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Nutritional Powerhouse, Part 2 of 2: The Incredible Benefits of our Cognitive Cacao Coffee Blend

5 min read time Jun 30, 2025

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If you joined us last week and read part one of this article, you would have a clear understanding of why we chose two specific ingredients to support the downregulation of caffeine and support foundational energy levels.

Now, let’s move on to the three other foods in our Organic Cognitive Cacao and Coffee Blend used to nourish the brain and support cognitive health.

Cacao: The food of the gods

First up is cacao, which is one of nature's most wondrous creations, revered as one of the most incredible foods on earth, and valued by shamans and ethnobotanists alike.

It was even used as currency by the Mayans and Aztecs. Cacao beans are the rawest, most pure, and unadulterated form of what you may know as chocolate.

Untreated, raw, organic cacao has been used for centuries as a wonderfully nourishing food. This food is precisely what Hippocrates had in mind when he said,

“Let food be thy medicine.”

Rich in the flavanols epicatechin and catechin, with procyanidins providing the majority of antioxidant activity. The experience of eating a nourishing form of cacao can be attributed to the synergy of unique compounds in this food.

1) Theobromine: The powerful Antioxidant

Theobromine, also known as caffeine’s cousin, is primarily found in cacao and tea. In one 50-gram serving of cacao, you might discover about 250 mg of theobromine. Featured in Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers found that this remarkable compound offers significant antioxidant properties, could be considered a safe and natural alternative for supporting specific health ailments, and is a lead compound for potentially developing novel future therapies.

2) Phenylethylamine (PEA): The feel-good chemical

Phenylethylamine (PEA) is the actual love compound found in cacao. While PEA is in cacao only in small amounts, it carries a significant effect. Via stimulation of the nervous system, PEA may trigger the release of endorphins and potentiate the activity of dopamine associated with sexual arousal and pleasure. So, in other words, that restless feeling you have when you are in love is primarily due to PEA.

Lion's Mane: The Great Nootropic Mushroom

Next up is Lion's Mane, which is considered a leader in the category of Nootropics.

Nootropics are a category of substances (both natural and synthetic) that show potential for improving cognitive function through relaxation, supporting a healthy mood, memory, attention, and creativity.

For any substance to be considered a nootropic, it must do the following:

Enhance learning and memory.
Enhance the resistance of learned behaviors and memories to conditions that tend to disrupt them.
Protect the brain against a broad spectrum of physical or chemical injuries.
Increase our ability to focus and pay attention
Lack of common side effects that are related to other psychotropic drugs
Be non-toxic at clinical dosages

The growing evidence on Lion's Mane is showing its ability to support two areas of neurological health.

Neuroplasticity is “The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections after injuries.” Simply put, the brain can change and adapt due to experiences. For example, it is finding a new way to the store or remembering someone’s name.
Neurogenesis is the growth and development of nerve tissue.

According to a review article in Frontiers, neurogenesis function is “The neural proliferate, migrate, and differentiate into mature neurons that eventually form the central nervous system.”

Based on our current understanding of this complex process, neurogenesis may play a role in memory and learning systems, as well as in protecting the brain from the adverse effects of chronic stress. .

Finally, the ingredient that brings it all together: MCT Oil.

MCT Powder: A Fatty Acid with Unique Qualities

To achieve optimal synergy and brain nourishment with this blend, a unique source of fatty acids is essential. Therefore, we picked medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

There are four main types of MCTs:

Caproic acid (C6) is an oily liquid at room temperature that may support healthy production of blood ketones. It’s found in animal fats and several plants and is slightly soluble in water with an unpleasant odor.
Caprylic Acid (C8) has been shown to support healthy energy, boost ketone production, and facilitate weight loss.
Capric Acid (C10) has many of the same properties as caprylic acid (C8) (e.g., it boosts ketones, is antimicrobial, and can help reduce body fat, but it generally takes a bit longer for the body to process into ketones.
Lauric Acid (C12) is a significant component of coconut oil. Like C8 and C10, lauric acid also possesses antimicrobial action. Still, because it’s a bigger molecule (more carbon atoms connected), it takes even longer to break down and isn’t optimal for ketone production.

Our MCT Oil Powder is primarily C8 and C10 with the following typical composition:

C8 (Caprylic) = 50%
C10 (Capric) = 35%

The Purpose of picking MCTs for our blend

One of the key mechanisms of action for MCTs is the generation of ketones. They are believed to provide the brain cells with an energy source more efficient than glucose, supporting metabolic changes that include directly inhibiting AMPA receptors (glutamate receptors) and altering cell energetics through mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, the characteristics of MCTs make them easier to digest, absorb, and metabolize than long-chain fatty acids.

There are many examples of how the need for fats is present to maximize the bioavailability of various nutrients and compounds. One example is how studies are showing that the presence of MCTs improves the bioavailability of fish oil and marine phospholipids.

Another example is the examination of Mediterranean lifestyle research. Tomatoes are a key food in the Mediterranean diet because they are an excellent source of many potent carotenoids. However, it has been shown that tomatoes cooked in olive oil yield a much better level and absorption of these various carotenoids.

In conclusion, while a simple cup of coffee offers potent polyphenolic compounds, it has its pitfalls: the rollercoaster ride it brings to your mind and body. However, all is not lost.

The world of functional coffee products may have solved this problem. By creating a functional coffee blend with specific intentions using the right ingredients, you provide potent nourishment while also preventing the depleting effects of caffeine.

Now, you have taken something from ordinary to extraordinary. Remember, a functional coffee blend is not just about downregulating the effects of caffeine. Instead, it is about creating a healthy, sustainable energy and a focused mind.

Our Organic Cognitive Cacao and Coffee blend has a wide range of uses and endless potential for culinary creativity. With a deep, rich coffee flavor and the richness of cacao, this powerful blend exhibits excellent potential for limitless culinary expression. The potent effect and mild earthiness of medicinal mushrooms, combined with the MTC oil, create a beautiful synergy with all their other ingredients.

We are proud to introduce our customers to the incredible benefits of our newest addition to our diverse line of functional food blends: Z Natural Foods Organic Unsweetened Cognitive Cacao and Coffee Blend.

About Michael Stuchiner, Master Herbalist
Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing and has worked in different areas of this field for over 25 years. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about the use of medicinal and tonic herbs, as well as foods traditionally found in local markets in the 35 countries he has visited. Michael brings you his years of experience as a Master Herbalist, traveler, and athlete through the hundreds of articles he has written and his YouTube channel (A Master Herbalist Perspective). He is considered a true educator in this field. For more articles written by Mike, go here: Master Herbalist.