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How Ancient Aztek Cacao Rituals Can Revolutionise Your Digestive Health

An ancient aztec sipping on a cacao drink holding his stomach

Imagine sipping a rich, chocolatey elixir that not only tastes great but also soothes your stomach.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, prepare for a lesson in alchemical Aztec digestive wisdom!

As an artisan chocolate maker since 2007, I’ve always been fascinated by the history of cacao. But it wasn’t until I started exploring the Aztecs’ relationship with this magical bean that I truly understood its potential for improving digestion. Trust me, what I discovered will make you look at your favourite treat in a whole new light.

The Aztecs’ use of cacao for digestion offers valuable insights for modern health, and I’m thrilled to share these ancient secrets with you. So, grab a square of your favourite Mr Popple’s Chocolate (preferably our Pure Peruvian 100% Raw Cacao Bar for the full Aztec experience), and let’s embark on a journey through time and taste!

The Sacred Bean: Cacao in Aztec Culture

Aztec Cacao Beans

In Aztec society, cacao wasn’t just a tasty treat – it was liquid gold. Cacao beans were so valuable that they were used as currency. Imagine popping down to the shops and paying for your groceries with a handful of chocolate beans! It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “put your money where your mouth is”, doesn’t it?

But cacao’s importance went far beyond mere economics. It held a sacred place in Aztec religious and cultural practices. The Aztecs believed that cacao was a gift from Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom. They used it in rituals, celebrations, and even as a pre-battle energy boost for warriors. Talk about a power snack!

Aztec Digestive Wisdom: Cacao as Medicine

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. The Aztecs didn’t just enjoy cacao for its taste – they used it as a powerful digestive aid. Traditional Aztec medicine recognised cacao’s ability to soothe upset stomachs, aid digestion, and even act as a mild laxative. It’s like they had their very own chocolate-flavoured Rennie!

But how did they prepare this magical digestive elixir? The Aztecs would grind cacao beans into a paste, mix it with water, and often add other ingredients like chilli, vanilla, or honey. This created a frothy, bitter drink that was a far cry from the sweet milk chocolate we’re used to today. They’d typically consume this drink after meals to aid digestion, or as needed for stomach ailments.

The Science Behind the Tradition

A doctor holds up a gut-mircobiome sign

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Ben, this all sounds great, but does it actually work?” Well, my chocolate-loving friends, modern science is starting to catch up with what the Aztecs knew centuries ago.

Recent research has shown that cacao and dark chocolate can indeed have positive effects on gut health. The polyphenols in cocoa, particularly flavonoids, act as prebiotics and can stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria 

These microbes in the gut, including Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria, ferment the cocoa components, producing anti-inflammatory compounds that have been linked to various health benefits 

Studies have found that consuming dark chocolate can increase gut microbial diversity, which is generally associated with better overall health. Specifically, dark chocolate with at least 85% cocoa content has been shown to significantly alter the gut microbiome, leading to an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Blautia obeum. This change in gut bacteria composition has been positively correlated with improved mood, suggesting a potential gut-brain connection influenced by dark chocolate consumption.

Not only that, but the flavonoids in cacao have also been found to increase the production of nitric oxide, which can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract. This can aid in the movement of food through the gut and potentially alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

Moreover, cacao is rich in magnesium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in digestive health. It helps neutralise stomach acid and moves stools through the intestine. No wonder the Aztecs felt better after their cacao drinks!

Unfortunately, the way that most of us consume chocolate today is quite different from the Aztec preparations. Most modern chocolate is heavily processed and loaded with sugar, which can actually irritate the gut. That’s why at Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’re passionate about creating raw, unprocessed chocolate that maintains the natural benefits of cacao. Our Pure Peruvian 100% Raw Cacao Bar, for instance, is about as close as you can get to the cacao the Aztecs would have used.

Mr Popple’s Chocolate: Honouring Aztec Traditions with a Modern Twist

Ever wondered how ancient wisdom could transform your chocolate experience? At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’ve taken a leaf out of the Aztec’s book, blending their time-honoured traditions with modern chocolate-making techniques. The result? A range of chocolate bars that not only taste great, but also support your digestive health.

Our secret weapon? Raw, unroasted cacao. Unlike many commercial chocolate makers who roast their beans, we keep ours au naturel, preserving all those gut-friendly compounds the Aztecs cherished. It’s like giving your digestive system a little hug with every bite!

But we don’t stop there. We’ve swapped out refined sugars for yacon syrup, a naturally prebiotic powerhouse that’s as kind to your gut as it is to your taste buds. With a glycaemic index of just 1, it’s the perfect partner for our raw cacao, offering a subtle sweetness without the sugar spike.

So how does all this support your gut health? Well, the combination of raw cacao and yacon syrup creates a healthy feast for your friendly gut bacteria. It’s like throwing a party in your tummy, and all the good guys are invited!

Incorporating Cacao into Your Digestive Wellness Routine: A Delicious Prescription

Fancy giving your digestion a chocolatey boost? Here are some top tips to get you started:

  • Start your day with a square of dark chocolate. It’s a delicious way to kickstart your digestion and put a spring in your step.

Pure Peruvian Chocolate with cacao nibs and chocolate squares

  • Try our Pure Peruvian 100% Raw Cacao Bar after meals. Its intense flavour and high fibre content can help satisfy cravings and promote healthy digestion.
  • Experiment with adding raw cacao to your smoothies or porridge for a gut-friendly breakfast upgrade.

grated dark chocolate on fresh porridge topped with berries

  • For a real treat, why not whip up an Aztec-inspired cacao digestive drink? Here’s a simple recipe:
    • 25g of strong, dark raw chocolate
    • 1 cup of hot plant-based milk
    • 1 teaspoon of yacon syrup
    • pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients in a blender or with a milk frother until it foams. Sip slowly and feel the warmth spread through your body, just as the Aztecs did centuries ago!

traditional aztec frothy hot cacao drink with cinnamon and cayenne



Looking for the perfect Mr Popple’s bars to support your digestive health? Our Signature Seventy 70%, Euphoric Orange 70% and Atey Ate 88% bars are excellent choices. All are sweetened with yacon syrup and packed with raw cacao goodness, making them ideal for a gut-friendly indulgence.

Beyond Digestion: Cacao’s Cornucopia of Health Benefits

While we’re all about gut health here at Mr Popple’s, it would be remiss of us not to mention the other amazing benefits of raw cacao. Did you know that chocolate isn’t just good for your tummy, but for your noggin too?

Raw cacao is a mood-boosting marvel, packed with compounds that can help lift your spirits and chase away the blues. It’s like a hug for your brain!

Raw cacao is also a friend to your heart. Its flavonoids have been shown to support cardiovascular health, helping to keep your ticker in tip-top shape. It’s almost as if Mother Nature designed the perfect food, isn’t it?

And let’s not forget about cognitive function. Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in raw cacao may help improve memory and cognitive performance. So, the next time you’re cramming for an exam or preparing for a big presentation, a square of Mr Popple’s chocolate might be just what the doctor ordered!

Wrapping Up: From Aztec Wisdom to Modern Wellness

As we’ve journeyed through the fascinating world of Aztec cacao traditions and their relevance to modern digestive health, one thing becomes clear: our ancestors were onto something good. The Aztecs understood the power of cacao not just as a delicious treat, but as a tool for overall wellness.

At Mr Popple’s Chocolate, we’re proud to carry this tradition forward, crafting chocolate bars that honour these ancient wisdom while catering to modern tastes and health needs. From our use of raw, unroasted cacao to our innovative sweetening with yacon syrup, every aspect of our chocolate-making process is designed to support your wellbeing – starting with your gut.

So why not take a leaf out of the Aztec’s book and explore the digestive benefits of high-quality cacao for yourself? Your taste buds – and your tummy – will thank you for it. Ready to embark on your own cacao adventure? Pop over to our online shop and treat yourself to some of our ethically-sourced, gut-friendly chocolate bars. After all, who said being healthy can’t be delicious?