A Deeper Dive on the Healing Power of Cacao and the Adaptogens in Kollibri Chocolate
- Brainz Magazine
- Feb 18
- 6 min read
Written by Camilla dos Santos, Functional Naturopath
Camilla is a certified Naturopath and Functional Medicine practitioner, a member of both the ANP and GNC, and additionally Ambassador for CNM, who specialised in endocrine health and using holistic techniques to heal root causes of illness. As seen in The Times, Vogue, Financial Times, Standard, Liz Earle Well-bein, and Issuu.
In our previous article, we explored how the ancient superfood cacao is making a comeback, with brands like Kollibri Chocolate leading the charge in redefining our relationship with chocolate. Kollibri offers a unique experience, combining the rich, healing power of cacao with carefully selected adaptogens and botanicals to create chocolate that not only tastes good but also actively supports your health.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the powerful active compounds found in cacao and explore the adaptogens and botanicals that enhance the benefits of Kollibri Chocolate. With ingredients like turmeric, beetroot powder, blue spirulina, matcha, maca, lion’s mane, and coconut, Kollibri is revolutionizing the way we experience chocolate.
The active compounds and nutrients in cacao
Cacao, particularly the Criollo variety used in Kollibri Chocolate, is a treasure trove of beneficial compounds that provide both physical and mental health benefits. Cacao contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, theobromine, magnesium, and serotonin precursors, all of which work synergistically to enhance mood, improve cognitive function, and promote cardiovascular health.
Flavonoids
One of the most notable groups of compounds in cacao is flavonoids, particularly epicatechin and catechin. These powerful antioxidants have been shown to improve vascular health by enhancing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Research has demonstrated that regular consumption of dark chocolate rich in flavonoids can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving endothelial function and the ability of blood vessels to dilate and contract efficiently (Ried, A., et al., 2010). Flavonoids are also known to improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting neuroplasticity, which can help enhance memory and focus (Devore, E. E., et al., 2012).
Theobromine
Cacao is also a natural source of theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine but with a gentler, longer-lasting effect. Theobromine promotes alertness and mental clarity without the jitteriness often associated with caffeine. It can also improve mood by stimulating the release of endorphins, the brain’s "feel-good" chemicals. Unlike caffeine, theobromine has a more sustained, calm energy-boosting effect, making it an excellent choice for improving focus and productivity (Scholey, A., et al., 2010).
Magnesium
Cacao is an excellent source of magnesium, a vital mineral that plays a role in over 300 biochemical processes in the body. Magnesium supports heart health by regulating blood pressure and heart rhythms, and it also aids in muscle relaxation, making it an effective way to relieve stress. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and consuming magnesium-rich foods like cacao can help restore balance (Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L. J., 2010).
Serotonin precursors
Cacao contains compounds like tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, often referred to as the "happiness hormone." Serotonin regulates mood, appetite, and sleep, and boosting its levels can improve overall emotional well-being (Young, S. N., 2007). The consumption of cacao has been shown to promote the production of serotonin in the brain, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.
These powerful compounds in cacao alone offer a wealth of health benefits, but when combined with the adaptogens and botanicals found in Kollibri Chocolate, the benefits are amplified.
Adaptogens and botanicals in Kollibri chocolate
Kollibri Chocolate offers an innovative blend of adaptogenic herbs and botanicals that work synergistically with cacao to enhance its healing properties. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body cope with stress and maintain balance. Here’s a closer look at the adaptogens and botanicals that elevate the health benefits of Kollibri Chocolate.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most well-known anti-inflammatory botanicals, thanks to its active compound, curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis (Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S., 2017). In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric also promotes brain health by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth and survival of neurons (Papageorgiou I. et al., 2015). This makes turmeric a perfect complement to the cognitive-enhancing benefits of cacao.
Beetroot powder
Beetroot powder is a potent source of nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure (Jäger, R. et al., 2016). The increased blood flow not only benefits cardiovascular health but also enhances oxygen delivery to the brain, improving mental clarity and focus. Beetroot is also high in antioxidants, which protect cells from oxidative damage and support detoxification.
Blue Spirulina
Blue spirulina, a type of algae, is rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phycocyanin has been shown to protect cells from oxidative damage, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system (Chen, C. Y., et al., 2015). In addition to its health benefits, blue spirulina is also a natural source of protein, making it an excellent addition to Kollibri’s chocolate for overall wellness and vitality.
Matcha
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea that is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which have been shown to improve metabolism, support weight loss, and enhance heart health (Muth, E. R., et al., 2019). Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress while maintaining mental clarity. This calming effect pairs perfectly with the energy-boosting effects of cacao and theobromine.
Maca
Maca root is a powerful adaptogen known for its ability to support hormonal balance, improve energy levels, and reduce stress. It has been shown to help regulate the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, while promoting the release of endorphins (Stone, A. R., et al., 2009). Maca has also been linked to improved fertility, libido, and mood, making it a valuable addition to any wellness regimen.
Lion’s mane
Lion’s Mane mushroom is renowned for its neuroprotective properties. It has been shown to promote the growth and regeneration of nerve cells, improve cognitive function, and potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's (Kawagishi, H., et al., 2011). Lion’s Mane complements cacao’s cognitive benefits by supporting brain health and enhancing mental clarity.
Coconut
Coconut, particularly coconut oil and coconut milk, is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is rapidly absorbed and converted into energy by the body. MCTs are known to support cognitive function, enhance physical performance, and provide sustained energy (Clegg, M. E., et al., 2016). Coconut is also a good source of electrolytes, supporting hydration and maintaining balance in the body.
A synergistic blend of wellness
The combination of cacao and these powerful adaptogens and botanicals in Kollibri Chocolate offers a unique opportunity to support both physical and mental health. Cacao provides a foundation of antioxidants, mood-boosting compounds, and heart-healthy nutrients, while the additional adaptogens and botanicals further enhance the chocolate’s ability to promote relaxation, improve focus, reduce stress, and support overall wellness.
Whether you're seeking an energy boost, improved cognitive function, or stress relief, Kollibri Chocolate offers a delicious and effective way to incorporate these benefits into your daily routine. By embracing cacao and its potent blend of healing botanicals, you are not just indulging in a sweet treat but investing in your health and well-being.
As we continue to uncover the many benefits of cacao and adaptogens, Kollibri Chocolate stands at the forefront of a new era of conscious, health-driven indulgence. Discover the power of cacao and the healing potential of its carefully selected botanicals one delicious bite at a time.
Camilla dos Santos, Functional Naturopath
Born and raised in Southern Africa, Camilla was immersed in a rich tapestry of nature's diversity and vitality from an early age.
Certified Naturopath and Functional Medicine practitioner, member of both the ANP and GNC, and additionally Ambassador for CNM, Camilla has led the Coach House spa (Beaverbrook), for the past 4 years, offering Functional Naturopathic counselling, holistic journeys (breathwork and meditation), and complementary treatments such as HBOT, IV infusions. As seen in Times, Vogue, Financial Times, Standard, Liz Earle Well-bein, and Issuu.
References:
Ried, K., et al. (2010). Effect of cocoa on blood pressure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Devore, E. E., et al. (2012). Dietary flavonoid intake and risk of Alzheimer's disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Scholey, A., et al. (2010). The effects of chocolate on cognitive function and mood in healthy individuals. Psychopharmacology.
Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L. J. (2010). Magnesium and aging. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care.
Young, S. N. (2007). How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience.
Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods.
Jäger, R., et al. (2016). The effect of beetroot juice supplementation on exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Chen, C. Y., et al. (2015). Phycocyanin from spirulina algae: A natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Marine Drugs.
Muth, E. R., et al. (2019). Health benefits of matcha. Journal of Nutritional Science.
Stone, A. R., et al. (2009). Maca: A dietary supplement for enhancing vitality. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Kawagishi, H., et al. (2011). Lion's mane mushroom: A natural brain and nerve tonic. Mycological Research.
Clegg, M. E., et al. (2016). Medium-chain triglycerides and their health benefits. Nutrition and Food Science.
