As a nootropic (a cognitive enhancer), cacao offers significant benefits for brain health and function. Packed with an array of compounds, including anandamide (the bliss molecule), phenylethylamine, tryptophan, magnesium, vitamins, minerals, antioxidant flavonoids, and prebiotics, cacao is a brain-boosting powerhouse. It enhances cerebral blood flow, increases endorphin production, supports memory and learning, boosts focus, suppresses cortisol, and reduces stress.
With the growing body of research on cacao’s effects, we’ve synthesized some key insights to give you a clear understanding of how cacao positively impacts your brain. The fascinating thing about cacao is that it contains over 380 known chemical compounds, making it one of the most complex foods on the planet. Because of this, how it affects each person can vary—some find it stimulating, while others experience calmness or even enhanced sleep.
Here are four ways that cacao can positively impact your brain, most of which are noticeable effects that you can experiment with yourself. And we’d love to hear about your experiences with cacao—how does it make you feel? Let us know in the comments!
Cacao is a powerful stimulator of the brain’s neurotransmitters, playing a critical role in boosting mood and cognitive function. One of its key components is tyrosine, a precursor to dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. Dopamine also plays a crucial role in memory formation and focus. Additionally, cacao contains tryptophan, an amino acid that acts as a precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness, calmness, and emotional stability.
Cacao also stimulates the release of phenylethylamine (PEA), often referred to as the “love drug,” as it is associated with feelings of excitement and heightened focus. According to research, PEA enhances alertness and concentration by acting as a natural stimulant.
Moreover, anandamide, often referred to as the “bliss molecule,” is naturally present in cacao and is linked to feelings of euphoria and well-being. Researchers at the Neuroscience Institute in San Diego discovered that cacao helps prevent the breakdown of anandamide, prolonging its effects and contributing to an elevated mood. As Dr. David Lewis from the Mind Lab put it, cacao provides “a buzz that, in many cases, lasted four times as long as a passionate kiss.”
This intricate interplay of neurotransmitters is what makes cacao such a powerful tool for mood enhancement and mental clarity. Whether you're looking to improve your focus, boost your mood, or simply feel more present, cacao offers a natural and effective way to do so.
Gamma brain waves are the highest frequency brain waves, and they are associated with high-level cognitive functioning such as learning, memory recall, information processing, and even happiness. People with high levels of gamma wave activity often exhibit higher IQs, sharper mental clarity, and an increased ability to concentrate.
A study published in The FASEB Journal used EEG technology to measure brain activity after cacao consumption and found that within 30 minutes of consuming cacao, there was a noticeable increase in gamma brainwave activity throughout the cerebral cortex. This enhanced brainwave activity improves overall cognitive functioning, which can be particularly beneficial for tasks that require high-level thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
This is why many people find that cacao not only makes them feel more alert but also more connected to their thoughts and emotions. It's as if cacao helps open the door to higher cognitive capabilities, giving your brain the extra edge it needs to process information faster and more efficiently.
Cacao is also one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet, surpassing even green tea, blueberries, and red wine. Specifically, cacao is high in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant known for their neuroprotective properties. These antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the brain from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, including neurons, leading to cognitive decline and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
By increasing the levels of antioxidants in your bloodstream, cacao helps protect critical brain cells, assisting with long-term memory retention, reducing the risk of cognitive disorders such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, and even stroke. A study published in Nutritional Neuroscience found that the flavonoids in cacao not only improve blood flow to the brain but also enhance the brain's ability to form new neural connections, a process known as neuroplasticity.
In addition to cognitive protection, the antioxidants in cacao have been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain, further protecting against mental decline and boosting overall brain health.
Cacao is also a rich source of essential minerals that play a vital role in maintaining optimal brain function. Among the most significant minerals found in cacao are:
Magnesium: Often referred to as nature’s tranquilizer, magnesium is crucial for memory function and helps regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain. It plays a key role in calming the nervous system, making it particularly effective in reducing anxiety and stress.
Calcium: While most people associate calcium with bone health, it also plays a critical role in nerve cell conduction. Calcium helps brain cells communicate with one another, ensuring that electrical signals move smoothly through the brain, which is essential for clear thinking and memory.
Potassium: This mineral supports cognitive function by increasing thinking ability and concentration. It helps maintain proper fluid balance in brain cells, ensuring that neurons can fire off messages effectively.
Iron: Cacao is a rich plant-based source of iron, which is vital for carrying oxygen to the brain through the blood’s hemoglobin. Adequate oxygen supply is essential for cognitive clarity and optimal brain performance.
Copper and Zinc: These two minerals are critical for brain development and maintenance. Zinc, in particular, plays a role in regulating communication between neurons, while copper helps brain cells generate energy needed for cognitive tasks.
Ensuring that your brain gets enough of these minerals is crucial for maintaining mental clarity, focus, and long-term brain health. Cacao offers a natural, plant-based way to nourish your brain with these essential nutrients.
Cacao is much more than a tasty treat—it’s a powerful nootropic that can significantly enhance brain function. From boosting neurotransmitter production to increasing gamma brainwaves, protecting brain cells with antioxidants, and delivering essential minerals, cacao is truly a brain-boosting superfood. Whether you're seeking more mental clarity, improved memory, or a natural way to elevate your mood, cacao has a wealth of benefits to offer.
Lewis, D. (n.d.). The Buzz of Chocolate: How Cacao’s Chemicals Can Impact Your Brain. The Mind Lab.
Francisco, A., Ibarra, A., & Solís, M. (2020). Effects of Cocoa Flavonoids on the Brain: Evidence from Clinical and Preclinical Studies. Nutritional Neuroscience, 1-12.
Haskell-Ramsay, C. F., Jackson, P. A., & Dodd, F. L. (2018). Cocoa Flavanols and Cognitive Function: A Randomised, Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Nutrition, 5, 10.
Köhler, K., & Stettler, C. (2017). Polyphenols and Their Effects on Brain Function. Journal of Food Science, 82(5), 1164-1170.
