  • a few fresh peppermint leaves
  • a small vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract (without alcohol)
  • a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons of raw cacao
  • fresh almond milk (make your own with the following instructions)

Almond milk creamer:

Run 1 ½ cups of soaked raw almonds through a slow juicer (or blend with a Vitamix and strain with an almond milk bag). Run through juicer with water or if you want it to be sweeter, use coconut water instead.

Kristina's Raw Coffee Alternative
Kristina’s Raw Coffee Alternative

Kristina’s Raw Banana Ice Cream Split

Banana Split

http://youtu.be/agfe3Vu25rk

You may already know how to make delicious vanilla ice cream using only frozen bananas and a few drops of vanilla. But here, Kristina raises the banana with a magnificent arrangement of three ice cream flavors, topped with gooey delicious fruit sauce and fresh cherries.

Ingredients:

  • 5-10 ripe bananas, frozen overnight
  • One perfect banana for your banana split
  • the water of one young coconut
  • 1 – 1 ½ fresh pitted dates
  • ½ cup of sliced pitted cherries and 3 perfect cherries to put on top
  • 1 cup sliced mango
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • ¼ cup Carob powder
  • Toppings:
    • ¼ diced mango bits and ¼ blended
    • ¼ chopped raspberries and ¼ blended
    • ¼ finely chopped blackberries and ¼ blended

Tools needed:

  • Vitamix or Blendtec blender
  • plate
  • ice-cream scoop
  • spatula

Instructions:

Blend the ice cream ingredients together as shown in the video, then blend the topping ingredients and pour over the ice cream. Sprinkle with more toppings!

banana split
banana split

Kristina’s Raw Minestrone Soup

Raw Minestrone Soup

http://youtu.be/aNWMxbg1ZNU

Here’s a great recipe for raw minestrone soup from Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram.

Ingredients:

  • 10-15 tomatoes, juiced
  • 1 bell pepper,  juiced
  • 1 cup of diced carrots
  • 1-2 diced or spiralized zucchini
  • 1 cup of baby spinach
  • 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup of chopped celery
  • ½ cup of parsley
  • ½ cup of cilantro
  • ½ cup of chopped mushrooms
  • ¼ cup of diced leeks
  • ¼ cup of diced green onion
  • fresh thyme
  • fresh sage
  • one small cayenne pepper, chopped finely

 

Instructions: Juice the tomatoes, the red bell pepper, and a few stalks of celery. Strain several times until you are left with a tomato broth as a base. Pour your base into a large soup bowl, and sprinkle in the other chopped ingredients! Your soup is now ready, but if you can resist the temptation to eat it immediately, the soup will become even more flavorful by waiting about an hour for the broth to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.

This can be a fully raw (cold) soup. If you want it warm, you can use the warm soup function of a Blendtec or a Vitamix blender, which warms the soup slowly (due to the friction of the blades). Although this method does not actually cook or boil the soup, it is possible that some of the nutrients could be destroyed during this process.

Kristina’s Raw Apple Pie

Kristina's Fully Raw Apple Pie

Here is another fabulous recipe from Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram: Apple pie that tastes exactly like Grandma’s sugary-toxic recipe. Hint: it tastes the same because both are made with the same amount of LOVE!

Ingredients:

  • Bushels of love
  • 8-10 apples of any variety
  • 3 pounds of pitted dates
  • Raw dried or fresh figs
  • Cinnamon and/or Nutmeg

More optional ingredients:

  • Dried coconut powder
  • Blueberries and/or raspberries
  • A few tablespoons of coconut oil
  • More love (actually this is not optional)

To make the crust, toss a pound of dates with 1/2 pound of figs in a food processor, and process until it reaches a cookie dough consistency. (Optional step: add a thin layer of dried coconut flakes to the bottom of the pie dish.)  Press this date/fig crust into the bottom of your pie pan dish. (If you started with the coconut flakes, they will stick to the crust but not to the dish.) Optionally paint a thin layer of coconut oil on top of the crust… if this pie ever makes it to your fridge, the coconut oil will harden and make your crust even stronger.

To make the apple pie filling, blend 3 apples with about 3/4 lb of dates, cinnamon and nutmeg, in a high-power blender such as Vitamix or Blendtec. Thinly slice your apples with a knife or with a mandolin and alternately layer the apple slices with your pie filling. If you are making straight-up apple pie that can easily rival Grandma’s, then you are finished now.

Kristina’s recipe is so yummy that you will want to make it over and over. If you are like me, then you may want to make it a little different each time, so at this point you can add an extra layer with the fruits of your choice. Pictured below, you will see the version that I made with a top layer of blended blueberries, raspberries and dates (and of course more love), and decorated with coconut flakes and more blueberries.

Apple Berry Pie
Apple Berry Pie

Pink Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

Although I love to share my own recipes and the recipes of others, I must confess that I do not follow recipes myself. That’s because I have way too much fun just throwing random ingredients together for a new taste and texture at every meal.

Today my fridge is nowhere near full, so I figured this would be a good day to show you that miracles can happen with very few available ingredients. This experiment came out even more beautiful than I had planned. And by the way, I am pleasantly surprised quite frequently, so I would encourage you to live a bit “dangerously” too.

You can try my very own pink frothy smoothie du jour, or make any substitution that you want:

  • 1/2 pineapple (or some other sweet fruit… maybe mango or peach)
  • 1/4 head of purple cabbage (or I suppose any other cabbage or lettuce, but the purple fills this recipe with antioxidants and makes it look amazing!)
  • one thumb-sized piece of ginger (or maybe fresh curcumin, ginger’s cousin)
  • the liquid from one young coconut (or coconut milk or just regular spring water)
  • a squirt of pure vanilla essence (preferably not processed with alcohol)

Toss all the ingredients in your Blendtec or Vitamix blender, and hit the “smoothie” button, or otherwise just blend it until the mixture is so frothy that you can’t wait another second before drinking it.

Pink Pineapple Ginger Smoothie glass and blender
Pink Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

Pink Pineapple Ginger Smoothie ingredients: Pineapple, Purple Cabbage, Ginger, Young Coconut
Pineapple, Purple Cabbage, Ginger, Young Coconut
Aqui esta una receta facil para un batido rosado delicioso:

 

  • 1/2 piña
  • 1/4 cabeza repollo morado
  • un pedazo de gingibre (del tamaño del pulgar)
  • el agua de una pipa

Tira todos los ingredientes en su licuadora (recomiendo Blendtec o Vitamix), y presiona el boton para hacer licuados.  El licuado esta listo cuando tiene una textura ligera e irresistible!

Pink Pineapple Ginger Smoothie glass and blender
Pink Pineapple Ginger Smoothie

Pink Pineapple Ginger Smoothie ingredients: Pineapple, Purple Cabbage, Ginger, Young Coconut
Pineapple, Purple Cabbage, Ginger, Young Coconut

Berry Rhubarb Pie

Berry Rhubarb Pie
Berry Rhubarb Pie
Berry Rhubarb Pie

One of my family’s all-time favourite desserts is Strawberry-Rhubarb pie, but it turns out that rhubarb combines well with lots of other fruits and berries too. In this recipe, I’ve blended two stocks of rhubarb with a handful each of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, and I tossed in one medium-sized mango just for fun.

The first step is to soak one cup each of almonds and pecans in one bowl, and two cups of cashews in another bowl, for at least a few hours (but preferably overnight) to remove as much of the phytic acid and enzyme-inhibitors as possible. After straining the water that’s filled with anti-nutrients, you’ll be left with just the best part of the nuts: healthy fats and protein, with vitamins and minerals.

The next step is to toss the almonds and pecans in a food processor with about a cup of pitted dates and maybe a half-cup of shredded coconut and process for about twenty seconds. Take the sticky, grainy mixture out of the food processor and push it into a glass pie plate.

Next, squeeze out about half a cup of lemon and lime juice, separating the seeds for planting if possible. Pour the juice into a Vitamix or Blendtec blender along with the rind of half a lemon and half a lime. Add in two stocks of rhubarb, three handfulls of berries and one mango, minus the seed. Add the strained cashews and two heaping spoonfulls of coconut oil… blend until smooth, and pour it into the crust.

Decorate your pie with a few extra berries and refrigerate for a short while… the coconut oil will quickly firm up the creamy filling in the fridge. Your pie is ready. Enjoy sharing it with loved ones.