At Goodnight’s Red River, we’re all about getting back to the roots of real, nutrient-dense food. Our focus is on animal-based nutrition, but there’s a place in our philosophy for certain plant-based superfoods that complement the high-quality protein and fats we prioritize. Cacao is one of those rare plant foods that has a rich history and nutritional value, making it a worthy addition to any health-conscious diet—especially when used in its purest form.
But cacao’s story is much deeper than the sugar-laden chocolate bars you see today. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of cacao, how ancient cultures revered it as a vital food, and why it has been transformed into something almost unrecognizable in modern times. Most importantly, we’ll explain why cacao, when used properly, can fit into our ancestral, animal-based diet as a health-promoting food, not just a sweet indulgence.
The Ancient Origins of Cacao: Revered as Sacred
Cacao’s history begins thousands of years ago, long before it was associated with sugary treats. The ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations revered cacao as a sacred food, calling it “the food of the gods.” For these cultures, cacao wasn’t a luxury—it was a daily staple that was used in religious rituals, medicinal practices, and as a form of currency. They consumed cacao as a bitter, frothy drink made from ground cacao beans mixed with water, chili peppers, and spices. This drink was believed to offer strength, endurance, and mental clarity, and warriors and royalty alike highly valued it.
The Mayans and Aztecs understood cacao’s potential for promoting health and vitality. Rich in antioxidants, minerals, and mood-enhancing compounds, cacao was recognized as a source of nourishment that supported both body and mind. It wasn’t diluted with sugar or artificial ingredients; it was consumed in its pure, nutrient-dense form, providing the benefits of healthy fats and naturally occurring compounds like theobromine.
Cacao as Medicine and Strength
Cacao also had a significant role in ancient medicine. It was used to treat everything from digestive issues to inflammation and fatigue. The Aztecs believed that cacao improved heart health and could help balance the body’s natural energies. Modern research confirms what these ancient cultures intuitively knew—cacao is packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and other minerals supporting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and improving overall well-being.
For the ancient Mayan and Aztec warriors, cacao was often consumed before battles to provide sustained energy and focus, much like today’s athletes might use a pre-workout supplement. Its nutrient-dense properties made it a practical choice for those who needed endurance and strength, aligning it closely with the kind of nutrient-dense eating we promote today through our animal-based approach.
The Downfall of Cacao: The Introduction of Sugar
As cacao made its way to Europe in the 16th century, its transformation began. Initially consumed in its traditional bitter form, European aristocrats soon began adding sugar, milk, and other sweeteners to the drink, making it more palatable to the European taste. Over time, this practice led to the invention of modern chocolate, where the original health-promoting cacao was heavily diluted with processed sugar, artificial flavors, and other additives. What had once been a sacred, nutrient-dense food became a sugary treat that bore little resemblance to its origins.
Today, most chocolate bars contain only small amounts of cacao, with the majority of their ingredients coming from sugar, milk powders, and unhealthy fats. This modern version of chocolate has been stripped of nearly all its natural benefits and has instead become an addictive, harmful product. The very compounds that made cacao so special—its antioxidants, magnesium, and natural stimulants—have been overshadowed by sugar and empty calories.
At Goodnight’s Red River, we reject this modern misuse of cacao. We believe that when cacao is consumed in its pure form, it can return to its rightful place as a health-supporting superfood, much like how we value unprocessed, nutrient-dense animal products.
Rediscovering Cacao in Its Pure Form
The good news is that it’s possible to reclaim cacao’s original power by consuming it in its most natural state: pure, unsweetened, and unprocessed. This means skipping the sugary chocolate bars and opting for raw cacao beans, nibs, or pure cacao powder.
In its pure form, cacao is still packed with the nutrients that made it revered by ancient cultures. It’s rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, magnesium that supports muscle recovery and heart health, and theobromine that enhances focus and energy without the jittery effects of caffeine. These qualities make cacao a perfect addition to an animal-based diet, offering a complementary source of nutrients that can amplify the benefits of high-quality meats, eggs, and dairy.
Cacao in an Animal-Based Diet: The Perfect Complement
At Goodnight’s Red River, we emphasize eating in alignment with what our ancestors thrived on—nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods that promote long-term health. Cacao fits into this narrative when used properly. It provides healthy fats, essential minerals, and antioxidants that can enhance your diet, much like the way we use grass-fed butter or pasture-raised eggs.
Here’s how cacao can complement your animal-based diet:
- As a Pre-Workout Energy Boost: Just like the ancient warriors, you can use cacao before physical activity to improve endurance and focus. Try mixing pure cacao powder into a smoothie with Greek yogurt and coconut oil for a nutrient-dense energy boost.
- In High-Fat, Low-Carb Desserts: Cacao is the perfect ingredient for a healthy, high-fat dessert. Use it to make a sugar-free mousse with pasture-raised cream or mix it into a keto-friendly smoothie for a rich, chocolatey flavor that satisfies cravings without the sugar crash.
- As a Savory Flavor Enhancer: Cacao’s rich, earthy flavor can also be used in savory dishes. Try it as part of a spice rub for grass-fed beef or lamb, combining it with chili, cumin, and smoked paprika for a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich meal.
Returning to What’s Real
As we’ve seen, the history of cacao is a story of transformation—from a revered superfood to a processed, sugary indulgence. But we believe that it’s time to bring cacao back to its roots. By consuming cacao in its purest form, we can harness its original health benefits and use it as a powerful complement to our animal-based diet.
At Goodnight’s Red River, we’re passionate about rediscovering the foods that truly nourish us, and cacao is one of those foods. It has the power to enhance both physical and mental well-being, just as it did for ancient cultures. By avoiding modern processing and embracing cacao as it was meant to be consumed, we can reclaim its place as a vital part of a nutrient-dense, health-promoting diet.
Beyond the Chocolate Bar: Cacao’s True Role in Your Health Cacao is more than just a treat; it’s a powerful, ancient food with deep roots in human history. By understanding its true role and rejecting its modern, processed form, we can bring cacao back to its origins and use it to support both body and mind. Whether you’re incorporating it into your daily routine or using it as a special addition to your animal-based meals, cacao offers a way to enhance your diet with the nutrients our ancestors thrived on.
So let’s celebrate cacao for what it truly is—a nutrient-dense superfood that has stood the test of time. When you enjoy cacao in its pure form, you’re connecting with a tradition of nourishment that stretches back thousands of years, and that’s something worth celebrating.