Although we’re at the tail end of summer, a lot of places are still experiencing hot weather! Hot days, outdoor adventures, and more time in the sun can all increase how much water your body needs. And if ceremonial cacao is part of your morning or daily ritual, staying hydrated can become especially important.
Cacao naturally supports circulation and contains minerals that play a role in fluid balance. Theobromine, one of the key compounds, is a diuretic that increases fluid turnover in the body.
Keep reading to learn why hydration matters even more with cacao in the summer and a few simple ways to support your body during warmer weather.
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Cacao, Circulation & Hydration
One of the primary compounds in cacao is theobromine, a naturally occurring alkaloid that acts as a gentle vasodilator. Theobromine works through the cardiovascular system, widening blood vessels and encouraging circulation throughout the body. This is one reason cacao often feels “heart-opening” or warming in the chest.
When circulation increases, the body relies on adequate hydration to keep everything moving smoothly. Blood plasma is largely made of water, so hydration supports the delivery of oxygen, minerals, and nutrients throughout the body and the same pathways cacao is helping activate.
During the summer, hydration becomes even more important. Hot weather, sweating, outdoor activity, and more time in the sun all increase the amount of fluid we lose throughout the day. If you’re beginning your morning with cacao before heading out for a hike, spending the afternoon in the sun, or simply moving through a particularly hot day, having enough water in your system is crucial for your body to be able to receive the benefits of cacao on your circulation. .
Hydration also supports digestion and absorption. Ceremonial cacao is a whole food rich in fats, fiber, minerals, and plant compounds, and adequate fluid supports the body to digest and transport these nutrients, so your body can absorb them.
This doesn’t mean you need to overthink hydration around cacao. A glass of water before your cup and consistent hydration throughout a hot or active day goes a long way.
Maintaining Fluid Balance
Cacao is naturally rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and manganese. Because ceremonial cacao is minimally processed, it retains much of this natural mineral profile. These minerals support many essential processes in the body, including muscle function, nerve signaling, and fluid balance.
Theobromine, in addition to supporting circulation, has a mild diuretic effect, which flushes out fluid from the body. This becomes relevant during the summer when we may already be losing additional water and electrolytes through sweat. Being mindful to drink enough water with cacao is also important to keep your fluid balance healthy.
Drinking water before or alongside your cacao is a simple way to support this balance and keep your summer cacao ritual feeling nourishing from the first sip onward.
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Summertime Cacao Recipes To Support Hydration
The way cacao is prepared also influences how the body experiences it, and summer is a great time to adjust your ritual to match the warmer weather.
For an iced summer cacao, blend your 1oz serving of cacao (about 25 discs)with 4oz of hot water around 180°F to melt the discs, then add plant-based milk (if you’d like) and pour over ice.
You can also add a small pinch of mineral-rich salt to your cacao. Salt provides electrolytes that support hydration and subtly enhances cacao’s natural flavor. This is especially useful after sweating, exercising, or spending time outside in the summer heat. Of course, you’re invited to experiment here - if adding salt doesn’t taste good to you, you’re welcome to leave it out.
Whether your cacao is warm or iced, pair your ritual with plenty of water throughout the day. A little extra attention to hydration allows cacao to remain a nourishing part of your ritual all summer long.
