Magnesium is crucial for muscle relaxation, detoxification, and acid reduction.

It reduces pain, calms nerves and helps with menstrual cramps.

It promotes the healthy development of bones and teeth and activates enzymes for energy production in nerve cells.

Furthermore, it improves concentration and therefore ensures mental clarity.

As an alkaline mineral, it supports over 300 detoxification processes in the body.

Magnesium and antioxidants have a direct effect on the heart, which explains the heart-friendly effect of cacao.

Raw cacao contains more antioxidants than any other plant. Antioxidants improve heart function and lower blood pressure. They cleanse the body of so-called "free radicals," highly reactive oxygen compounds (hence the name antioxidants) that are linked to cell aging and a number of serious diseases, such as cancer. Flavonoids are antioxidants that are particularly abundant in cacao. They bind to free radicals, thus protecting cell walls from becoming porous. Antioxidants are therefore attributed with a rejuvenating effect. In addition, antioxidants cleanse the blood vessels. The arteries become more flexible and the blood thins, which lowers blood pressure. Superfoods with a high antioxidant content, such as cacao, enhance the effects of other superfoods.

Serotonin, often referred to as the "happiness hormone", is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the human brain and is found in cocoa.

Furthermore, cocoa also contains substances necessary for the body's own production and stimulation of serotonin, such as tryptophan. Serotonin forms our natural stress shield.

In Sanskrit, Ananda describes a feeling of perfect and supreme bliss and true and lasting joy. Anandamide is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. It triggers feelings of happiness, relaxation, and joy. It is released in our bodies primarily after physical exertion and is therefore responsible for the euphoria runners experience after a marathon. Cacao is the only plant in which anandamide has been found so far. Furthermore, cacao contains substances that prevent the breakdown of anandamide, thus ensuring a longer-lasting feeling of euphoria.

Phenylethylamine is a so-called neurotransmitter that is naturally released in our bodies when we are newly in love (seeing rose-colored glasses).

Passionate highs are also associated with high PEA scores.

It helps us to be more attentive and focused, to enjoy the present moment and forget about time.

Furthermore, external distractions decrease.

Tryptophan is a mood-enhancing nutrient and essential for the production of serotonin. It helps reduce anxiety and stress. Tryptophan is very sensitive to heat, which is why cocoa should not be cooked to retain its full effect.

Other important trace elements in cocoa include chromium, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, and zinc, which plays a vital role in growth, insulin storage, protein synthesis, and sperm production. It also strengthens the immune system.

Theobromine is a caffeine-like molecule found in high concentrations in cocoa and has a strong effect on the cardiovascular system.

Theobromine is one of the substances that physically supports the heart-opening effect of cocoa. It increases heart function and blood flow. Theobromine dilates blood vessels and relaxes muscles. Theobromine also has a strong effect on the liver. Its stimulating effect is about a quarter of that of caffeine. Unlike caffeine, it is milder and longer-lasting and also has a mood-enhancing effect. While cocoa does contain caffeine, it is in a much lower dose.

Oxytocin is often referred to as the "bonding hormone" because it plays a crucial role in childbirth and the bonding of newborns, as well as in all other forms of positive social interaction. It is associated with feelings of love, trust, and inner peace. Furthermore, oxytocin is also attributed with a sexually stimulating effect.

Cacao contains substances that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which prevents the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, thereby elevating mood. This effect makes cacao a natural mood enhancer. Since MAO inhibitors are also found in psychedelic plants and can activate substances like DMT, cacao should not be combined with antidepressants or other MAO-inhibiting plants like ayahuasca to avoid side effects.

Furthermore, cocoa beans are an aphrodisiac that also increases sexual potency.

They also contain phenylethylamine, a chemical that makes us see someone through rose-colored glasses.

This hormone is released in our brain during moments of pleasure and sexual arousal.