Cacao's Laxative Effect: Fact Or Fiction?

Cacao, or Theobroma cacao, is the source of natural chocolate and contains a variety of phytonutrients, including high amounts of sulfur, magnesium, and phenylethylamine. While cacao is often touted for its health benefits, it can also have laxative effects due to its fiber and caffeine content. The fiber in cacao helps move food through the digestive tract, and caffeine increases the rate of motility, encouraging bowel movements. Additionally, cacao is a good source of magnesium, which can also help with constipation. However, it's important to note that excessive consumption of cacao can lead to negative side effects, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythm, due to the presence of stimulants like caffeine and theobromine.

Cacao contains caffeine, acting as a stimulant

Cacao contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. The amount of caffeine varies depending on the product and type of chocolate. For example, an ounce of dark chocolate with 70-85% cacao solids contains 22.7 milligrams of caffeine, while an ounce of dark chocolate with 45-59% cacao solids contains 12.2 milligrams. In comparison, a cup of coffee typically contains 96 milligrams of caffeine.

Caffeine can have a laxative effect, increasing the rate of motility (the contraction of muscles in the digestive tract that encourage bowel movements). Consuming too much caffeine can lead to chronic diarrhoea, and it is important to note that cacao also contains theobromine, another stimulant. Together, caffeine and theobromine can cause sleeplessness, anxiety, abnormal heart rhythm, and heartburn.

Cacao is also a natural source of magnesium, which is key to muscle and nerve function and can help to ward off constipation. The high magnesium content, along with the effects of epicatechin, improves muscle structure and enhances nerve function.

Cacao is considered a superfood due to its high antioxidant activity and unique phytonutrients, including high amounts of sulfur, magnesium, and phenylethylamine. The use of cacao for health dates back at least 3,000 years, and it has been cultivated throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America since ancient times.

While cacao has many health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation as it is high in fat and calories. Additionally, those who are sensitive to caffeine or pregnant should be cautious about their cacao intake.

Cacao is rich in magnesium, aiding constipation

Cacao is a raw product made by cold-pressing cocoa beans. It is a superfood that contains a variety of phytonutrients, including high amounts of sulfur, magnesium, and phenylethylamine. Cacao beans are one of the best magnesium-rich foods, with 272 milligrams of magnesium per 100 grams.

Magnesium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It is essential for nerve function, muscle support, and maintaining healthy muscles and nerves. Magnesium helps the body produce energy and supports healthy cholesterol levels. It also aids in brain function and memory skills.

Magnesium has long been considered a useful treatment for constipation. It acts as an osmotic laxative, relaxing the bowel and drawing water into the intestines. It also helps neutralise stomach acids, aiding the body in passing digested food. While the levels of magnesium in cacao won't provide instant relief from constipation, regular consumption can promote long-term healthy digestion.

In a clinical study, participants were given cocoa powder supplemented with high-fiber cocoa bran twice daily for two four-week periods, with a three-week break in between. During the periods when cocoa powder was consumed, the frequency of bowel movements increased, and feelings of constipation decreased. This relief from constipation was attributed to the raw cacao in the supplements.

In addition to its laxative effects, cacao's magnesium content offers several other health benefits. It can help ease muscle pain, promote calm, and assist with migraine relief. So, if you're looking to support your digestive health and enjoy the potential benefits of magnesium, incorporating cacao into your diet may be a delicious way to boost your magnesium intake and promote overall well-being.

Cacao's flavanols improve blood vessel flexibility

Cacao, or Theobroma cacao, is the source of original, natural chocolate. It comes from the seeds of the fruit of the cacao tree. Cocoa flavanols, or flavan-3-ols, are bioactive compounds found naturally in many plants, including tea, apples, various berries, and cocoa beans. Cocoa flavanols are plant-derived bioactives from the cacao bean.

Cocoa flavanols have been shown to improve blood vessel flexibility and function in healthy individuals. They do this by lowering blood pressure and increasing flow-mediated vasodilation, which is the extent to which blood vessels dilate in response to nitric oxide. In other words, cocoa flavanols improve the elasticity of blood vessels.

Two studies published in the journals Age and the British Journal of Nutrition (BJN) found that consuming cocoa flavanols improved cardiovascular function and reduced the burden on the heart that comes with ageing and stiffening of arteries. The studies showed that intake of cocoa flavanols reduced the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

In the Age study, two groups of young (<35 years) and older (50-80 years) healthy men consumed either a flavanol-containing drink or a flavanol-free control drink twice a day for two weeks. The researchers found that vasodilation was significantly improved in both age groups that consumed flavanols, by 33% in the younger group and 32% in the older group.

The BJN study involved a larger group of 100 healthy middle-aged men and women (35-60 years) with a low risk of CVD. The participants consumed either a flavanol-containing drink or a flavanol-free control drink twice a day for four weeks. The researchers found that consuming flavanols for four weeks significantly increased flow-mediated vasodilation by 21%. This indicates improved endothelial function, which is associated with a decreased risk of developing CVD.

The combined results of these studies demonstrate that flavanols are effective at mitigating age-related changes in blood vessels and could reduce the risk of CVD in healthy individuals.

Cacao may help with weight loss due to its fibre content

Cacao is a natural source of fibre, with one ounce of cacao nibs containing nine grams of fibre. This is significantly more than the amount of fibre in a typical chocolate bar, which contains no dietary fibre.

The fibre in cacao can help to keep you feeling full, which may aid in weight loss. However, it is important to note that cacao is also high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

In addition to its weight loss benefits, the fibre in cacao has also been found to promote healthier bowel habits and provide constipation relief. A clinical study found that consuming cocoa powder supplemented with high-fibre cocoa bran increased the frequency of bowel movements and reduced feelings of constipation.

Cacao is also a good source of magnesium, which can help to maintain muscle and nerve function and may also aid in digestion. The high antioxidant content of cacao has also been linked to improved heart health, enhanced memory and cognitive performance, and reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Overall, the fibre content of cacao may contribute to weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and improving digestion. However, it is important to consume cacao in moderation and as part of a balanced diet to avoid any negative side effects.

Cacao is a natural aphrodisiac

Cacao, or Theobroma cacao, is the source of original, natural chocolate. The name Theobroma comes from the Greek words "theo", meaning god, and "broma", meaning food—together, "food of the gods". Cacao has been touted as a natural aphrodisiac since its Mayan and Aztec days, when it was both a delicacy and a form of currency.

The Aztec emperor Montezuma II is said to have consumed large quantities of chocolate to fuel his romantic trysts. The Mayans also used cacao in their rituals, giving beans to young couples on their wedding nights to be used during honeymoons. They believed that drinking it before bedtime would help increase fertility.

Cacao contains a host of naturally occurring chemicals that influence mood, energy, blood flow, and even sexual function. Phenylethylamine, also known as the body's natural ecstasy, triggers a release of hormones such as serotonin and oxytocin to create feelings of euphoria and connection. Cacao also contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that increases blood flow around the body and encourages feelings of love, connection, and expansiveness.

Drinking cacao stimulates the hypothalamus, which induces pleasurable sensations and increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is involved in mood enhancement, sleep regulation, and sexual arousal.

However, it is important to note that most researchers believe that the amounts of these substances in chocolate are too small to have any measurable effect on desire. Studies that have looked for a direct link between chocolate consumption and heightened sexual arousal have found none.

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