For those being a bit more health conscience these days let’s chat over a cup of something warm, aromatic, and oh-so-enriching for our well-being. Put that coffee aside for a minute for an age-old treasure that weaves magic with natural remedies: the humble cacao.
This Spiced Cacao recipe ideal for controlling inflammation and boosting your mood.
If you’ve been to a health-conscious café lately, you’ve probably seen a number of new latte-style offerings, such as golden milk or shroom cocoa. That’s because these drinks an actually be really helpful in improving health benefits. It’s not just a fad.
Imagine an elixir combining the goodness of cacao with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, black cumin, and cardamon. Together these delicately picked ingredients combat chronic inflammation and improve gut heath. Sounds too good to be true?
The Anti-Inflammatory Magic of Spiced Cacao
One of the most magnificent attributes of our spiced cacao blend is its incredible anti-inflammatory prowess. Inflammation, as many of you might already know, is your body’s way of defending itself from harmful invaders. While short-term inflammation is beneficial (like when you get a cut or scrape), chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues.
Now, imagine a potion crafted by nature itself that works wonders in calming this inflammation.
Secret spices
- Cacao: Not just a chocolate’s foundation, pure, quality cacao is a heart-healthy powerhouse. Rich in flavonoids, cacao has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and protect your heart. Additionally, cacao is a great source of magnesium, which is essential for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation. To learn more about the benefits of magnesium, check out our detailed guide. It’s packed with antioxidants, promotes good mood vibes, and even supports cardiovascular health. That’s right, enjoying chocolate (in its pure form) can be beneficial! We’ll talk more about sourcing pure cacao down below.
- Turmeric: The golden child of anti-inflammatory spices! Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric, along with other spices in our blend, acts as one of the mineral boost heroes that can significantly enhance your overall health by providing essential nutrients that might be missing from your regular diet. It’s comparable to some anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
- Ginger: Beyond its zesty flavor, ginger is known for its digestive benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. A staple in traditional medicine, ginger contains gingerol, a substance that possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It’s that zing in our potion that also warms our insides.
- Cinnamon: Adding a sweet-spicy warmth, cinnamon is a metabolic booster and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Black Cumin: This might be the unsung hero of our mix. Black cumin can boost the immune system and is touted for its anti-cancer properties. Beyond its immune-boosting attributes, black cumin has compounds that assist in reducing inflammation, especially in the joints.
- Black Pepper: Piperine in black pepper not only boosts turmeric absorption but also offers anti-inflammatory benefits of its own.
- Cardamon: A fragrant finale to our list, cardamon aids digestion and can help combat nausea. This gives a drink that familiar chai taste I love so much! But also, studies suggest that cardamom may help lower inflammatory markers in the blood. If you’re interested in incorporating more natural ingredients into your daily routine, consider growing an herbal tea garden. It’s a wonderful way to have fresh, organic herbs at your fingertips.
When these ingredients unite, they don’t just form a delicious brew; they create a potent anti-inflammatory concoction. With every sip, you’re not only indulging in a heartwarming ritual but also gifting your body a protective shield against inflammation. For those looking to further cleanse and rejuvenate their system, exploring detox teas can be a great addition to your wellness routine. These teas can help flush out toxins and improve digestion, complementing the benefits of our spiced cacao. This is the essence of loving and taking care of oneself – drawing from nature’s bounty to heal and nurture. 🌿✨🍵
“Pure” Chocolate
You might have stumbled upon both ‘cacao’ and ‘cocoa’ on labels and wondered if they’re just different spellings of the same thing. Let’s clear up the confusion!
Cacao refers to the raw form of the chocolate. It’s derived directly from the cacao tree’s beans and is minimally processed, retaining its potent nutritional profile. This raw form is packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and even some mood-enhancing compounds. When you hear about cacao ceremonies or high-quality chocolate being a superfood, it’s this raw form that’s being celebrated.
On the other hand, cocoa is what many of us grew up knowing as the base for our hot chocolates or brownies. Cocoa is derived when cacao beans are roasted at high temperatures. While this process might enhance the flavor, making it more palatable for some, it also diminishes a significant portion of the beans’ nutritional benefits.
In essence, while both cacao and cocoa originate from the same source, their journey from bean to shelf makes all the difference in their nutritional punch and flavor profiles. In our Cottage Core ideals, we lean towards cacao, embracing the pure, unadulterated connection with Mother Earth and the health benefits it brings. 🍫🌿
Where to find Cacao
My favorite brand of raw cacao is Ora. I love supporting small businesses, but I especially appreciate they’re attention to supporting small family farms and investing in the wellness and prosperity of who they work with. I use this cacao in both my daily morning cups, but also in my spiritual and more ceremonial settings.
Click below for 10% off or use code HOLLIE27540
Spiced Hot Cacao
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 3 tbs turmeric
- 6 tsp ground ginger
- 6 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tsp ground black cumin
- 1 tsp Cardamon
- dash of cayenne pepper optional, to taste
Hot Cocoa
- 1 Mug of warm fatty milk (see notes below)
- 1 tbs Spice Mix
- 1/3 cup Cacao Chips (or 2/3 powdered Cacao)
- Sweetener: honey, raw sugar, maple syrup, etc (optional, to taste)
Instructions
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Whisk together the dry ingredients and store in a sealed container.
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Once ready for a nice cup of hot cocoa, warm up the milk with 1tsp of Spice mix and allow to steep. This is easiest in a small pot, but using a steamer or microwave will work too!
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Add your cacao, stirring and infusing your brew with love and gratitude
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Add a little sweetener like honey or maple syrup to lighten your day
Notes
Adding a fat would be the cherry on top for getting every last drop of medicinal benefits of the spices. I recommend adding a bit of coconut cream while steeping to not only get the benefits from the MCT fatty acids, but also help the spices digest easier in the gut.
An Invitation:
So, as you sip your cup of cacao magic, remember, the best things in life are often the simplest. I adore sharing these nuggets of wisdom that doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. This cacao blend, steeped in the ethos of Cottage Core, is a testament to that. It’s a mix of spiritual practice, natural remedy, and an invitation to appreciate the simpler joys.
Cheers to embracing the holistic lifestyle! Stay warm, stay nourished. 🍵✨🌿
What’s your favorite way to spice up a hot cocoa? Let me know in the comments!
