Enhance your mood, energy, and brain function with Ashwagandha Cacao

As a stress management consultant and wellness professional I'm often asked about my diet and nutrition.  Lately, I'm hearing more and more from people wanting to know ways they can reduce the stress on their bodies, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms, and improve their mood and brain health through the foods they are consuming.  The overall quality of our nutrition habits does have a major impact our stress levels, mood and functioning...

I have multiple morning latte recipes that I've been asked to share with you.  This first one is a super mood and brain functioning support.  I've included the recipe here, some brief information one the ingredients, and also links to my favorite products (non of which are affiliate links - just sharing  what I'm using).

Ashwagandha Cacao
10 - 12 oz. Almond Milk
1 TBPS Cacao Powder (100% pure non-gmo)
1/4 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon (Organic)
1 tsp Ashwagandha Powder (Organic)
1 tsp Maca Powder (Organic)

Add milk to a small pot and heat on a fairly low temperature until it's steaming. Don't heat until boiling - just to a nice streaming hot. 
While the milk is heating place the Cacao, Ceylon cinnamon, Ashwagandha, and Maca to a small dish.  
Once the milk is hot, remove from the heat, add the dish of ingredients, and whisk vigorously.  You should be able to get a nice froth by just whisking for about 30-40 seconds.  Once combined well, pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.


Almond Milk - My favorite is Pacific Foods Original Almond Milk (organic), which I purchase at Sprouts.
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Cacao:
Cacao is derived from the cacao bean, is a healthy alternative to the overly-processed baking cocoa, is free of sugars and fillers, and is packed full of nutrients and antioxidants.  I like Navitas Organic Cacao Powder and also Sunfood.com Cacao.



Studies on the health benefits of 100% pure cacao along with the antioxidants it contains indicate:​

• A slowing of the aging process
• Decrease in LDL or the "bad" cholesterol
• Cardiovascular support such as, reducing blood clots and increasing blood flow in arteries and the heart.
• A boost in serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, resulting in mood improvement.
• Enhanced cognitive functioning
• Increased energy
• Improved digestion

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Ashwagandha:
​Ashwagandha root powder is made from Indian Ginseng, and if using a high quality organic powder it's chock-full of benefits such as:
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• Reducing imflammation
• Improving cardiovascular health
• Calming the nervous system and reducing cortisol levels - reducing stress and anxiety.
• Improving brain function and memory
• Reducing symptoms of depression
• Enhancing the immune system
• Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides

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Ceylon Cinnamon:
Ceylon cinnamon is different than the cinnamon most commonly purchased, and is often referred to as true cinnamon.  It is a little more expensive, however it's worth paying a little more for the quality and health benefits.  Regular cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin, which can actually lead to health problems such as liver damage, cancer, and respiratory issues.


​Ceylon cinnamon has been shown to:

• Protect the heart
• Regulate insulin levels
• Reduce cancer risk
• Protect against viruses and infections

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Maca:
​Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable native to the Peruvian Andes and is sometimes referred to as Peruvian Ginseng.  I love raw organic Maca Extreme from sunfood.com.  Maca has this nice maple like smell and adds a nice flavor to so many things.  I love adding maca to smoothies.


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Some studies show that Maca:

• May improve brain health, mood, and functioning
• Boost energy
• Support sexual health and fertility
• Reduce menopause symptoms

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I hope you try this wonderful nutrient packed Ashwaganda Cacao Latte recipe.  Let me know if you liked it.  It may take a little adjusting to if you are use to drinking high sugar beverages.  There is no sugar in this recipe.