To answer that, we have to start by looking at caffeine - the world’s most widely-used and socially-acceptable psychoactive drug. Whilst also being rich in antioxidants, a high caffeine content is coffee’s main claim to fame. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with consuming caffeine in typical doses, there are some common misconceptions about how this stimulant actually works in the body.

The binding of caffeine to adenosine receptors also stimulates the release of both adrenaline and cortisol, leading to increases in heart rate and blood pressure whilst simultaneously suppressing immune function. And all of that collectively results in the cognitive performance boost that everybody relies on to get through the day.

Caffeine has a half-life of around 5 hours - meaning that half of the consumed amount will still be present in your body 5 hours later - with most of it clearing out after about 10 hours. When you (eventually) get to sleep, your body will naturally recycle adenosine so the receptors are free for the process to begin all over again tomorrow. 

Those who are sensitive to caffeine or consume it in excess will experience their nervous systems being overstimulated, eroding any potential benefits and instead resulting in jitteriness, high heart rate or palpitations, digestive issues, anxiety and, ironically, difficulties with concentration.

Is this really the best way to get ourselves ready for the day? Caffeine does have its benefits in small doses, but at Earthrise we set out to ask more from our morning cup.

Why is this important? Theobromine is similar to caffeine in many ways and even belongs to the same family of compounds, but works much differently in the body. Like caffeine, theobromine also binds with adenosine receptors in the brain - but at a far less effective rate. 

Due to this lowered effectiveness, theobromine doesn’t trigger the release of adrenaline and cortisol like caffeine does. It actually works to dilate your blood vessels, promoting increased blood flow and decreasing blood pressure. It also has a longer half-life at around 8 hours, collectively resulting in a more gradual onset of focus and attention that sustains you for longer periods of time without overstimulating your nervous system. 

Criollo cacao does contain a small amount of caffeine, roughly 1/10th of the average coffee bean. However, due to the low dosage and accompanying theobromine content - typically present at levels 5-10x the caffeine content - your body is able to reap the benefits without becoming overwhelmed. Criollo cacao is also high in magnesium, a mineral that aids in nervous system regulation and melatonin production, so that you can get to sleep and stay asleep more easily at night.

And what makes it ceremonial grade? These beans are naturally grown in their environment of origin and experience minimal processing between the time they’re harvested and when you consume them. It ensures the highest quality of produce with the highest concentration of beneficial compounds.

Despite their prevalence in historic medicine practices, adaptogens and adaptogenic mushrooms in particular have grown in popularity in new parts of the world in recent years. While there isn’t a plethora of scientific literature available yet, the studies that have been done show great promise when it comes to the legitimacy of the benefits of regularly consuming adaptogenic mushrooms and other similar foods. We’ll be watching this space closely!