Chocolate could be the key to reducing stress and boosting your mood. Holistic counsellor and raw food chef, Markeeta Hines talks about how cacao and adaptogens can provide stress relief.
Markeeta Hines often recommends people eat chocolate for stress. Busy lifestyles, the digital environment and endless streams of news broadcasts contribute to stress and anxiety. Stress can can present in a wide variety of ways. In some case, stress can present as headaches, skin conditions, chronic pain and recurrent sickness. Likewise, stress can also present as decreased energy, sleep disturbances, reduced libido, digestive complaints, appetite, depression and cardiovascular concerns.
The power of adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that known to help the body handle physical and emotional stress. Research shows that adaptogens can help combat fatigue, enhance mental performance and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Markeeta Hines is a holistic counsellor and raw food chef. She was formerly the owner and head chef at Namaste Nourishment in Ballarat. Since closing Namaste Nourishment, Markeeta now makes raw-food treats for a select number of cafes and health food stores. Markeeta says that chocolate can be enjoyed guilt-free. Moreover, when prepared in the right way, chocolate has many nutritional benefits. For instance, Markeeta enhances her raspberry fudge pops with schizandra and goji berry. Schizandra and goji berries are known to support women’s health, boost endurance, and improve mental performance. In addition, these herbs may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and help with sleep imbalances.
Markeeta uses cacao in all of her creations. Cacao is an adaptogen. Studies have found that cacao triggers the release of endorphins and mood-enhancing neurochemicals in the brain. This in turn helps the body to resist stress. In fact, cacao is a plant medicine that has been around for thousands of years. It is known as the ‘Gift of the Gods.’ That’s right – there is an actual reason we reach for chocolate in times of stress!
“Most chocolate on the market is produced with the use of heat and is highly processed. I use pure cacao that is raw and minimally processed. Cacao which is eaten in this way can act as an aphrodisiac, sedative, and mood elevator. It can also reduce inflammation and have a positive effect on the adrenals. The adrenals glands that produce hormones and regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and stress response,” Markeeta says.
Come and taste it for yourself
Go Vita Ballarat is proud to be a stockist of Markeeta’s range of cakes and slices. The range changes regularly so customers should check the slice fridge for the different varieties available. Cherry Ripe Cheesecake, Snickers Cheesecake, Rose Truffles, and Raspberry Fudge Pops are the most popular.
We are more than happy to box up a collection of these wholesome treats (that are raw, vegan and gluten free*) to create a guilt-free dessert platter.
Markeeta also facilitates ‘Cacao Ceremonies.’ Cacao ceremonies are a type of shamanic healing that activates the heart chakra. They can help to rebalance the energies in the body to regain health. Cacao ceremonies can also guide you on a journey to the emotional centre of your body – the heart.
You can contact Markeeta via her Instagram.
(*some products may contain oats).
