Theobroma Cacao Explained: Benefits, Science, Preparation & Nervous System Support

Theobroma Cacao Explained: Benefits, Science, Preparation & Nervous System Support

What is Ceremonial Cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is a term used in two ways.

Ceremonial Cacao as a Product Term

As a marketed product, “ceremonial cacao” is not a regulated or certified category. It is commonly used to describe cacao that is whole-bean or stone-ground, minimally processed, non-alkalised, ethically sourced, and of a quality considered suitable for intentional or ceremonial use. Its legitimacy rests not on formal standards, but on transparency, integrity and how the cacao is grown, processed and shared.

Ceremonial Cacao as a Practice

Beyond the label, the ceremonial use of cacao refers to how cacao is approached and consumed. In these spaces, cacao is prepared with prayer, intention and presence. It becomes more than a superfood that nourishes the physical body – it becomes a heart-opening ally that supports emotional awareness and inner spiritual connection.

Cacao has a way of softening us – opening the heart, quietening the mind, and allowing us to meet what lives beneath the surface. When approached with intention, it can help us sit with our feelings, our fears, our doubts, and the patterns that repeat in our lives. The healing does not come from cacao alone, but from the state of presence it helps us access.

Why Cacao Is Considered a Superfood

Cacao, Neurotransmitters & Mood Regulation

When we refer to cacao, we are talking about the absolute essential ingredient that all chocolate is made from. From the cacao tree fruit comes many seeds that are known as cacao beans. These beans, in their raw state, have an exceptionally high nutritional value as a food. Cacao is a brilliantly complex food because it not just food for the body, but also for the mind.

Anandamide, PEA & Dopamine

There are natural brain chemicals such as anandamide (bliss chemical), PEA (Phenethylamine – love chemical), Dopamine (pleasure chemical), among others. All of these chemicals stimulate the brain, making you feel very good. The more we feel good, the more we are inspired to be and do good.

Antioxidants and Cellular Protection

Cacao is also rich in antioxidants. In fact, it is one of the richest sources of antioxidants measured (50x more than blueberries!). We all know that antioxidants are essential for slowing down the aging process and help fight unwanted diseases and illnesses. This is one of the keys to longevity associated with cacao consumption.

Heart Health and Circulation

Cacao is a heart medicine. From a physiological perspective, cacao supports circulation and cardiovascular relaxation through magnesium, flavanols, and theobromine. This literally opens the heart up physically by allowing the muscles to relax and allow more blood flow. More blood to the heart means more to be pumped around the body. Eat a chocolate a day and you can kiss the threat of a heart attack away!

Magnesium: The Nervous System Mineral

Magnesium is the main mineral that helps your body relax and release physical tension. Cacao is the one of the richest sources of magnesium and it is said that more than 80% of the world's population is magnesium deficient. Magnesium turns on more than 300 enzymes in the body that play a specific role to keep the body functioning. Many of our health issues today are a direct link to magnesium deficiency. Who would’ve thought that eating chocolate could actually save us from all our medical problems. Here’s to aging wonderfully!

“The beverage of the gods was Ambrosia; that of man is chocolate. Both increase the length of life in a prodigious manner.” – Louis Lewin, MD, Phantastica

Ritual, Presence & Cacao at Vee/Ra

At Vee/Ra, we honour the ceremonial roots of cacao, while inviting another way of relating to this plant – through ritual.

Terms such as ceremonial cacao and raw cacao have become widely used in the wellness space, often without clear definition. For us, what matters most is not the label, but the quality, integrity and intention behind the cacao itself.

We work with Pure Cacao – cacao that is minimally processed, organically and sustainably grown, ethically sourced, and medicinally active.

In modern life, ceremony does not always need to be something separate or rare. It can live quietly within the everyday. It lives in the moments we choose to pause, to breathe, to nourish the body and sharpen the spirit through stillness and awareness.

Vee/Ra cacao is created to support these moments. The ritual begins in the making – preparing your drink slowly, sitting with your cup, grounding into the body, and inviting cacao and the medicinal herbs to walk with you through the day.

Why We Choose Ritual

We believe the sacred belongs in the everyday.

Rather than waiting for a special moment to connect with ourselves, ritual allows that connection to be woven into daily life through simple, intentional acts.

Vee/Ra blends are made for regular use – gentle, nourishing, and supportive of the nervous system and long-term vitality. They are not about ceremony, but about devotion. A quiet return to presence. A way of living in rhythm with the body and with nature.

At Vee/Ra, we acknowledge both realities.

We recognise the ceremonial use of cacao as a meaningful and time-honoured practice. At the same time, we move away from the label of “ceremonial cacao” as a marketing term, choosing instead to speak about Pure Cacao – cacao defined by its integrity, sourcing, processing, and medicinal vitality.

For us, cacao does not need a ceremonial title to be powerful. Its depth is revealed through how it is grown, how it is prepared, and how it is met – in ritual, presence, and daily devotion. Learn how to create your own daily cacao ritual unique to you.

How to Prepare Cacao (Dosage, Timing & Brew Guide)

Recommended Dosage

How much cacao to drink daily? Cacao is a subtle, yet powerful plant ally. Smaller amounts are often enough to support clarity, grounded energy and presence. For Mood Magick, we recommend 15g per serving.

Generally with pure cacao, we recommend between 10-30g in the day.

Suggested rhythm

– Enjoy earlier in the day for sustained, balanced energy – those sensitive to stimulation may wish to avoid cacao after 2PM – A general daily upper range is 30g, listening closely to your body

Signs to slow down if cacao feels too stimulating, you may notice a racing heart, restlessness, or dehydration. These are gentle signals to soften the ritual – slow the pace, reduce the amount, or add nourishment.

Softening Cacao’s Stimulation

Adding adaptogenic herbs with cacao supports the body to regulate the stimulation effects and calm the nervous system. The secret is that cacao supports nutrient absorption. This is the main spark behind our Mood Magick blend.

Cacao also works great with fats to support smoother absorption and a more grounding experience. Cacao powder on its own can feel sharp for some bodies. Add cacao butter, coconut oil, or another nourishing fat – sip slowly and mindfully, allowing the body to receive

Brewing Example - Mood Magick with a blender

Add 1½ – 2 tablespoons (15g) of Mood Magick/pure cacao paste to a blender

Add 200–250 ml of hot milk of choice and/or water (not boiling)

Blend on high for 15–30 seconds until frothy

Pour into your favourite cup

Sit, breathe, and enjoy the ritual

Check our veera.co.za/brewguides for more instructions on how to brew your Vee/Ra drink.

Cacao, Stimulation & the Nervous System

Theobromine vs Caffeine

Cacao is a stimulating plant, and stimulation itself is not something to fear. When we work with cacao regularly, understanding how it moves energy through the body becomes part of the ritual.

Unlike caffeine, cacao’s primary stimulant is theobromine – a rarer and gentler molecule that acts more softly on the nervous system. Rather than sharply activating the adrenals like caffeine does, theobromine works through increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery, creating a more spacious, sustained form of energy.

This is why cacao often feels both activating and calming at the same time. This is how cacao supports the nervous system differently than coffee. The gentle stimulation is balanced by increased circulation, natural magnesium content, and a slower, more embodied rise in energy. While cacao still lightly engages the adrenal system, its effects are far less abrupt than caffeine and can be harmonised through mindful use.

Each body holds a different capacity for stimulation. In Taoist traditions, this is understood through jing – a finite life force stored in the kidneys that influences how we respond to stimulants over time. When energy is rushed or overused, it can lead to depletion, restlessness, or nervous system overwhelm. When met with care, it becomes nourishing and expansive.

Sustainable Energy vs Adrenal Push

Cacao invites us to move energy consciously. With presence, breath, and grounding, stimulation becomes flow rather than force. Returning to the body, softening the nervous system, and allowing moments of rest are all part of the ritual we invite when working with medicinal foods. This is how we can cultivate sustainable energy without extreme adrenal depletion.

Cacao vs Cocoa: Key Differences

Cacao and cocoa are often spoken about as if they are the same, yet they are very different in how they are processed and how they affect the body.

Processing Differences

Cocoa (with the o before the a) usually refers to cacao that has been heavily processed and alkalised into a powder form. This process strips the bean of all of its natural fats (cacao butter content) and most of its nutrients, leaving mainly flavour and a small amount of stimulation. This method, also called the Dutch Process, has been used since the early 19th century to provide a relatively stable and predictable tasting cocoa powder time and time again that tastes less acidic and more chocolatey, which can be beneficial for certain food sectors where consistent flavour is a priority. While cocoa offers a familiar chocolate taste, it no longer carries the full spectrum of cacao’s nourishing or medicinal qualities.

Cacao, in its whole-food form, is something else entirely. The whole cacao bean contains natural fats (cacao butter), minerals, antioxidants, and neuroactive compounds that work together to create a more balanced and embodied experience. When the bean is gently crushed, these oils are released – forming cacao paste (also referred to as mass or liquor) – carrying both flavour and nourishment. The cacao bean can also be turned into powder without the alkalising process, leaving most of its nutrients intact. This is referred to as cacao powder, not cocoa powder.

Heirloom vs Hybridised Cacao

The genetics of cacao matter just as much as its form. Heirloom cacao, grown in rich, living soils and thriving as part of a diverse forest ecosystem, retains its original chemical complexity. This is where cacao’s medicinal and mood-supporting qualities live. Hybridised cacao, bred for yield and uniform flavour in large-scale production, is far more common in commercial chocolate but lacks the same depth and therapeutic potential.

Not all labels tell the same story. Cacao often comes from genetics of an heirloom tree and is minimally processed, retaining most of its natural compounds. Organic cocoa may be grown without pesticides, but is still often hybridised and processed, meaning organic does not always equal medicinal.

Forms of Cacao Explained

Cacao also appears in different forms, each offering something distinct. Cacao paste, mass or liquor is the whole bean stone-ground into a meltible paste, containing all its fats, fibres, and active compounds – chocolate in its pure form. Cacao nibs are crushed beans that retain their oils but remain solid – a true whole food. Cacao powder has had all of its fat removed, leaving the fibre in a fine form behind. Cacao butter is the extracted fat, rich in the compounds that support cacao’s grounding and brain stimulating qualities.

At Vee/Ra, we use cacao in its most complete and intentional form, the paste and the powder – honouring the bean, its origins, and the way it is received by the body.

Beginning with Cacao (Choosing the Right Form for You)

For those new to cacao, we often recommend beginning with what is most accessible to you. Here are some thoughts to consider:

Paste is the whole bean – containing both the cacao solids and the natural oils – offering a balanced, nourishing, and grounded experience. The oils carry many of cacao’s most supportive compounds, softening stimulation and allowing the effects to unfold gently through the body.

Cacao paste is more costly than powder or nibs, mainly because it is whole and potent. Less is needed. A small amount carries depth, nourishment, and balance, making paste a less-is-more form of cacao. One can always combine paste with some powder if you want a more chocolatey flavour without having to use so much paste. This is similar to how we formulated our cacao blends.

If paste is not available, combining cacao powder with cacao butter can approximate the whole-bean experience. Cacao nibs are also a beautiful option, though they create a different kind of drink – nibs remain solid and do not melt in warm liquid like paste, offering a more textured and rustic ritual.

Powder on its own carries stimulation through theobromine, antioxidants, and fibre, but without the buffering presence of oils it can feel sharp or overstimulating when used in excess. Best to be blended well with a healthy oil like coconut oil, coconut milk, or a nut milk if cacao butter is not accessible, to slow the absorption of theobromine in your body and ease the stimulation spikes on the body.

Cacao, Bliss & Emotional Support

Emotional Safety & Healing

Cacao is known for creating a naturally elevated state of love, pleasure, and well-being – without altering perception or disconnecting us from the body. Its effects arise through the gentle activation of neurochemicals associated with joy, connection, and contentment, often described as a feeling of warmth, openness, and emotional safety.

Traditional Perspectives

This state allows us to meet ourselves more fully – to move through emotional layers, fears, and stored tension with greater resilience and compassion. In many traditions, cacao is personified as a Goddess, a symbol of unconditional love and a handmaiden, acting as steady support during inner work and healing.

Especially in times of personal or collective stress, cacao offers a gentle way to restore softness, presence, and a sense of wholeness.

How to Choose Pure, Medicinal-Grade Cacao

Pure cacao products are often simple, bitter, and honest in flavour. Look for labels such as cacao paste, cacao mass, cacao liquor or cacao butter, which indicate whole-bean components. These forms prioritise nourishment and medicinal integrity over sweetness or convenience.

Summary: Why Theobroma Cacao Is a Whole-Food Ally

Cacao is a whole food medicine, distinct from processed cocoa powder, with neuroactive compounds that induce states of love, pleasure, and bliss. The presence of natural fats/oils in cacao is crucial for balancing stimulation and enhancing the emotional benefits. Heirloom cacao varieties offer unique chemical compositions that hybridised cacao lacks, making them more suitable for medicinal use. Cacao facilitates emotional healing by creating a supportive, loving state that helps individuals confront and transcend personal and collective trauma.

For an authentic experience, consumers should seek organic, whole-bean cacao products rather than processed powders or chocolates with additives.