The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
Seasonal transitions are the most important times to mind your health, as the shifting climate can lead to imbalances of the mind and body. Find out what you can do for a healthier fall!
In October, as the leaves start falling, nature starts to let go cuing that we need to as well! The transition from one season to another is called Ritusandhi in Ayurveda and is a vulnerable time when we need to be cautious about our health. In a couple of weeks, we move from the hot Pitta summer to the cool, windy fall Vata season.
Our digestion and immunity weaken, we may be prone to allergies and experience bloating, dryness, restlessness, anxiety or insomnia. In October, as the leaves start falling, nature starts to let go cuing that we need to as well!
This is a time to balance the residual impact of one Dosha and the onset and accumulation of the other. Pitta inflammation needs to be cleansed and Vata supporting principals incorporated. Otherwise a Vata-Pitta imbalance together causes a forest fire effect of ‘burning out’. As per Ashtanga Hridayam, the Ayurvedic root text, we need to discontinue the previous regimen gradually while slowly adopting new Dosha principles. The most important aspect of our self-care at this time is ‘Kaale Samshodhana’ or seasonal cleansing.
Here are some Ayurvedic tips to transition smoothly
- Follow a routine and make sure you get enough sleep. Routines balance all Doshas, especially Vata.
- Eat local and seasonal foods. Your diet will include a blend of summer’s end and early fall crops during the transition. If you can visit your local farms and pick fresh produce, even better!
- Favor sweet tastes that pacify both Vata and Pitta. This doesn’t mean sugar and desserts
The sweet taste in Ayurveda refers to naturally sweet foods like sweet fruits, root vegetables, greens, mung and smaller lentils, quinoa, rice and oats. - Avoid too many cold and raw foods, artificial sugars, white flour, processed food and start gravitating towards soups and stews.
- Stay hydrated. Sip warm water, ginger or CCF tea through the day. You can make your own CCF tea by blending equal parts of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds (ground or whole – about a teaspoon total per serving) and boiling in water for a few minutes. Strain and enjoy!
- Minimize pungent spices like chili, cayenne, cinnamon and paprika. Ginger is also pungent, so don’t overdo it. Favor cumin, coriander, fennel, cardamom, turmeric and asafoetida.
- Try grounding practices like meditation, gentle yoga, exercise and breathwork.
- Spend time in nature but make sure to bundle up on the chilly mornings!
- Get a daily or frequent warm self-massage or Abhyanga and try daily Nasya (application of a couple of drops of oil like Sesame or Anu Tailam in the nostrils) as advised by an Ayurvedic professional.
- Cleansing is the most important practice during the Fall transition as it alleviates current imbalances, shields against their recurrence and prevents future health disorders.
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