The primary stimulant molecule in cacao is theobromine. Ora Cacao has 212mg theobromine per 1oz serving. Theobromine stimulates the cardiovascular system, and differs molecularly from caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system.

Theobromine gives a long lasting, gentle, embodied energy without any sort of jitters or crash, even for sensitive people.

Overall, theobromine is only about one quarter as stimulating as caffeine, and it has a much longer half life in the liver, meaning that it's effect on the body is softer and longer for sustained energy.

If you very sensitive to caffeine or stimulants, you can start with a smaller dosage of cacao so that you can get familiar with cacao worry free.

Cacao increases circulation to the brain in two ways. The first is through theobromine, the main stimulant in cacao, which is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels thereby increasing circulation.

The second is through high levels of flavanols which increase cerebral blood flow. This increased circulation is why many people work with cacao to help clear brain fog. This is also why cacao helps you feel grounded, alert, and clear.

Cacao contains high levels of magnesium, which many people are deficient in. One serving of cacao contains 52mg of Magnesium or 17% of the recommended daily value.

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Some of its functions include maintaining healthy bones, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting cardiovascular health and nerve health.

Magnesium relaxes your muscles and lowers nervous system excitability, creating a grounded calm sensation in the body.

Cacao contains the amino acid precursors to serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that support mood, motivation, and emotional balance.

Additionally, cacao contains MAO-inhibiting polyphenols that slow down the breakdown of these mood boosting neurotransmitters, sustaining the sense of upliftment.

The neurochemical benefits of cacao help you to stay emotionally regulated.

Cacao powder usually has little medicinal or health value because of the following differences:

1) Cacao powder is often made with untraceable, low quality commodity cacao that doesn’t support farmers with ethical compensation. By contrast, Ora sources direct trade traceable to the farmer and with organic certification.

2) This low quality input necessitates processing at very high temperatures, which degrades many of the beneficial compounds in cacao. The process of dutch processing or alkalization to make the flavor milder further reduces the levels of these compounds. By contrast, Ora's premium inputs enable us to use uniquely low temperature processing that keep the value of the cacao bean intact.

3) The cacao bean on it's own is about 50% cacao butter, a healthy natural fat. Pressing for powder strips away most of this fat (reducing it to 10%). However, you want cacao as a whole food, with the cacao butter in it's natural ratio. That's because the fat is an essential carrier for the health benefits of cacao, so without it, many of the health benefits of cacao are unrealized. By contrast, Ora ceremonial cacao has nothing added or removed, so it is a whole food as nature designed it.

To prepare a ceremonial cacao drink:

1) Combine about 25 cacao discs with a touch of sweetener (or drink pure).

2) Add 3/4 cup (6oz) hot water, tea, or non-dairy milk (~180F).

3) Use a blender or electric frother to mix for 10 seconds.

** You can also eat the cacao discs straight by letting them melt on your tongue