Why Cacao is More Than a Treat: New Research says & What It Means for Us
At Oca, cacao isn’t just a delicious ritual‐drink; it’s a potent medicine and teacher for body, mind and spirit. A new study from University of Birmingham shows just how deep that goes: researchers found that high-flavanol cocoa (a category that includes quality ceremonial cacao) protected vascular (blood-vessel) function in men during two hours of uninterrupted sitting. (University of Birmingham)
Here’s what that means — and how it connects with our heart-centered practices:
What the research found
We live in an increasingly sedentary world: sitting at desks, screens, cars — long periods of stillness are now a major risk for vascular health. (University of Birmingham)
The study gave two groups of young men either a high‐flavanol cocoa drink (695 mg flavanols) or a low‐flavanol alternative (5.6 mg), then measured how their arteries coped with two hours of sitting. (University of Birmingham)
Those who took the high‐flavanol cocoa did not experience the typical declines in artery function; those with the low dose did. Fitness level didn’t make a difference. (University of Birmingham)
The takeaway: quality cocoa with high flavanol content can mitigate part of the damage caused by inactivity (not a substitute for movement—but a helpful ally). (University of Birmingham)
How this echoes our cacao offerings at Oca
When we share cacao in our ceremonies, we’re not just treating ourselves to something pleasant — we’re embracing a medicine that aligns with this research and our vision:
We choose high-quality ceremonial cacao that retains flavanols — meaning what we drink is closer to the kind of beneficial dose the study referenced.
The ritual setting amplifies the benefit: when we sit with cacao, breathe, move or rest afterwards, the drink becomes part of a holistic practice of inner care — not just a beverage.
While the study focuses on sitting and vascular health, our work with cacao spans nervous-system regulation, emotional release, community connection, and opening the heart. The vascular benefit is one more layer.
This research simply adds a grounded, science-based affirmation of what many traditions already know: cacao carries deep health and healing potential.
Why you might need cacao more than you realise
If you spend long periods sitting (desk-work, commuting, screens) cacao may actively support your vascular system.
On days you feel “wired and tired,” the cacao ritual offers a moment of reset — helping you shift from doing to being.
In our community settings (circles, ceremonies, sound baths) cacao strengthens connection and anchors you in heartfelt presence.
From a spiritual perspective, cacao invites you to soften, listen, release — making space for what’s next.
Upcoming ways to experience cacao at Oca
If you’d like to consciously include cacao in your month, here are a few upcoming events at Oca where it features beautifully:
Mindful Fridays: 21 Cacao ceremony and Soundbath and 28 Cacao & Singing Circle
Cacao masterclass, Oca brunches, sound journeys and of course our cacao ceremony where cacao is the medicine vessel.
Of course only drinking cacao doesn’t replace movement, healthy eating or rest. The study makes it clear: cacao helps when paired with awareness of sitting time and activity breaks. But as part of a holistic practice like ours at Oca it adds meaningful support for your body and spirit.
Here’s to carrying this knowledge into our community, our bowls of cacao, our songs and circles. For those moments when we sit, breathe, sing, release and reconnect.
Here is the study: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/flavanols-in-cocoa-can-protect-blood-vessel-function-following-uninterrupted-sitting-study
With love and Alegria! Viva Ix Cacao!
Gabi x
