The Benefits of Drinking Cacao in the Morning vs. Coffee

For many, the morning ritual of reaching for a hot drink is the perfect way to start the day. Coffee has long been the go-to for that morning boost, but cacao is gaining popularity as a healthy alternative. While both beverages offer their own unique benefits, drinking cacao in the morning may provide a gentler, more nourishing experience compared to coffee. Let’s explore the advantages of Cacao v Coffee.

1. Natural Energy Boost without the Jitters

Coffee: Coffee is well-known for its high caffeine content, which can give you an instant energy boost. However, this can sometimes come with unpleasant side effects such as jitters, anxiety, and a post-caffeine crash.

Cacao: Cacao contains a much lower amount of caffeine than coffee but offers theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant. Theobromine provides a gentle, long-lasting energy boost without the spike and crash cycle often associated with coffee. The steady release of energy helps you stay alert without feeling overly stimulated, making it a better choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine.

2. Mood-Enhancing Properties

Coffee: While coffee can improve focus, it doesn’t have as much of an impact on mood. Some coffee drinkers may also experience mood swings as the caffeine wears off, leading to irritability.

Cacao: Cacao contains compounds like serotonin, tryptophan, and anandamide, often called “the bliss molecule,” which work together to promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Drinking cacao in the morning can help elevate your mood, making it an excellent choice for starting the day on a positive note.

3. Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients

Coffee: Coffee does contain some antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. However, beyond antioxidants, coffee doesn’t offer many other essential nutrients.

Cacao: Cacao is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Raw cacao is rich in magnesium, which is essential for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and reducing stress. It also contains iron, calcium, potassium, and plenty of flavonoids, which are antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These nutrients work together to improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and promote overall wellness.

Cacao also supports brain function, thanks to its flavonoids, which are linked to improved cognitive function and better memory. This makes it not just an energizing drink but also a nutrient-rich option that contributes to long-term health.

4. Improved Focus without Anxiety

Coffee: The high caffeine content in coffee is effective at increasing focus and concentration, but it can come at a cost. Many coffee drinkers experience heightened anxiety or nervousness after consuming large amounts, making it harder to focus over the long term.

Cacao: The theobromine found in cacao works differently than caffeine. While both are stimulants, theobromine’s effects are much gentler on the nervous system. It provides a calm, focused state of alertness without the risk of the jitters or anxiety that coffee can induce. This makes cacao an ideal morning drink for those who want to feel awake but still calm and focused throughout their day.

5. Better for Digestive Health

Coffee: Coffee is known to be acidic, and for some people, this can lead to digestive issues such as acid reflux, heartburn, or an upset stomach. It can also increase stomach acidity, causing discomfort in those with sensitive digestive systems.

Cacao: Cacao is much less acidic than coffee, making it a gentler option for people with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. It also contains fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and supports gut health. Additionally, cacao can help balance gut bacteria due to its prebiotic effects, which further enhances overall digestive well-being.

6. Supports Heart Health

Coffee: There’s conflicting research on coffee’s impact on heart health. While some studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease, excessive intake has been linked to increased heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and even anxiety, all of which can strain the cardiovascular system.

Cacao: Cacao is widely recognized for its heart health benefits. The flavonoids in cacao improve blood flow by promoting the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure and improve circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease. The magnesium in cacao also supports cardiovascular health by regulating heart rhythm and preventing blood clots.

7. Long-Lasting Hydration

Coffee: Coffee is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration if consumed in large amounts. This is one reason why some coffee drinkers may experience headaches or fatigue as the effects of coffee wear off.

Cacao: Cacao, while slightly diuretic, has far less of an impact on hydration levels compared to coffee. When prepared with water or milk, it can be more hydrating and less likely to cause dehydration. The magnesium in cacao also helps to retain hydration by balancing electrolytes in the body, ensuring that you stay refreshed and energized throughout the day.

8. Reduced Risk of Dependency

Coffee: Coffee is highly addictive due to its caffeine content. Regular coffee drinkers often build a tolerance to caffeine, requiring more and more to achieve the same level of alertness. This can lead to caffeine dependence, where the body craves coffee to function normally. Withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability can occur if caffeine intake is reduced.

Cacao: Cacao is far less likely to cause dependency. The theobromine in cacao doesn’t create the same kind of physical addiction that caffeine does, allowing you to enjoy a morning drink without becoming dependent on it for energy. This makes cacao a healthier, more sustainable choice for those looking to break free from caffeine addiction while still enjoying a stimulating and nourishing morning beverage.

9. Enhanced Creativity and Mindfulness

Coffee: Coffee is often associated with productivity and focus, but it can also lead to a more rigid, linear thinking process due to its stimulating effects on the nervous system. While this may be useful for tasks that require focus, it can sometimes stifle creativity or make it harder to relax.

Cacao: Cacao, with its gentle energy boost and mood-enhancing properties, is often used in ceremonial settings to promote mindfulness and creative thinking. The calming effect of theobromine, combined with cacao’s ability to enhance mood, can help foster a more open, creative mindset, making it a great choice for those looking to start their day with a relaxed yet energized state of mind.

Conclusion: Cacao v Coffee, Cacao for a Balanced, Nourishing Start to Your Day

While coffee has been a staple for morning energy for centuries, cacao offers a balanced, nourishing alternative that can support both physical and mental well-being. Cacao provides a gentle, sustained energy boost without the jitteriness or crashes associated with coffee. It also offers a rich array of nutrients, mood-enhancing properties, and digestive benefits that make it a more holistic choice for your morning routine.

By switching to Be Loved Cacao, you can enjoy an uplifting, heart-healthy, and creatively stimulating start to your day—one that not only helps you wake up but also nourishes your body and mind. So, next time you’re reaching for your morning brew, consider a cup of cacao for a healthier, happier beginning to your day.