A guest article by Eva-Maria Kölker
As a female coach with a focus on holistic women's health and cycle awareness, I see the intestines as the key to our well-being. We women in particular often feel the effects of our cycle in our digestion - bloating, constipation or diarrhea can be annoying companions. That's why it's important to support our intestines with a targeted, cycle- and intestine-friendly diet.
A valuable tool that I often recommend in my accompaniments is ritual raw cacao. This powerful food, which comes from ancient traditions, contains ingredients that not only have a relaxing and heart-opening effect, but also nourish and strengthen our intestinal flora. In my guest article, you will learn how raw cacao promotes intestinal health and what special benefits it brings for women during their cycle.
The Power of Raw Cacao: How its Ingredients Strengthen Your Gut
In a diet that is good for your cycle and gut, it is important to consciously choose foods that strengthen our gut. Raw cacao is a real powerhouse here. The unique ingredients of this "superfood" not only have a positive effect on our body, but can also actively support our intestinal flora. Let's take a closer look at the ingredients:
Flavonoids: Support of the intestinal flora
Flavonoids in raw cacao can promote the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. These antioxidants have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen the intestinal flora - particularly important during hormonal fluctuations in the cycle.
Dietary fiber: food for the good bacteria
The fiber in raw cacao can promote the growth of healthy intestinal flora and support digestion, which is particularly helpful for hormonal digestive problems such as constipation.
Magnesium: Relaxation for the intestines
Raw cacao is rich in magnesium, which relaxes the intestinal muscles and stimulates digestion. Magnesium can relieve constipation, especially in the luteal phase.
Theobromine: Gentle digestive stimulation
Theobromine gently stimulates the digestive system without putting a strain on the body and keeps the metabolism in balance – ideal for menstrual cycle-related digestive sluggishness.
Antioxidants: Protection for the intestinal cells
The antioxidants in raw cacao protect the intestinal cells from oxidative stress and strengthen the intestinal barrier, which can prevent inflammation.
Your intestinal flora loves ritual cacao!
Our intestines react very sensitively to nutrition, stress and hormones. It is particularly important for us women, whose intestinal flora is influenced by the cycle, to promote balance in the intestinal flora. Ritual raw cacao can help here.
Raw cacao can support the growth of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli (through its flavonoids and fiber). These bacteria strengthen digestion and the immune system, which brings noticeable improvements, especially for menstrual-related digestive problems.
Another benefit of raw cacao is its anti-inflammatory effect. It can protect the intestinal mucosa and promote regeneration, which can be particularly helpful for women with digestive problems such as bloating or constipation during the second half of the cycle. It also has a prebiotic effect by supporting the growth of good intestinal bacteria.
From my experience working with women, I can report balanced digestion and improved well-being after regularly consuming ritual raw cacao. A daily raw cacao ritual is not only a moment of enjoyment, but also a valuable support for the intestines.
Raw cacao in the cycle: gentle support for your digestion
Hormonal fluctuations during the cycle have a strong influence on digestion. Especially in the luteal phase , when progesterone levels rise, bowel movement slows down and can lead to constipation and bloating. The magnesium content in raw cacao can help relax the intestinal muscles and prevent constipation. Flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory effect and soothe the intestines.
During menstruation, however, the hormonal changes can lead to increased bowel movements and diarrhea. Theobromine in raw cacao has a regulating effect on the intestines, as it stabilizes and calms digestion.
A cacao ritual before and during your period can not only improve digestion, but also increase emotional well-being and noticeably alleviate digestive problems. The combination of magnesium, fiber and theobromine promotes balanced digestion and supports the intestinal flora.
A practical ritual to support intestinal health with raw cacao
A daily or weekly raw cacao ritual can gently support your gut health and give you a moment of self-care. Here are simple instructions:
Preparation of raw cacao
Heat 200-300 ml of water or plant-based milk, stir in 30g of raw cacao and dissolve the cacao mass in the warm liquid. Optionally, you can round off your cacao experience with cinnamon, cardamom or my personal favorite Mindfull Bliss. The mindful preparation alone will put you in a meditative state.
Mindful Drinking
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, hold the cup in both hands and breathe deeply into your stomach. Notice the smell of the cacao and the spices and let them work their magic on you. Take the first sip consciously and feel the warmth and taste of the cacao. Visualize how the cacao calms and supports your intestines and gives you inner warmth and security.
Application and regularity
Use the ritual daily or weekly to relieve digestive problems, especially during the luteal phase or during menstruation.
-> My favorite cacao is the Ritual Cacao BODY because it activates me slightly and helps me to connect with my body.
Ritual raw cacao is more than a luxury item – it is a valuable ally for your intestinal health.
With its nutrient-rich ingredients, it can support healthy intestinal flora, relieve cycle-related digestive problems and promote your general well-being.
Integrate this powerful ritual into your everyday life and experience the positive effects on your body and mind.
All the best, Eva
Eva supports conscious women with PMS symptoms, period pain and intense emotions through body awareness and inner connection to emotional and hormonal balance in the cycle and menopause. In her 1:1 mentoring and group support, she combines experience and expertise from the areas of holistic women's health, nutrition, intestinal health and mental health. With FEMALE yoga and massage, bodywork is included as an important building block for emotional health.
Instagram: @evamaria.koelker
Website: www.gesund-mit-eva.de
Mini online course “BalancedCycleFood” (cycle-friendly nutrition): www.gesund-mit-eva.de/balancedcyclefood/
