Can Cacao Promote Deep Sleep?

Cacao, with its complete nutritional profile of theobromine, magnesium, and antioxidants, provides a beautiful balance of rigour and rest. We often talk about cacao's role in boosting energy levels during the day, what about its effect on sleep? Magnesium plays a significant role in ensuring sound sleep, so let's explore how cacao interacts with our bodily systems to influence our rest.

"Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to be effective tomorrow."
- Tom Roth

Main Themes:

Cacao's high magnesium content and other nutrients may promote relaxation and better sleep quality
Timing is crucial—consume cacao earlier in the day to avoid overstimulation before bedtime
Cacao can be a beneficial part of your sleep routine if used mindfully

1. Cacao and Sleep: The Connection

Cacao is the purest form of chocolate, directly sourced from the seed pod and ground into a delectable paste. Renowned for its impressive nutritional profile since ancient times, cacao is also considered a superfood. Let’s dive deeper into what’s inside those cacao beans and how these components can affect our sleep.

2. What exactly is in Cacao?

Rich in minerals

Raw Ceremonial Cacao is a treasure trove of essential minerals, particularly magnesium, which is vital for over 300 biochemical reactions in our bodies. These include nerve function, muscle contraction, and bone strength. Magnesium is also known as the "anti-stress mineral" due to its role in relaxation and stress reduction, which can promote better sleep.

Abundant in antioxidants

The high antioxidant content in cacao helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. It is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which not only decrease inflammation but also boost the immune system. These antioxidants contribute to maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, essential for quality sleep!

High in dietary fibre

Surprisingly high in dietary fibre, cacao supports a healthy digestive system, which in turn affects mood and sleep. The high fibre content promotes digestive health, regulates bowel movements, and maintains healthy gut bacteria, all of which improve mood and sleep.

Rich in healthy fats

Cacao beans are abundant in healthy fats, such as oleic acid. This monounsaturated fat reduces inflammation and improves heart function. Healthy fats enhance brain function, hormone balance, and cell structure - vital for overall health and decent sleep.

A source of bioactive compounds

Theobromine is a stimulating bioactive compound, celebrated for creating a lift in mood, energy, and cognitive function. These benefits are incredible for daytime, which is why we encourage drinking cacao earlier in the day so as not to inadvertently disrupt a deep and peaceful sleep!

3. Cacao's Positive Effect on Sleep

Now we have an overview of what exactly is in cacao, let's discuss how these different compounds can positively influence rest and rejuvenation.

Because of its relaxing properties, magnesium found in ceremonial cacao and raw cacao powder is often referred to as "the soothing mineral." It calms nerves, relieves tension, and relaxes muscles, promoting deep sleep. Magnesium is frequently prescribed for restless leg syndrome symptoms and muscle cramps, both of which can disrupt sleep. Moreover, it helps regulate neurotransmitters that carry impulses between the brain and nervous system, supporting our internal clock and promoting healthy rest.

Tryptophan, a serotonin precursor found in cacao, also contributes to healthy sleep. Serotonin is essential for good sleep, as it uplifts mood, promotes emotional wellbeing, and gently increases appetite. Maintaining adequate tryptophan levels can improve both mood and sleep quality.

Flavonoids in cacao are powerful antioxidants and important brain nutrients. They improve cognitive performance, protect against brain cell inflammation, and regulate healthy brain blood flow. A healthy brain is essential for regular sleep patterns and quality rest, creating a beautiful connection between cacao and deep sleep!

4. Timing is key

Cacao plays an amazing role in physical and emotional wellbeing, and can absolutely lead to a more rejuvenating sleep. A key consideration is simply when to consume cacao, because if we drink it too close to bedtime, we may be too stimulated to fall asleep. Consuming cacao earlier in the day allows you to enjoy its benefits without the stimulating effects interfering with your rest.

Opting for high-quality cacao products with no added sugar, like Sacred Taste Cacao powder, ensures you can enjoy cacao daily without compromising on quality. Store-bought chocolate and other cacao products often contain sugar, leading to energy spikes and crashes that affect mood, energy, and sleep. Choosing dark cacao powder with high cacao content and low sugar levels, or using raw cacao powder without added sugars, can help maintain a healthy balance. Find out more about our healthy cacao products here!

Conclusion

Cacao can indeed promote deep sleep, thanks to its high magnesium content and other beneficial compounds. However, the key lies in moderation and timing. Consumed earlier in the day, cacao can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine, supporting relaxation, emotional wellbeing, and overall sleep quality. Simply be mindful of the stimulating effects and enjoy this ancient superfood in a way that best serves your rest!

Try Sacred Taste Cacao today!

Author: Laura Roberts
Last edit: 21 August 2024