Cacao Essential Oil - A Decadent Oil with Superfood Benefits

Cacao, the foremost ingredient in high-end chocolate, is a decadent essential oil that is often classified as a superfood thanks to the incredible range of wellness benefits this botanical elixir offers.

Cacao essential oil is made from the seeds of the cacao plant, which is native to Central and South America. The plant thrives in the tropical climate and earned the nickname “food of the gods” among ancient civilizations for its mind-body benefits.

There are three primary types of cacao: Criollo, the most valuable of the strains; Forastero, a more bitter and common strain; and Trinitario, a hybrid of the two, which has a fruity scent without the bitterness of most readily available cacao.

Cacao differs from cocoa butter and cocoa powder because it is extracted from the raw, unroasted bean, which means that the oil contains all the beneficial nutrients the bean has to offer, unadulterated by heat or other treatment methods.

Cacao is especially beneficial because it works in synergy with other essential oils, enhancing and amplifying the aromatic profile of the blends it is added to. The cocoa-scented aroma of cacao pairs exceptionally well with warm, complementary essential oils, including spicy cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger; florals such as lavender and rose; earthy oils like patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla; and citrus scents such as orange or bergamot. It also works beautifully with mint varieties, including wintergreen, peppermint, and spearmint.

The History of Cacao

It didn’t take long for those who lived in the tropical regions where cacao beans grow to discover the prized pod. The Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures famously used them as currency because of their universal value.

Initially cultivated by the Olmec tribe, the first major civilization in Mexico and part of Central America, cacao was used in rituals surrounding important events including birth, marriage, and passing. Evidence of cacao has turned up in archaeological sites long before Spanish conquistadors introduced cacao to the rest of Europe.

Historians are not sure whether cacao was brought from the north or the south along the Amazon River Basin, but after the Olmecs began cultivating the crop, the Maya took it with them when they migrated north.

Columbus was the first European to discover cacao, and although he sent samples to King Ferdinand, Ferdinand initially failed to recognize the nutritional benefits of the beans because Columbus thought they were only used as currency. It would be decades before cacao’s secrets were fully revealed when Dominican friars brought Maya nobility to visit Prince Phillip of Spain, bearing gifts of cocoa.

Cacao trees are evergreens that grow in shady, humid climates, producing pods that hold between 40 and 50 seeds, which have the white flesh that is used as the base for chocolate, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter.

Chemical Properties

There are many beneficial nutrients in cacao that earn it a reputation as a superfood.

Cacao nibs and powder offer an impressive array of benefits. According to Medical News Today, raw cacao is packed with vitamins, especially those in the B family including riboflavin and niacin, as well as vitamins A, C, E, and K. It is also an excellent source of minerals including magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, selenium, potassium, and zinc.

Some of the most important nutrients in cacao include:

Anandamide

If you’ve ever wondered why eating a piece of chocolate makes you feel positively blissful, it is because cacao contains the neurotransmitter anandamide, which is responsible for feelings of joy and ease.

Antioxidants

Cacao’s antioxidants, especially resveratrol, catechin, and epicatechin, help protect the body against oxidative stress. According to researchers, cacao offers protection from unhealthy inflammation and may help support cognitive health and mood balance. You can read more about the powerful effects of antioxidants in cacao in a Healthline review on dark chocolate.

Magnesium

Magnesium is vital to maintain heart health, strong bones, and a healthy immune system. Cacao is known for being incredibly rich in magnesium. The magnesium and phytochemicals found in raw cacao and cacao essential oil offer plenty of benefits, including supporting healthy blood pressure already within a normal range.

Phenylethylamine

Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a neurotransmitter that impacts the central nervous system, playing a role in mood, metabolism, and energy levels. It is also the neurotransmitter that is kicked into gear when we fall in love.

Protein

Protein is used by every cell in our bodies and not only helps us build and repair muscles through exercise but also plays a role in the production of enzymes and hormones.

Theobromine

Cacao is a good source of the phytochemical theobromine, which has a wealth of benefits, including supporting the absorption of nutrients during digestion.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is especially skin-friendly. Primarily, it helps protect collagen and elastin proteins from environmental stressors, helping skin retain a youthful, healthy radiance.

Since it is derived from the same seed, cacao essential oil offers similar aromatic benefits, making the oil as valuable to our daily wellness routines as the seeds once were to ancient cultures. For more ways to utilize this oil, you can refer to our Cacao Essential Oil Uses Guide.

Uses for Cacao Essential Oil

Provides Powerful Antioxidants

According to natural health experts, cacao has more antioxidants than almost any other food on earth. These antioxidants protect our cells from oxidative stress and therefore contribute to our longevity and overall state of well-being. A 2015 study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture highlights the incredible aromatic profile and active compounds found within cacao.

Maintains Healthy Skin

The flavonoids in cacao can take on free radicals that target delicate skin cells, resulting in sagging skin with fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidants in cacao can help support the skin's natural repair processes, protecting the proteins collagen and elastin that make up the skin’s structural layer.

When mixed with cocoa butter, cacao essential oil can make a magnificent, luxurious massage oil that softens the skin and maintains elasticity.

Promotes Libido

The compounds anandamide and phenylethylamine cause the release of dopamine in the brain, which naturally promotes libido and feelings of intimacy. Using a personal aromatherapy diffuser like Sexy MONQ allows you to easily enjoy the decadent, romantic aroma of cacao anywhere.

Maintains Cognitive Function

Researchers have found that the consumption of the flavanols in cacao can help maintain proper attention span, memory, and brain function. Cacao also helps maintain normal blood flow, which supports cognitive vitality.

Cacao essential oil can be used in aromatherapy, as a natural perfume when mixed with complementary essential oils, in a lip balm or body butter, or in a warm bath. It is truly one of the most decadent and rewarding oils you can add to your collection.

Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general wellness and educational purposes only. Please note that while individual essential oil ingredients may have been shown to exhibit certain independent effects when used alone, the specific blends of ingredients contained in MONQ diffusers have not been tested. No specific claims are being made that use of any MONQ diffusers will lead to any of the effects discussed above. Additionally, please note that MONQ diffusers have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MONQ diffusers are not intended to be used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, prevention, or treatment of any disease or medical condition. If you have a health condition or concern, please consult a physician or your alternative health care provider prior to using MONQ diffusers. MONQ blends should not be inhaled into the lungs. Why? It works better that way. No Nicotine Ever in MONQ Pens. Inhale through the mouth, exhale through the nose. MONQ Diffusers are not intended for individuals under 18, or women who are pregnant or nursing.