ancient maya, cacao, new discoveries

Cacao Not Only for the Gods: New Insights Into Ancient Maya

It was the money that grew on trees. Said to be a gift from the gods, cacao for the ancient Maya was considered sacred and was used not only as a currency but also in special ceremonies and religious rituals. It’s the progenitor plant of chocolate, and notions of luxury are embedded in its lore. ...

Troy Oakes

Ancient maya preparing cacao.

How to Lower Your Blood Pressure Without Medication

Want to know how to lower your blood pressure without medication? One in 10 people in Australia is on medication for high blood pressure. What many people don’t know is that it is a condition that can be reversed or reduced by reducing our risk factors. This can all be done naturally through many of ...

Health by Nature

Ancient Maya Sacred Cacao Tree Groves

For as much as modern society worships chocolate, cacao — the plant chocolate comes from — was believed to be even more divine to ancient Mayas. The Maya considered cacao beans to be a gift from the gods and even used them as currency because of their value. As such, cacao bean production was carefully ...

Troy Oakes

Researcher Chris Balzotti in rainnforest.