The health advantages and delicious flavour of cacao make it more than just a sweet pleasure. The effects of cacao can range from elevating mood to increasing energy, depending on when you consume it.
Cacao is best enjoyed at specific times of day, so knowing when to have it first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon, or before bed might help you get the most out of it. To assist you in discovering the ideal time to enjoy this multipurpose superfood, we’ll go over how your experience with cacao changes depending on the time of day.
What Time Of Day Should I Drink Cacao?
Cacao can be enjoyed at different times of the day depending on your goals and preferences. Here’s a quick guide:
- Morning: Drinking cacao in the morning can be a great way to start your day. It contains caffeine and theobromine, which can provide a gentle boost of energy and improve focus. It’s a good alternative to coffee if you want a lower-caffeine option.
- Afternoon: Cacao in the afternoon can help with a mid-day energy slump. Just be mindful of the caffeine content if you’re sensitive to it or if you plan to have it later in the day.
- Evening: If you’re sensitive to caffeine, it might be best to avoid cacao in the evening. However, if you’re okay with a little caffeine and want a comforting, relaxing drink before bed, a small amount of cacao could work well, especially if you choose a variety with minimal caffeine.
It’s about what fits your schedule and how your body responds to the stimulant effects of cacao.
Cacao At Night
So, can you drink cacao at night? Yes, you can drink cacao at night, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Stimulant Effects: Ceremonial cacao contains theobromine, which can have a mild stimulating effect. While it’s generally less potent than caffeine, it might still affect your ability to fall asleep if you’re sensitive to stimulants.
- Individual Sensitivity: People have different sensitivities to stimulants. If you’re unsure how theobromine affects you, it’s best to try it at a time when you don’t need to worry about your sleep schedule.
- Purpose and Context: Drinking cacao in the evening might be beneficial if you’re using it for relaxation or meditation. Some people find that it helps them wind down and reflect on their day, particularly when consumed as part of a calming evening ritual.
- Quantity: Consuming a small amount might be less likely to interfere with sleep compared to larger quantities.
If you’re considering drinking cacao at night, observe how it affects your sleep and adjust accordingly. If you find it disruptive, you might prefer to enjoy it earlier in the day.
When Should You Not Drink Cacao
While cacao offers numerous health benefits, there are certain times and situations when it might be best to avoid drinking it:
- Late Evening or Before Bed: Cacao contains natural stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, which can disrupt your sleep if consumed too close to bedtime. If you’re sensitive to these compounds, it’s best to avoid cacao in the late evening.
- On an Empty Stomach: Drinking cacao on an empty stomach might cause digestive discomfort or nausea for some people due to its richness and intensity. It’s often better enjoyed after a meal or snack.
- If You’re Caffeine-Sensitive: If you are particularly sensitive to caffeine or trying to reduce your intake, you may want to limit your consumption of cacao, especially in the afternoon or evening.
- During Pregnancy: While moderate consumption of cacao is generally considered safe during pregnancy, it’s wise to consult with your healthcare provider. Cacao contains caffeine, which pregnant women are often advised to limit.
- If You Have a Heart Condition: The stimulants in cacao can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so individuals with certain heart conditions should consult their doctor before consuming it regularly.
- When Taking Certain Medications: Cacao can interact with some medications, particularly those affecting blood pressure or containing caffeine. It’s advisable to check with a healthcare professional if you’re on medication.
By being mindful of these situations, you can enjoy cacao at the best times without experiencing any adverse effects.
Can You Sleep After Cacao Ceremony?
Whether or not you can sleep after a cacao ceremony depends on your sensitivity to the stimulants in cacao, such as theobromine and caffeine, as well as the timing and intensity of the ceremony. Here are some factors to consider:
- Stimulant Effects: Cacao contains theobromine and a small amount of caffeine, which can have stimulating effects. For some people, this may cause heightened alertness or energy that could make it difficult to fall asleep, especially if the ceremony takes place in the evening.
- Ceremony Setting: Cacao ceremonies are often deeply spiritual and meditative experiences, which can leave you feeling calm, centred, and relaxed. This state of mind can promote better sleep if the ceremony is conducted in a tranquil environment and followed by a period of quiet reflection.
- Personal Sensitivity: If you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine or stimulants, you might find it harder to sleep after a cacao ceremony. In this case, it might be wise to schedule the ceremony earlier in the day.
- Emotional and Energetic Impact: Cacao ceremonies often involve emotional and energetic work, which can lead to heightened feelings or processing that might keep you awake afterwards. It’s important to allow yourself time to unwind and integrate the experience before attempting to sleep.
- The intention of the Ceremony: Some cacao ceremonies are designed to energize and uplift, while others focus on grounding and relaxation. The intention set during the ceremony can influence how you feel afterwards.
Consider the timing of the ceremony, how sensitive you are to the stimulating effects of cacao, and whether or not you have a soothing routine in place to assist you wind down after the ceremony. If you are concerned about your ability to sleep, these factors should be taken into consideration.
Conclusion
Spiritual, emotional, and bodily aspects all come together potently during cacao rituals. Your ability to sleep afterwards will be affected by your sensitivity to the stimulants in cacao, the timing of the ceremony, and the amount of emotional energy involved.
Some people may feel energised and awake, while others may feel completely at ease and prepared to sleep. Paying close attention to these details and tuning into your body can help you establish a post-ceremony routine that promotes peaceful sleep, enabling you to get the full benefits of the cacao ceremony.
Meditation, deep breathing, and light stretching are some soothing methods that might be helpful after a cacao ceremony if you find it difficult to sleep due to the stimulating effects of the cacao. One more thing you can do to help your body wind down is to make yourself a cozy bed with low lighting and some calming music.
Conversely, if you find that the ritual invigorates you, you might channel that energy into meaningful pursuits like writing or creative expression. To fully immerse yourself in the transforming experience of the ceremony and ensure that you can relax and recover afterwards, it is important to strike the perfect balance between the uplifting and grounding elements of cacao.