important guidelines for cacao use
Avoid Caffeine: To maximize the benefits of cacao, avoid consuming caffeine on the same day.
Medication Interactions: If you are currently taking any of the following medications, consult with your healthcare provider before consuming cacao:
- Heart Medications: Cacao may raise heart rate by 10-20% and is generally not recommended for those on heart medications.
- High-Dose Antidepressants: Cacao contains Tryptophan, Tyramine, MAO inhibitors, and Theobromine, which could interact with certain medications and potentially cause headaches.
- Liver Health: As a natural detoxifier, cacao may not be suitable for individuals with high toxin levels or compromised liver function. Consult your doctor before use if this applies to you.
Understanding Cacao as a Bitter: 100% pure cacao is naturally bitter, and consuming too much may cause nausea. It is advisable to start with a smaller amount, typically less than 50 grams per day. As your body adjusts, you may find you need less to feel the full effects. Remember, less can be more—pay attention to your body's signals.
Dosage Recommendations: If you are new to cacao or are on any medication, begin with a low to medium dose, such as half a serving, and adjust as needed.
Avoid Caffeine: To maximize the benefits of cacao, avoid consuming caffeine on the same day.
Medication Interactions: If you are currently taking any of the following medications, consult with your healthcare provider before consuming cacao:
- Heart Medications: Cacao may raise heart rate by 10-20% and is generally not recommended for those on heart medications.
- High-Dose Antidepressants: Cacao contains Tryptophan, Tyramine, MAO inhibitors, and Theobromine, which could interact with certain medications and potentially cause headaches.
- Liver Health: As a natural detoxifier, cacao may not be suitable for individuals with high toxin levels or compromised liver function. Consult your doctor before use if this applies to you.
Understanding Cacao as a Bitter: 100% pure cacao is naturally bitter, and consuming too much may cause nausea. It is advisable to start with a smaller amount, typically less than 50 grams per day. As your body adjusts, you may find you need less to feel the full effects. Remember, less can be more—pay attention to your body's signals.
Dosage Recommendations: If you are new to cacao or are on any medication, begin with a low to medium dose, such as half a serving, and adjust as needed.
Always listen to your body and approach your cacao journey mindfully, allowing it to guide you to a calm, heart-opening experience.
understanding the natural appearance of ceremonial cacao
If you've noticed that your block of cacao has developed white swirls, rings, or appears crumbly and in clumps, don't worry—your cacao is not spoiled. What you're seeing is known as "bloom," a completely natural process where the cacao butter separates from the cacao mass. This is common in all non-tempered chocolate or cacao and happens as the cacao cools and solidifies.
At Cocolyst, our ceremonial-grade cacao is minimally processed to retain its natural nutrients and beneficial properties. Because we do not temper our cacao—a process used by chocolatiers to create a smooth, glossy finish—the cacao butter can naturally separate, resulting in the white or greyish patterns you might see. These visual changes do not impact the flavor, quality, or ceremonial properties of the cacao. In fact, the bloom is a testament to the purity and authenticity of our cacao.
You may also notice that our cacao comes in clumps rather than a fine powder. This is intentional. By preserving the natural state of the cacao, we maintain its rich, full-bodied flavor and nutrient profile. The clumpy texture is a result of the natural oils and fibers in the cacao, which are left intact to provide a more authentic and robust cacao experience.
Remember, whether your cacao is blooming or appears clumpy, rest assured that its quality, flavor, and heart-opening properties remain perfectly intact. Embrace the natural beauty and uniqueness of your cacao—it’s a sign of its pure, unadulterated craftsmanship.