Cacao retreats and why they’re great for your health

Wait a minute, is this a trick? Isn’t cacao the thing that chocolate is made from? How can something so sweet and absolutely delicious be considered good for your health in the long run?  

This is a common misconception and was most likely one of the first things you thought when you read the title of this article. The very building block of one of the sweetest treats in the world cannot possible have solid long term benefits for your health, but this is very much the case and something that is starting to make its way into more and more health and wellness retreats around the world.

 Did you know that cacao is considered a superfood?

Very few people are aware of the fact that cacao is considered a superfood, i.e. something that has long term benefits for your health. A superfood is essentially a type of food that is known to contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other health enhancing properties

 Alrighty then. What are the actual benefits of raw cacao?

 There is a long list of the positive impacts of consuming raw cacao, but the following highlights should also help to give you a better idea:  

• Cacao is a natural mood elevator and has been known to help combat depression.
• Got milk? Calcium? Cacao is rich in this. More so than your average glass of milk itself.
• Raw cacao is rich in magnesium, a key component of a happy and healthy heart.
• It is a high source of iron, which is one of the most neglected nutrients in modern day culture.
• If antioxidants are what you’re after, you’ll be happy to know that it contains 400% more antioxidants than you’ll get from eating blueberries.

Wait a minute, is this a trick? Isn’t cacao the thing that chocolate is made from? How can something so sweet and absolutely delicious be considered good for your health in the long run?  

This is a common misconception and was most likely one of the first things you thought when you read the title of this article. The very building block of one of the sweetest treats in the world cannot possible have solid long term benefits for your health, but this is very much the case and something that is starting to make its way into more and more health and wellness retreats around the world. 

What does a Cacao Retreat contain?

 Cacao retreats are gaining in popularity around the world, but they haven’t made their way to South Africa quite as prominently yet. Our Cacao Retreat usually includes cacao based drinks and canapés, yoga classes, delicious cuisine and chocolate and wine pairings for those who feel a little more adventurous. A cacao treatment or scrub is just a taster of what you can expect, and a gentle introduction to an ancient healing activity known as a cacao ceremony, which forms the cornerstone of the retreat. Starting with some meditations and grounding exercises, a combination of spiritual practice, cleansing and a circle of community makes this a unique experience that allows you to switch off from the worries of daily life and encourages an immersive experience with your fellow retreatlings. And let's not forget that we'll be introducing you to creative and yummy ways to incorporate more chocolate into your life and feel healthier doing so!

I’m in. When is the next Cacao Retreat taking place?

It's time to start changing our perception of this incredible tropical bean. What we used to think of as merely a treat, now comes to light for its healing properties and as a safe and controlled form of mood enhancement. In fact, Cacao is widely considered to be the number one longevity food in the world. We’re delighted to host yearly Cacao retreats and you can keep an eye on our updates or join our mailing list if you would like to be kept in the loop when the next one swirls around.