Cacao
Theobroma cacao
The 'food of the gods' — flavanol-rich dark cacao has good evidence for blood-vessel function, blood pressure, and mood.
Traditional use (indigenous-americas, household): The 'food of the gods' — flavanol-rich dark cacao has good evidence for blood-vessel function, blood pressure, and mood.
The 'food of the gods' — flavanol-rich dark cacao has good evidence for blood-vessel function, blood pressure, and mood.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- The 'food of the gods' — flavanol-rich dark cacao has good evidence for blood-vessel function, blood pressure, and mood.
Evidence strength: stronger human.
- See the evidence level above
- Contains caffeine/theobromine; sugar in most chocolate; can trigger migraines/reflux in some.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding people without medical advice
Contains caffeine/theobromine; sugar in most chocolate; can trigger migraines/reflux in some.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.