The Natural Fertility Power of Cacao: Health Benefits & A Delicious Smoothie
by Alira Roselani
If you're here reading this I’m guessing you’re on a natural fertility journey (or maybe you just want more energy, better sleep and less stress). Keep reading to find out why cacao is a wonderful addition to your diet whether you’re in the conscious conception phase, struggling with infertility, pregnant already or post-partum.
Why Cacao Is a Fertility Superfood
Cacao is one of the richest sources of natural magnesium on the planet — a mineral that is critical for over 300 functions in the body. Magnesium supports hormone balance, sleep, adrenal health, detoxification and blood sugar which are all essential for fertility. Most people are deficient in magnesium due to high levels of stress, depleted soils, toxin overload and the modern western diet (think toxic, packaged, low-nutrient “food”)
Cacao also contains:
Iron – Which boosts healthy blood flow to the body and reproductive system
Chromium – A mineral which plays a role in balancing blood sugar and supporting weight regulation
PEA – the ‘love molecule’ which improves mood and energy. It's associated with the initial feelings of attraction and falling in love due to its role in releasing dopamine and norepinephrine, which can create feelings of euphoria and excitement
Serotonin & Dopamine – These are natural stress shields and pleasure boosters
Theobromine – A substance that gently boosts circulation and lowers blood pressure
Tryptophan – A substance that supports calm, deep sleep (which is super important for hormone health!)
Common Signs of Magnesium Deficiency Are:
-Irritability
-Anxiousness/Anxiety
-Hyperactivity & Restlessness
-Panic Attacks
-Lethargy
-Short Term Memory Lapses
-Poor Digestion
-Muscle Weakness
-Hard Time Getting into Deep Sleep & Insomnia
-Cluster Headaches
-Painful PMS
-Morning Sickness (pregnant women)
-Blood Sugar Imbalances
-Muscle Cramps (A telltale sign!)
-Muscle Twitches
-Constipation
-Menstrual Cramps
And More
my go to Cacao Fertility Smoothie
A great way to get cacao into you to support your adrenals and fertility naturally is to add cacao to your smoothies. Try this recipe:
Ingredients:
1-2 Frozen bananas
1-2 Cups organic plant based milk such as almond or non-GMO soy (or coconut water if you’re keeping fat and/or calories low)
1-2 Tbsp raw cacao powder or paste
1 Tbsp nut butter
1 Tbsp hemp seeds and/or hemp protein
Optional: Spinach (for vitamins and minerals such as iron and folate), maca (for hormonal health), dates (for energy, iron and other minerals), blackstrap molasses (for iron), chia seeds (healthy fats), sunflower lecithin (for choline), or inulin (for prebiotics and digestive health)
Pop into a blender and blend well — Enjoy this super nourishing and fertility enhancing smoothie!
P.S: I recommend getting your hands on a Vitamix blender if you can. There’s so many incredible things you can do and make with it — it is NOT just your average blender! I also love the ‘Ninja Precision Blend And Mix’ blender for thick açai bowls and smoothie bowls made fresh right from your kitchen!
A Vitamix Is My Favorite And Most Used Kitchen Tool For Enhancing Health And Fertility Naturally
Ninja precision blend and mix is perfect for personal sized smoothies and thick ‘nice cream’ or smoothie bowls.
If you enjoyed this recipe comment below what you thought of it or message me on instagram — I always absolutely love hearing from my customers, clients and followers!
