Join Kevin (our Nutrition Noob) and Michelle (the Registered Holistic Nutritionist) as they nerd out with special guest María Mancini Cenobio, who owns and operates Mayana Cacao, continuing their two-part deep dive into cacao, the "Food of the Gods." In this rich, flavorful episode, they unpack:

Health Benefits of Quality Chocolate

• How cacao flavanols boost nitric oxide, aiding blood flow, reducing diabetes risk, and protecting heart and brain health
• Insights from the Kuna people and Harvard’s Norman Hollenberg: how drinking 5 cups of cacao daily contributed to low rates of stroke, dementia, and hypertension

Mood, Mind & Metabolism

• The role of anandamide and theobromine in serotonin release, mental well-being, and gentle energy—plus why dark chocolate can outshine coffee for calm alertness
• Evidence-backed portion guides: just half an ounce of dark chocolate boosts antioxidant levels and supports LDL oxidation control

Ethical & Environmental Impact

• Why paying more for single-origin, ethically sourced cacao helps farmers thrive, protects biodiversity, and ensures premium quality—as María shares from her own small-batch chocolate-making venture

Practical Tips & Tasting Takeaways

• Learn how to choose high‑quality dark chocolate: minimal ingredients, high cacao percentage, transparency on sourcing
• Discover how to enjoy cacao mindfully—whether as a soothing drinking chocolate or baking-grade ingredient
• Expert advice on balancing taste and nutrition while minimizing sugar and caffeine intake

You can find María's chocolate at mayana.ca, and she is offering our Noobs 10% off by using code "N4N10" at checkout on her website. Thanks María!

Maria's company: https://www.mayana.ca/

Ready to fall in love with chocolate all over again? Tune in to rediscover cacao—from its ancestral roots to its modern-day superfood benefits. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us at n4noobs@gmail.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nutritionfornoobs.