cacao

Key benefits of cacao include:

• Antioxidant Properties: Cacao is rich in flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body against oxidative stress and damage caused by harmful free radicals.

• Blood Sugar Regulation: Flavonoids in cacao can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, benefiting individuals with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition.

• Cardiovascular Health: Flavanols found in cacao have been associated with improved cardiovascular health. They can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel function, and enhance blood flow.

• Mood and Cognitive Function: Cacao contains several compounds, including theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can have mood-enhancing and cognitive benefits. Cacao has prebiotic properties, which helps to improve mood through the gut-brain axis.

• Skin Health: The antioxidants in cacao can have protective effects on the skin, promoting a healthy complexion, and reducing the signs of ageing. They can help combat oxidative stress, support collagen production, and improve skin elasticity.

Avoid consuming cacao if taking the following medications:

• MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs): Cacao contains compounds that may interact with MAO inhibitors, a type of antidepressant medication. Combining cacao with MAOIs could potentially lead to an increase in blood pressure or serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Consult with a healthcare provider before consuming cacao if taking MAOIs.

• Stimulant Medications: Cacao contains stimulant compounds such as caffeine and theobromine. Combining it with stimulant medications could potentially enhance stimulant effects, leading to increased heart rate, jitteriness, or insomnia. Use caution and consult with a healthcare provider.

• Anticoagulant Medications: Cacao contains flavonoids that may have blood-thinning effects. Combining it with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin or aspirin could increase the risk of bleeding. Monitor for signs of excessive bleeding and consult with a healthcare provider.

• Thyroid Medications: Cacao contains compounds that may affect thyroid function. Combining it with thyroid medications such as levothyroxine could potentially alter thyroid hormone levels and treatment efficacy. Use caution and consult with a healthcare provider.

• Anxiety Medications: Cacao contains stimulant compounds that may exacerbate symptoms of anxiety. Combining it with anxiety medications could potentially increase feelings of nervousness or agitation. Use caution and consult with a healthcare provider.

• Sleep Medications: Cacao contains stimulant compounds that may interfere with sleep. Combining it with sleep medications could potentially reduce the effectiveness of these medications. Use caution and consult with a healthcare provider.

• Cimetidine: Cimetidine, a medication used to reduce stomach acid production, can interact with cacao due to its inhibition of caffeine metabolism. When combined with cacao, which contains caffeine, cimetidine can lead to increased caffeine levels in the bloodstream. This may result in potentiated stimulant effects, such as increased heart rate and insomnia, making it advisable to avoid consuming cacao while taking cimetidine.

• Clozapine: Clozapine, an antipsychotic medication prescribed for schizophrenia, may interact with cacao due to its stimulant compounds. When combined, cacao can exacerbate side effects associated with clozapine, such as agitation or nervousness. Therefore, individuals taking clozapine should exercise caution and avoid consuming cacao to minimise potential adverse reactions.

• Disulfiram: Disulfiram is a medication used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism, working by causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed. However, it can also interact with tyramine-containing foods such as cacao, leading to a reaction similar to alcohol consumption. Individuals taking disulfiram should avoid cacao to prevent symptoms such as flushing and nausea.

• Fluconazole: Fluconazole, an antifungal medication, can interfere with caffeine metabolism when combined with cacao. This interaction may result in elevated caffeine levels in the bloodstream, potentially leading to adverse effects like jitteriness or insomnia. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid consuming cacao while taking fluconazole to minimise the risk of adverse reactions.

• Mexiletine: Mexiletine, an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat irregular heartbeats, can inhibit caffeine metabolism. When combined with cacao, which contains caffeine, this can lead to increased caffeine levels in the bloodstream. This interaction may result in heightened stimulant effects such as increased heart rate or palpitations, necessitating caution and avoidance of cacao consumption.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are a class of antidepressant medications that interact with tyramine-containing foods like cacao, leading to a hypertensive crisis characterised by severe increases in blood pressure. Individuals taking MAOIs should avoid cacao to prevent this potentially life-threatening reaction.

• Oestrogens: Oestrogens, hormones used in hormone replacement therapy, may interact with caffeine in cacao, potentially interfering with oestrogen metabolism and clearance. This can result in increased oestrogen levels in the bloodstream when combined with cacao, necessitating caution and avoidance of cacao consumption while taking oestrogen medications.

• Quinolone Antibiotics: Quinolone antibiotics, commonly used to treat bacterial infections, may interact with caffeine in cacao, affecting antibiotic metabolism. This interaction can increase the risk of adverse effects like jitteriness or insomnia. Therefore, individuals taking quinolone antibiotics should exercise caution and avoid consuming cacao to prevent potential interactions.

Individuals with the following allergens or medical conditions should use caution or avoid cacao:

• Allergies to Caffeine or Theobromine: Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulant compounds. Individuals with known allergies to caffeine or theobromine may also be allergic to cacao. Allergic reactions can include skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or digestive upset when consuming cacao. This may include symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should use cacao cautiously.

• Migraines: Cacao contains substances that may trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. Individuals prone to migraines should use cacao cautiously and monitor for headache triggers.

• Anxiety or Insomnia: Cacao contains stimulant compounds that may exacerbate symptoms of anxiety or interfere with sleep. Individuals with anxiety disorders or insomnia should use cacao cautiously and monitor for adverse effects.

• Heart Conditions: Cacao contains compounds that may affect heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with heart conditions such as arrhythmias, hypertension, or coronary artery disease should use cacao cautiously and consult with a healthcare provider.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limited information is available on the safety of cacao during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before consuming cacao, as excessive caffeine intake may have adverse effects on the fetus or nursing infant.