Cacao and the Benefits of PEA (Phenylethylamine): A Natural Mood Booster for Cacao Ceremonies

I want to continue to shout out about the benefits of Cacao more and more; not only as a delicious superfood but also as a powerful plant medicine in spiritual and wellness practices; it will add value to your life. Used in ancient Mesoamerican traditions and modern cacao ceremonies alike, this sacred bean is more than just a yummy treat—it’s a heart-opening elixir packed with bioactive compounds that enhance mood, energy, and overall well-being. One such compound is Phenylethylamine (PEA), yup that’s a mouthful(!), often referred to as the “love molecule.” This naturally occurring chemical in cacao is known for its mood-boosting and neuroenhancing properties, making it an essential element of the cacao experience that benefits you deeply.

I’ve written this blog to take you on a journey of exploring the benefits of PEA in cacao, its effects on the brain and body, and why it plays a vital role in cacao ceremonies.

Let’s begin with what PEA (Phenylethylamine) actually is.

PEA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter and stimulant found in cacao and other foods, as well as produced within the human brain. It acts as a mood enhancer by promoting the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, chemicals responsible for happiness, pleasure, and emotional well-being.

Often associated with the feeling of being in love, PEA is linked to increased motivation, energy, and focus, making it a key component of cacao’s uplifting effects. This is why many people experience heightened joy, connection, and euphoria during cacao ceremonies.

How Does PEA Work in the Body?

PEA works by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters that enhance mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall happiness. Here’s a closer look at how it affects the body:

• Boosts Dopamine Levels: PEA stimulates dopamine production, which plays a role in pleasure, motivation, and reward.
• Increases Endorphins: These are the body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Enhances Serotonin: Often called the “happiness neurotransmitter,” serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and emotional balance.
• Improves Focus and Cognitive Function: PEA supports brain activity, making it beneficial for meditation and deep introspection.

The Role of PEA in Cacao Ceremonies

Cacao ceremonies are sacred rituals designed to open the heart, enhance self-awareness, and facilitate deep emotional healing. PEA plays a crucial role in this process by promoting feelings of euphoria, love, and spiritual connection.

1. Heart-Opening Experience

Cacao, rich in PEA, stimulates the heart chakra, allowing participants to experience emotional release, self-love, and compassion. This makes it easier to connect with oneself and others in the ceremony.

2. Enhanced Meditation and Mindfulness

The cognitive benefits of PEA help participants stay present, focused, and deeply engaged in guided meditations, breathwork, and intention-setting practices within the cacao ceremony.

3. Elevated Mood and Energy

Unlike caffeine, which can cause jitters, PEA in cacao provides a smooth, natural energy boost that uplifts the spirit without overstimulation. This makes cacao an excellent alternative to coffee for those looking to maintain high energy levels while staying calm and centred.

4. Facilitates Emotional Healing

By triggering the release of dopamine and endorphins, PEA helps process emotions, trauma, and stress in a safe and supportive environment. Many people receive feelings of deep connection, joy, and emotional breakthroughs during cacao ceremonies.

Additional Health Benefits of PEA in Cacao

Beyond its role in cacao ceremonies, PEA offers several physiological and mental health benefits:

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: PEA has mild anti-anxiety properties, helping individuals feel more relaxed and present.
• Supports Weight Management: By enhancing dopamine production, PEA can help curb cravings and improve metabolism.
• Enhances Athletic Performance: Some athletes use PEA for its ability to increase endurance, focus, and motivation.
• Improves Social Connection: PEA promotes a sense of well-being and openness, making social interactions feel more meaningful.

Choosing High-Quality Cacao for Maximum PEA Benefits

Not all cacao is created equally and it’s not that I’m biased towards Keith’s Cacao because I’m a practitioner there but genuinely, if you dig into it further (and I will do a post on this) the nutrient contents are better. To experience the full benefits of PEA, it is important to choose high-quality ceremonial-grade cacao.

Regardless what brand you choose, here are my top tips for what to Look for in Ceremonial Cacao:

• Organic and Ethically Sourced: Free from pesticides and fair-trade certified.
• Minimal Processing: Retains the natural compounds that enhance mood and energy.
• No Additives or Preservatives: Pure cacao ensures the highest concentration of beneficial compounds, including PEA.

One of the best ways to consume ceremonial cacao is by preparing a traditional cacao drink, using warm (not boiling) water, a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon, and a natural sweetener like honey if desired. You can head over to my page here to buy cacao and also, join the newsletter where I give recipes to use cacao.

How to Incorporate PEA-Rich Cacao into Your Daily Routine

Even if you’re not attending a full cacao ceremony, you can still harness the benefits of PEA by incorporating cacao into your daily wellness routine. I drink 20g (ish) everyday and here are some ways in which I might go about that:

1. Morning Ritual: Start your day with a warm cacao drink instead of coffee to promote calm energy and mental clarity.
2. Pre-Meditation Drink: Drink cacao before meditation or yoga to deepen your practice and improve focus.
3. Creative Boost: Use cacao to enhance creativity, whether writing, painting, or problem-solving.
4. Social Gatherings: Share cacao with friends and loved ones for heart-opening conversations and connection.
5. Self-Care Ritual: Use cacao as part of your self-love practice, setting intentions and enjoying the mood-enhancing benefits.

Let’s Embrace the Magic of PEA in Cacao together

Cacao is more than just a delicious superfood—it’s a powerful tool for emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. The presence of Phenylethylamine (PEA) in cacao enhances mood, focus, and emotional resilience, making it a key component in cacao ceremonies and daily wellness rituals.

Whether you’re looking to open your heart, improve your mental clarity, or simply enjoy a natural mood boost, ceremonial cacao offers a profound and transformative experience and can be something you experience and receive the benefits of daily.

If you’re interested in experiencing the magic of cacao firsthand, consider attending my cacao ceremony or incorporating high-quality ceremonial cacao into your daily life.

Embrace the love molecule and let cacao work its heart-opening magic!

Being,

Gizelle Renee Xx