Cacao & Pregnancy

What is Cacao?

Cacao is the raw, unprocessed or less processed form of cocoa or chocolate. Chocolate and cocoa are made from cacao seeds which are found in the fruits grown on the Theobroma Cacao tree.

To make chocolate and cocoa from the cacao seeds is quite a process and during this process it loses a lot of the nutrients found in the original cacao seeds. Cacao undergoes minimal processing, so all of the vitamins and minerals remain in the product for your consumption. The highest grade of cacao is ceremonial grade cacao, in 100% pure ceremonial grade cacao, nothing is added or removed.

Cacao is a gentle but potent plant medicine that has been used in different cultures around the globe for a very very long time. It is used as medicine, a ceremonial drink and it has even been incorporated into birthing ceremonies in some cultures or it is something that can be enjoyed just because you like it! Cacao is available in a few different forms- powder, butter, blocks or nibs (little chunks you can snack on or melt to create a beverage). Although it has quite a bitter taste, it has a very grounding energy and has endless benefits both physically and spiritually.

Benefits

Where do I start! Cacao is an absolute superfood with so many benefits, no wonder it has been labelled a ‘food of the gods’ and used as currency back in the day. Cacao contains:

Fiber- aids in healthy digestion, helps prevent constipation which is common in pregnancy
Protein- provides you with energy and is essential for baby’s growth in utero
Zinc- supports your immune system and is important during periods of rapid growth like pregnancy
Iron- cacao is the richest plant-based source of iron, a lot of women experience low iron levels in pregnancy
Magnesium- cacao is also the richest plant-based source of magnesium, magnesium may reduce some pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure and preterm birth
Calcium- cacao contains more calcium than cows milk, calcium not only helps your baby grow strong bones, it is also important for mum to get enough calcium to reduce risks of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia
Potassium- cacao is very high in potassium, which can ease restless leg syndrome and reduce fluid retention both of which can be quite uncomfortable during pregnancy
Antioxidants- cacao is packed with antioxidants which helps rid our bodies of damaging free radicals to ensure we’re healthy which is important during preconception, pregnancy and beyond
Theobromine- similar to caffeine but is slow releasing and a lot more gentle making cacao a great alternative to coffee during pregnancy
Polyphenols/flavanols- abundant in flavanols which are positively linked to cardiovascular health and may lower stress levels
Phenylethylamine- causes the brain to release the feel good hormone dopamine, so cacao may boost your overall mood
Anandamide- an endogenous cannabinoid found naturally in cacao and our bodies that plays a role in implantation and placental development
+ so much more! Too many to list here

This amazing powerhouse of a food is a natural antidepressant, helps regulate blood pressure, aids in relaxation by relieving muscle tension, may relieve morning sickness due to containing magnesium and B vitamins and gently raises energy levels whilst also enabling a deeper connection to yourself and your baby. This is only the tip of the iceberg of the benefits of cacao, I urge you to read into it more and try for yourself.

Cacao does contain caffeine, but it contains a lot less than a cup of tea or coffee. Cacao will provide you with a more gentle energy boost compared to that of tea or coffee or energy drinks, this is because our bodies take longer to metabolise cacao. Energy is released slower and over a longer period of time so you wont experience that ‘crash’ you get after a strong coffee. Cacao can also help reduce sugar cravings which can be helpful when you’re working on your health and nutrition for you and your baby. Personally, I substituted cacao for my nightly naughty snack which was normally chocolate.

On a Spiritual Level

There is a strong spiritual component to cacao which makes it all the more beautiful and healing. Cacao is heart focused and is considered a ‘heart opener’, allowing you to find a deeper love and connection to not only yourself but others around you. During and after pregnancy, it can aid in a deeper connection with your baby. No wonder it is incorporated into pregnancy, labour and postpartum ceremonies around the world. During pregnancy cacao can assist your body in releasing all of the love hormones essential for labour and birth. Cacao consumed during labour can help keep those essential hormones flowing plus allow your body to relax and your mind to enter a blissful birth state as you welcome your baby Earth side. In Guatemala, cacao is often consumed by the labouring woman as well as the birthing attendants to provide stamina and reduce depletion, particularly during a long labour. Cacao also has anti-inflammatory properties and is very healing making it the perfect ingredient to add to a postpartum beverage or snack.

Is Cacao Safe for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding?

In the Western world, cacao is said to be safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when consumed in moderation. There is a lack of scientific studies on the matter, however cultures around the world have been using cacao during pregnancy and breastfeeding for the longest time and I, personally, have trust in traditional medicines and birth practices that have been used since forever.

If cacao is new to you, introduce it gradually particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Cacao may be calling you, it may not be, so listen to your body and trust your intuition.

I love my heart shaped cacao from Australian Ceremonial Cacao, every cup feels like a cuddle from Mother Earth. I am not affiliated with these guys, its just another secret of mine that I cannot keep to myself.

If you’re already on the cacao band wagon, feel free to share your recipes with us.

Stevie