ANTI-DEPRESSANT CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CEREMONIAL GRADE CACAO
Cacao can lower blood pressure and may impact those who are taking blood pressure medication (anti-hypertensive drugs), causing it to go too low. It is recommended to monitor your blood pressure closely and if you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider for further assistance.
ARE ALL CEREMONIAL CACAO’S THE SAME?
Not all cacao pastes are the same. They all have slightly different bodies, flavours, nutrition profiles, and caffeine to theobromine ratios. The reason for this is that there are different countries in which cacao is harvested such as Ecuador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. When you consider the trees genetic blueprint, farming practices, climate, soil conditions, and the processing of the cacao bean, many variables can change the end product.
CAN I CONSUME CACAO WHILST ON ANTI-DEPRESSANTS?
We recommend you speak with your trusted healthcare professional. First-generation antidepressants contraindicate with tyramine in cacao but is generally safe to consume at lower doses between 10-20g. Second-generation antidepressants (SSRI’s) contraindicate with tryptophan in cacao but is generally safe to consume at lower doses.
The reality is we cannot speak to each individual and everyone responds differently, thus if you feel called to cacao and its ability to support your journey, speak to your trusted healthcare professional.
CAN I CONSUME IT IN THE EVENING?
Generally, we do not recommend cacao after 3-4pm. The reason for this is cacao still contains a low amount of caffeine, so those sensitive to caffeine stimulation may find themselves activated at night and have trouble sleeping.
Ironically, we have also had many reports of improved sleep. We generally attribute this to cacao’s ability to bring us into presence (thereby helping with any potential anxiety, fear or overwhelm), its abundance of magnesium (to support calming the nervous system), and the mood boosting compounds contained in cacao, supporting users sleep.
If you are requiring light stimulation to keep you alert throughout the evening for whatever reason (study, social gathering/event, finishing work/business projects), we would recommend consuming cacao over other stimulants like coffee.
CAN YOU CONSUME CACAO WHILST BREASTFEEDING?
Yes - we would even argue it’s incredibly beneficial whilst breastfeeding. As a duty of care, we always recommend you speak with your trusted healthcare professional if you’re interested in using cacao whilst breastfeeding your baby.
CAN YOU CONSUME CACAO WHILST PREGNANT?
Yes - we would even argue it’s incredibly beneficial whilst pregnant. As a duty of care, we always recommend you speak with your trusted healthcare professional if you’re interested in using cacao whilst pregnant.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Consult with your healthcare provider if taking second generation SSRIS.
HOW MANY SACHETS PER BOX?
Each vital blend box contains 30 sachets.
HOW MANY SERVES PER BAG?
500g - approx. 33 serves
1kg - approx. 66 serves.
HOW MANY SERVES PER TUB?
This 150g tub contains 30 serves. Each serve is 5g (approx. 1tsp).
HOW MUCH CACAO SHOULD I HAVE?
We often recommend 10-15g for first time users in approximately 150-200mls of water; moderate use between 15-30g in 180-230mls of water; for ceremonial doses between 35-42g in 200-250mls of water.
In any case, we recommend each individual works their way up to larger doses, listening to how their body responds before increasing. If using plant milks (recommended for enhanced flavour & texture), cut down on the amount of water used. A blender of some sort is always recommended if looking to create the smoothest drink possible.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE CACAO?
That's up to you to decide. Everyday is absolutely fine. If you feel called for a second serving, we recommend having it several hours apart using a lower dose. Like anything, we also recommend intermittent breaks. There are no set standards for this, and we leave this up to your preference.
IS CACAO VEGAN?
Yes. Cacao is 100% vegan.
IS REST BREASTFEEDING SAFE?
We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before consuming.
IS REST PREGNANCY SAFE?
We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.
IS RISE BREASTFEEDING SAFE?
Consult your healthcare provider before consuming this product if you are pregnant.
IS RISE PREGNANCY SAFE?
This product is not suitable for pregnancy.
WHAT DOES CEREMONIAL MEAN?
Ceremonial cacao simply refers to a high standard of cacao paste that is favoured for ceremony circles.
Thousands of people around the world will often share their stories of cacao ceremonies where some of the most intimate, life-changing, and transformative experiences of mind, body, & spirit take place.
In order for cacao to be considered as “ceremonial”, it generally aims to meet the following criteria:
1) Cacao should be grown using sustainable farming practices and promoting favourable living conditions for farmers and their families. Being a sacred plant, the spiritual energy of the bean starts with the cultivation of the pod and positive energy present from the cacao plant to the final product to be used in ceremony or daily personal practice.
2) The cacao paste used to make the sacred beverage should be in its pure form. This means no additives or preservatives should be present.
3) The country of origin should be in the geographical area of the ancient Mesoamerican civilisations (IE Peru, Ecuador, Mexico etc.).
4) The cacao should be preferably criollo cacao, which is one of the original varieties used by Mesoamerican cultures (Criollo meaning ‘of local origin’ or ‘original’).
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CEREMONIAL CACAO & CACAO POWDER?
Cacao powder is simply an extra processed form of cacao paste. It generally undergoes enormous pressure & heat (unless cold pressed) to separate the natural fatty acids from the other constituents of the cacao bean, leaving a powder behind.
If nothing else is done to the powder, you have a pure cacao powder product. Cacao powder contains none of the fatty acids from the whole bean, so is lower in nutritional content compared to cacao paste.
There are additional processes cacao powder may go through, which turns it into a cacao-based product, commonly called 'cocoa'. One major process includes roasting at high temperatures, which research shows significantly or completely destroys antioxidant content & other heat sensitive nutrition, thereby reducing the health benefits significantly. Other steps include alkalising through a process called dutching, or having additional ingredients added like milk, sugar, and preservatives.
100% organic criollo cacao paste is the highest quality, and most robust cacao for consumption.
WHAT'S IN THE REST BUNDLE?
This Bundle Includes:
- 500g ceremonial grade cacao (approx. 30 serves)
A delicious coffee alternative that is naturally packed with essential minerals (magnesium, zinc and iron), antioxidants, and mood-boosting compounds to provide sustained energy and focus throughout the day.
- 150g Tub of Rest Vital Blend (approx. 30 serves)
This blend can be added to any beverage to experience the benefits.
- Cacao Scoop
These handy food-grade stainless steel cacao scoops are perfect for measuring out your daily dose (holds exactly 10g of shaved cacao).
WHAT'S IN THE RISE BUNDLE?
This Bundle Includes:
- 500g ceremonial grade cacao (approx. 30 serves)
A delicious coffee alternative that is naturally packed with essential minerals (magnesium, zinc and iron), antioxidants, and mood-boosting compounds to provide sustained energy and focus throughout the day.
- 150g Tub of Rise Vital Blend (approx. 30 serves)
This blend can be added to any beverage to experience the benefits.
- Cacao Scoop
These handy food-grade stainless steel cacao scoops are perfect for measuring out your daily dose (holds exactly 10g of shaved cacao).
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE REST?
We recommend drinking REST in the afternoon, evening or before bed.
If you're needing extra stress support, it could be consumed from noon onwards.
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE RISE?
RISE is best used in the morning or at any point in the day where you are in need of more energy and focus.
WHY IS CACAO SO GOOD FOR YOU?
Cacao is arguably one of the most nutrient-dense plant products on earth. It contains many essential minerals such as: iron, zinc, magnesium, chromium, manganese, calcium and other trace minerals.
It's rich in antioxidants and mood-boosting compounds to support your health and well-being.
