Written by Camilla dos Santos, Functional Naturopath
Camilla is a certified Naturopath and Functional Medicine practitioner, a member of both the ANP and GNC, and additionally Ambassador for CNM, who specialised in endocrine health and using holistic techniques to heal root causes of illness. As seen in The Times, Vogue, Financial Times, Standard, Liz Earle Well-bein, and Issuu.
Chocolate is an ancient indulgence adored for centuries, from the rich, velvety treats enjoyed by the Aztecs to the modern-day bars lining supermarket shelves. Yet, despite its popularity, much of what we know about chocolate today is disconnected from its origins and true potential. As the world becomes more conscious of health, wellness, and sustainability, it’s time to reassess our relationship with this beloved treat and embrace the healing powers of cacao. Kollibri Chocolate, a transformative new brand, offers a gateway to a healthier, more conscious way of enjoying chocolate. With a focus on cacao's healing benefits, ethical sourcing, and purity, Kollibri Chocolate is poised to change how we think about chocolate and our bodies.
Reconnecting with the ancient origins of cacao
Cacao, chocolate's main ingredient, is not simply a sugary indulgence; it is a powerful plant used for centuries by indigenous peoples in Central and South America for its energizing and healing properties. The cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, is native to the Americas’ tropical rainforests, and its beans were once so highly valued they were used as currency. The word “theobroma” itself translates to "food of the gods," a fitting title for a substance revered for its life-enhancing properties.
The strain of cacao used in Kollibri Chocolate is Criollo, the oldest and most prized variety. Unlike other types of cacao, Criollo is less bitter and more aromatic, known for its delicate flavor profile and higher nutritional value. It is also the rarest variety, often considered a true superfood due to its abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. By reconnecting with Criollo cacao, we honor the traditions of the ancient civilizations that first cultivated this sacred plant and unlock its full healing potential.
In many indigenous cultures, cacao was consumed as a drink and regarded as sacred medicine. Ancient Mesoamerican peoples understood cacao’s ability to uplift the spirit, boost energy, and enhance focus. Today, we are rediscovering these benefits as we learn more about how cacao can positively impact our mental and physical health.
The dark side of modern chocolate
Despite cacao’s rich history as a health-promoting superfood, the modern chocolate industry has largely stripped it of its beneficial qualities. Commercial chocolate bars are often packed with high amounts of sugar, dairy, and artificial additives that overshadow cacao’s natural goodness. Most chocolates on the market are mass-produced with bulking agents and emulsifiers like soy lecithin, sunflower seed oil, or palm oil. These ingredients are not only of lower nutritional value but may also contribute to inflammation in the body.
Soy lecithin, for example, is commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize chocolate’s texture. However, most soy used in food products today is genetically modified (GMO), and consuming GMO foods has been linked to low-grade inflammation. Inflammation is a process that occurs when the body’s immune system responds to injury or harmful stimuli. While acute inflammation is essential for healing, chronic low-grade inflammation can be harmful, contributing to a wide range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and even brain dysfunction.
Similarly, sunflower seed oil and other vegetable oils used in commercial chocolate are often refined and high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can disrupt the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body. This imbalance can contribute to inflammation, increasing the risk of chronic disease. By avoiding these inflammatory ingredients, Kollibri Chocolate provides a healthier, purer alternative that supports overall wellness.
Kollibri chocolate: A pure, adaptogenic approach
Kollibri Chocolate is a revolutionary brand offering a new perspective on cacao. Created by Camilla dos Santos, a naturopath and functional medicine practitioner, and Henry Hayden, a medical anthropologist, Kollibri combines the wisdom of ancient cacao traditions with modern science. Their mission is simple: to bring you a chocolate that nourishes your body, enhances your well-being, and honors the environment.
At the heart of Kollibri Chocolate is Criollo cacao, sourced from small, organic farms that prioritize sustainability and ethical farming practices. By choosing this rare and ancient variety of cacao, Kollibri supports biodiversity and promotes the preservation of this valuable crop. Unlike mass-produced chocolates that rely on large-scale industrial farming practices, Kollibri’s cacao is grown with care and respect for both the land and the people who cultivate it.
In addition to using only the finest cacao, Kollibri Chocolate is crafted with minimal ingredients, ensuring that every bite is as pure and nourishing as possible. The bars contain no dairy, no refined sugars, and no artificial additives. Instead, Kollibri relies on natural sweeteners like coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index than traditional sugar, making it a better option for blood sugar balance. The chocolate is also free from soy lecithin, sunflower seed oil, and other inflammatory ingredients, allowing you to enjoy cacao’s full benefits without the negative side effects.
Kollibri Chocolate is also adaptogenic, meaning it helps the body respond to stress and promote balance. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to external stressors by supporting the adrenal glands and balancing hormone levels. Cacao itself is considered an adaptogen, as it can enhance mood, improve cognitive function, and promote relaxation. This makes Kollibri Chocolate not only a delicious treat but also a tool for supporting mental and physical health in today’s fast-paced world.
The healing power of cacao
So why should we consider changing our perspective on chocolate? The key lies in understanding cacao’s immense healing potential when consumed in its purest, most natural form. Cacao is a rich source of antioxidants, including flavonoids, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. It also contains magnesium, which supports heart health, and tryptophan, an amino acid that helps regulate mood by promoting serotonin production.
Cacao’s ability to enhance brain function and boost mood is well-documented. Studies have shown that regular consumption of dark chocolate with a high cacao content can improve cognitive performance, increase blood flow to the brain, and even promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections. Additionally, cacao contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that can boost mood and create feelings of pleasure; this is why eating chocolate often brings joy and comfort.
Furthermore, cacao can support heart health by improving circulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The flavonoids found in cacao have been shown to improve endothelial function, reduce blood pressure, and enhance overall heart health. This makes cacao a true superfood that can positively impact a wide range of bodily systems, from the cardiovascular to the nervous system.
The future of kollibri chocolate
As the wellness movement continues to grow, people are increasingly seeking food that nourishes both their bodies and the planet. Kollibri Chocolate aligns with this shift toward conscious consumption, offering a product that is as healing as it is indulgent. By choosing Kollibri, you are not only treating yourself to a high-quality, ethical product but also supporting small-scale farmers and sustainable practices that prioritize the environment’s well-being.
Kollibri Chocolate is currently available online and on Instagram, where fans can discover the brand’s story and explore its offerings. In the near future, Kollibri will expand into health stores around the country, making it even easier for consumers to access this healing chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a healthy treat to enjoy on its own or a way to elevate your daily wellness routine, Kollibri offers a chocolate experience that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
By embracing cacao’s healing properties through products like Kollibri Chocolate, we can shift our mindset and embrace this ancient superfood’s full potential. As we reconnect with cacao traditions and make more mindful choices about what we consume, we can unlock a new level of health and well-being one delicious bite at a time.
Camilla dos Santos, Functional Naturopath
Born and raised in Southern Africa, Camilla was immersed in a rich tapestry of nature's diversity and vitality from an early age.
Certified Naturopath and Functional Medicine practitioner, member of both the ANP and GNC, and additionally Ambassador for CNM, Camilla has led the Coach House spa (Beaverbrook), for the past 4 years, offering Functional Naturopathic counselling, holistic journeys (breathwork and meditation), and complementary treatments such as HBOT, IV infusions. As seen in Times, Vogue, Financial Times, Standard, Liz Earle Well-bein, and Issuu.
