There’s alot of epic superfoods out there. But the more we learn about cacao the more we think there is an excellent case for a new classification… a super-duper food?!

Cacao is one of the most nutrient-dense, chemically complex food on the planet. Whatever way you look at it the Mayans appear to have had it right when they proclaimed it was gifted to them by the gods (or by nature, by the divine… whatever concept rings true for you).

We’ve mentioned antioxidants and we’ve mentioned cacao’s amazing cardiovascular stimulant, theobromine. We’ve touched on some of its psychoactive compounds.

We’d like to revisit magnesium today ♥️

Chronically deficient in our western diet, magnesium is essential for a whole host of bodily and mental processes. It keeps us calm, energised, and happy, and can lower blood pressure, combat migraines and help us with PMS. (So it alllll makes sense that chocolate cravings seem to hit at that time of the month..)

Cacao is the highest plant-based source of magnesium with 499mg per 100g.

Here’s the low down on why magnesium is so important (and why this gives us even more reason to incorporate cacao into our daily lives 😉).

1. MAGNESIUM ENHANCES BRAIN PLASTICITY

   Brain plasticity is the ability of the brain to strengthen or weaken overtime. This By enhancing brain plasticity, we

   can learn better, and more quickly.

2. MAGNESIUM BOOSTS ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE.

   During exercise, we need 10–20% more magnesium than when you’re resting. Magnesium helps move blood sugar into our muscles and dispose of

   lactate, which can build up during exercise and cause fatigue.

3. MAGNESIUM HELPS FIGHT DEPRESSION.

   Magnesium plays a critical role in brain function and mood, and low levels are linked to an increased risk of depression.

4. MAGNESIUM LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE.

   Studies show that increasing magnesium levels can lower blood pressure for those who suffer from high blood pressure.

5. MAGNESIUM REDUCES INFLAMMATION.

   Low magnesium intake is linked to chronic inflammation, which is one of the drivers of aging, obesity and chronic disease.

6. MAGNESIUM HELPS PREVENT MIGRAINES.

   Studies have shown that magnesium-rich foods may help reduce migraine symptoms and even prevent the onset of migraines.

7. MAGNESIUM IMPROVES PMS SYMPTOMS.

   Interestingly, magnesium has been shown to improve mood, reduce water retention and other symptoms in women with PMS.Studies have shown that magnesium-rich foods may help reduce migraine symptoms and even prevent the onset of migraines.