Cacao is much more than food: it is an ancestral medicine, a superfood full of properties, and a companion for the heart and mind. Like every powerful food, it acts differently in each body.
While it offers countless benefits —nutritional, emotional, and energetic— it is also important to know its contraindications and to listen carefully to our bodies when drinking it.
At Sumay Cacao, we are not doctors, and we always recommend consulting a health professional if you have doubts or a medical condition. What we share here comes from personal experience, from observing those who consume ceremonial cacao daily, and from information provided by doctors and therapists we collaborate with.
Ceremonial cacao is not the same as cocoa powder or chocolate
A common mistake is to think that supermarket cocoa powder or an 80% chocolate bar is equivalent to ceremonial cacao. It is not.
- Defatted cocoa powder is a byproduct from which the cacao butter has been removed, losing much of its nutrients and properties.
- 80% chocolate usually contains sugar, additives, and added fats, which completely changes its effect on the body.
- Ceremonial cacao is whole cacao paste (cacao liquor), preserving the butter, antioxidants, minerals, and bioactive compounds. This is the form that has been used ancestrally as food, medicine, and a spiritual tool.
Conscious dosage and consumption
Ceremonial cacao is safe and nourishing for most people. However, as a natural stimulant, it is important to adapt both the dose and the time of the day: many people prefer to drink it before 5 pm to avoid affecting sleep.
I always recommend that everyone observe how they feel and find their own dose. Not all bodies need the same amount, and the body itself sets the rhythm.
As a practical guide:
- For daily use, start with 15 g and adjust according to how you feel.
- Many people are comfortable with 20–25 g per day.
- For a ceremony, it is not necessary to exceed 30–35 g: both Ceremonial Cacao and Conscious Cacao are powerful medicines and do not require higher amounts to open the heart and support the process.
Each body responds differently: for some, cacao can feel more stimulating, while for others —like in my case, after years of daily consumption— its relaxing effect prevails, thanks to its magnesium and natural melatonin.
Situations to take into account
1. Medication and mood regulators
Cacao acts on serotonin and contains tryptophan, which can interact with certain medications.
- SSRIs (antidepressants): in high doses, cacao can increase serotonin too much, leading to a risk of serotonin syndrome.
- MAOIs (less common antidepressants): should not be combined with cacao in high doses.
- It can also interact with antipsychotics, 5-HTP, or plants such as St. John’s Wort.
In these cases, do not exceed 15 g daily and always consult a doctor.
2. Heart and blood pressure
Cacao is a natural vasodilator: it improves circulation and can lower blood pressure by up to 40%.
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For people with severe hypertension, heart disease, or heart medication, we recommend small doses (10–15 g) and medical supervision.
3. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children
Cacao is not prohibited in these cases; on the contrary, it can be beneficial and nourishing.
- The recommendation is to adapt the dose (10–15 g) and observe individual sensitivity.
- For small children, start with very small amounts and watch how their body reacts.
4. Digestive system and sensitivity
Theobromine can cause digestive discomfort (nausea, acidity, diarrhea) in some people. This depends on the individual and on the cacao variety: some are stronger, while others are softer and easier to digest.
If you experience discomfort, reduce the dose or try another variety.
5. Stimulants and caffeine sensitivity
Although cacao contains much less caffeine than coffee, it still has a small amount.
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If you are very sensitive to caffeine, avoid ceremonial cacao or limit yourself to small doses.
6. Histamine intolerance
Cacao can trigger histamine release. If you have histamine intolerance, avoid daily consumption or keep the dose very low.
Conclusion: respect and listening
Ceremonial cacao is a medicine of the heart, but like any medicine, it requires respect. It is not about rigid prohibitions, but about observing how we feel.
Every body is unique: what stimulates one person may calm another. With proper dosage and conscious consumption, cacao becomes a deep ally for health, spirituality, and daily wellbeing.
Discover our ceremonial Cacao Pastes here
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Choosing high-quality ceremonial cacao ensures better digestibility and a safer experience.
