Matcha, Cacao and Super Foods: Are they worth the hype?

Spoiler alert: YES! some are!

In a world saturated with wellness trends, it's easy to become skeptical, OR hooked by the new best shiney marketing campaign or influences who have been given free stuff or get paid to promote products. That is the world we now live in. But when it comes to ceremonial cacao and matcha—particularly when they're thoughtfully combined with adaptogenic herbs and functional mushrooms— Im listening!These aren't just Instagram-worthy beverages; they're great options your gut health, hormonal balance, and overall wellbeing.

For thousands of years, traditional medicine systems have revered both cacao and matcha as sacred substances. Yang Guifei, one of ancient China's legendary beauties, credited her luminous skin to tremella mushrooms, while Aztec and Mayan civilizations used ceremonial cacao in healing rituals. Today, modern research is validating what these cultures knew instinctively: these superfoods offer profound benefits for our bodies.

Unlike the processed cocoa powder in your pantry, or a good ol block of Cadbury’s, ceremonial-grade cacao is minimally processed, preserving its rich array of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

The Gut-Brain-Heart Connection

Your gut isn't just about digestion—it's often called your "second brain" for good reason. Ceremonial cacao supports gut health through multiple pathways:

Prebiotic Power: Cacao is rich in polyphenols and prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Studies show that these compounds can increase populations of helpful microbes, while reducing potentially harmful bacteria like Fusobacterium. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved mood, better metabolic function, and even hormonal balance.

The Vagus Nerve Activation: The natural bitterness of ceremonial cacao stimulates bitter taste receptors on your tongue, which are connected to the vagus nerve. This stimulation can increase vagal activity, leading to improved digestion, reduced gut inflammation, and enhanced production of digestive enzymes. Your vagus nerve is a major player in the gut-brain axis, meaning better vagal tone supports both digestive health and emotional wellbeing.

Cacao actually has a little bit of fibre in there (hence it’s prebiotic action also), with a serving size of approx 20g contains about 2.6g to 6g of fibre, depending on the product.

Hormones and Cacao

Cacao contains compounds that directly support hormonal health:

Mood-Boosting : Ceremonial cacao is rich in l-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps produce serotonin—your happiness hormone. Remarkably, about 90% of your body's serotonin is produced in the gut, highlighting the intimate connection between digestive health and emotional balance.

Anandamide—The Bliss Molecule: Pure ceremonial cacao contains anandamide, your body's natural cannabinoid. This compound binds to the same brain receptors as CBD, supporting mood regulation, pain management, and hormonal balance. It's particularly beneficial for supporting healthy menstrual cycles and reproductive function.

PMS and Menstrual Support: Many women report that cacao helps ease cramping, bloating, and mood swings during menstruation. The magnesium content (cacao is one of nature's richest sources) helps relax muscles and regulate hormone production.

Some women will find cacao may worsen histamine - intolerance symptoms, increase anxiety (due to histamine or caffeine content - yes it does contain caffeine), or be too ‘rich’ for their gut. If this is the case, I would advise trying a much smaller dose, or diving into why it may not be suitable for you.

Heart Health and Sustained Energy

Unlike coffee's caffeine jolt, cacao contains theobromine—a gentler stimulant that provides smooth, sustained energy without the crash. Theobromine stimulates the cardiovascular system rather than the nervous system, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout your body. The result? Natural energy that works with your circadian rhythm, not against it.

Cacao's flavonoids also improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure, supporting long-term cardiovascular health.

Matcha: The Ultimate Focus Enhancer

Why Ceremonial Grade Matters: Because you consume the entire leaf (not just steeping it), you get exponentially more nutrients than regular green tea—including L-theanine, EGCG, and chlorophyll.

The Stress-Hormone Balance

Modern life keeps many of us in a constant state of low-level stress, which wreaks havoc on hormones. Matcha offers unique support:

L-Theanine's Calming Effect: This amino acid promotes relaxation without drowsiness by increasing alpha brain waves. More importantly, it helps balance cortisol—your primary stress hormone. When cortisol stays chronically elevated, it disrupts the delicate balance of other hormones including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones.

Steady Energy Without the Spike: While matcha also contains caffeine, the combination with L-theanine creates a state of "calm alertness." Unlike coffee, which can spike cortisol and create anxiety, matcha provides sustained focus without overtaxing your adrenal glands.

Gut Health and the Microbiome

Research demonstrates that matcha consumption can positively influence gut bacteria composition. A study found that drinking matcha for just two weeks increased beneficial bacteria and reduced dysbiotic or pathogenic bacteria. The polyphenols in matcha act as prebiotics, feeding the good bacteria that support digestion, immunity, and even mental health.

Matcha's anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe the digestive tract, making it beneficial for those with IBS or other gut sensitivities.

*having said that- Matcha on an empty stomach can cause gut symptoms, so please make sure you eat, and if you feel unwell after consuming Matcha - contact your healthcare professional.

Hormonal Support for Women

Emerging research suggests matcha may help with hormone-related concerns:

Blood Sugar Stability: Matcha's catechins improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for hormonal balance—especially for women with PCOS or perimenopause symptoms.

Oestrogen Metabolism: The EGCG in matcha may influence how your body processes hormones. While research is still evolving, early findings suggest it could support healthy oestrogen metabolism through liver detoxification pathways. It may also influence the ‘oestrobolome” which is the interplay between oestrogen and the microbiome.

Menstrual Cycle Support: Many women report more stable energy and fewer PMS symptoms when drinking matcha regularly. The combination of reduced inflammation, balanced blood sugar, and stress hormone regulation creates conditions for healthier cycles.

The Power Plays: Superfood Additions

Reishi: Known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," reishi is one of my favourite mushrooms!

Adaptogenic Support: Reishi helps your body adapt to stress by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—the system that controls your stress response and hormone production. By regulating this system, reishi supports balanced cortisol levels and, by extension, healthier production of sex hormones.

Hormonal Balance for Women: Studies show reishi may help with PCOS by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to its more potent form (DHT). It can also support healthy ovulation and may ease menopausal symptoms by exhibiting mild estrogen-like effects.

Gut-Immune Connection: Reishi contains beta-glucans that support gut bacteria and enhance immune function. A healthy gut and strong immunity are foundational for proper hormone production and balance.

I also love Reishi for liver support, immune support, lung support and a medicine for the Heart/ Shen.

Ashwagandha: An Ayurvedic adaptogen

Cortisol Regulation: Multiple studies show ashwagandha significantly reduces cortisol levels and anxiety scores. By lowering stress hormones, it helps prevent the cascade of hormonal imbalances that stress can trigger.

Thyroid Support: Ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone production (T3 and T4), making it potentially beneficial for those with underactive thyroid—a common cause of hormonal issues.

Gut-Brain Axis: Ashwagandha directly supports gut health by reducing stress-related inflammation and restoring healthy gut motility. It modulates GABA pathways, helping to calm the nervous system and improve digestion.

Reproductive Health: Research shows ashwagandha can improve fertility markers, regulate menstrual cycles, and support healthy testosterone levels.

Tremella: The "Beauty Mushroom"

Hydration: Tremella can hold up to 500 times its weight in water, making it nature's hyaluronic acid. This intense hydration benefits not just your skin, but your entire body—including your digestive tract.

Gut Support: Tremella contains N-acetylglucosamine, a compound that helps repair the intestinal lining. This is particularly beneficial for those with IBS, colitis, or leaky gut.

Beauty From Within: The polysaccharides in tremella stimulate collagen production and protect skin cells from oxidative damage. But the benefits go beyond skin-deep—these same compounds support overall cellular health.

Vitamin D Source: As a natural source of vitamin D (via ergosterol), tremella supports bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.

Astragalus: Vitality 

Immune Enhancement: Astragalus is celebrated for boosting the body's natural defenses and enhancing vitality.

Adaptogenic Properties: It helps the body maintain homeostasis and resist various stressors.

Anti-Inflammatory: Like the other ingredients, astragalus helps reduce chronic inflammation—a key factor in hormonal imbalance.

I love Astragalus for post-viral fatigue, immune deficiency ie getting sick all the time, Spleen and Kidney support

How to Incorporate Them Into Your Routine

Morning Ritual: Matcha for Focus

Start your day with ceremonial matcha to activate calm focus and support cortisol balance. The combination of gentle caffeine, L-theanine, and tremella provides sustained energy while nourishing your skin from within. If you are looking to cut out coffee- give Matcha a go. Remember - it does contain caffeine, so it will compound your caffeine intake for the day.

Preparation: Whisk 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder with warm water or your favorite plant milk. The tremella creates a naturally creamy texture.

Afternoon Reset: Cacao for Comfort

Replace your 2nd coffee with ceremonial cacao. The theobromine provides a gentle lift without disrupting sleep, while the adaptogenic herbs help you manage stress through the latter part of your day.

Preparation: Blend 1 tablespoon of cacao with warm milk of choice. Add honey to taste if you pefer, but I find adding Carob (another lovely prebiotic) can add sweetness naturally.

The Bottom Line: Are They Worth the Hype?

When it comes to high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha and cacao—particularly when enhanced with functional mushrooms and adaptogens—the answer is a resounding yes. Here's what the science tells us:

Gut Health: Both cacao and matcha act as prebiotics, supporting beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. The addition of tremella helps repair the gut lining, while ashwagandha reduces stress-related gut dysfunction.

Hormonal Balance: Through multiple mechanisms—stress reduction, gut healing, direct hormonal modulation, and inflammation control—these superfoods support the delicate balance of your endocrine system. Women report improvements in PMS symptoms, menstrual regularity, and menopausal discomfort.

Mental Clarity and Mood: The combination of mood-supporting compounds (l-tryptophan, anandamide, L-theanine), stress-reducing adaptogens, and gut-brain axis support creates conditions for improved mental health and cognitive function.

Sustained Energy: Unlike stimulants that tax your adrenal glands, these superfoods provide energy through improved cellular function and better stress management.

Overall Wellbeing: The antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and immune-supporting properties contribute to long-term health and vitality.

Quality Matters

Not all cacao and matcha products are created equal. Choose:

• Organic, ceremonial-grade base ingredients

• Ethically sourced

• Highest-grade certified organic mushrooms and herbs

• No artificial ingredients or added sugars (the colour of the Matcha will be a good give-away on how fresh and high quality it is!)

• Naturopathic formulations for additional elements ie herbs.

In our modern world, where stress is chronic, processed foods are ubiquitous, and hormonal imbalances are epidemic, returning to these ancient superfoods—enhanced by traditional adaptogens—offers a path back to balance. The daily ritual of mindfully preparing and consuming these beverages is itself therapeutic, creating a moment of pause in our hectic lives.

The science confirms what ancient wisdom has known: ceremonial cacao and matcha, when combined with functional mushrooms and adaptogenic herbs, are powerful tools for supporting gut health, hormonal balance, and overall vitality. They're not magic bullets—no single food is—but as part of a holistic approach to wellness, they absolutely deserve their place in the spotlight.

So yes, they're worth the hype. Your gut will thank you, your hormones will find their rhythm, and your daily ritual will become a cherished anchor of self-care.

Note: While these superfoods offer numerous benefits, they're not a substitute for medical treatment. If you're experiencing significant hormonal imbalances or gut issues, please consult with a healthcare provider. Pregnant or nursing women should also consult their doctor before adding new supplements to their routine.