Beans have often been called the magical fruit because, well, you know. But what if there was an even more magical bean that you've never heard of?
We are excited to introduce you to Macambo, the brain bean.
Macambo Beans
Macambo (Theobroma Bicolor) is cacao’s incredible cousin, also known as Jaguar or Masculine cacao. This super bean has been used for centuries by the Native peoples because of its benefits.
Macambo comes from the fruit of a ten million year old tree that was once cacao but evolved into a unique species deep in the Amazon rainforest. It grows around cacao in Peru, towering above and shading it from the sun like a protector.
Its brain-like shape is a beautiful coincidence, as it provides many brain health benefits and supports the gut-brain connection.
Nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in Macambo Beans
So what’s in these nutty and delicious beans?
These little guys are rich in prebiotic fiber. Twelve gives you nine grams of fiber, which is great for feeding your good bacteria. Unlike most beans, the type of fiber in them is not gassy and won’t cause bloating; it is just good food for your good bacteria. They use these fibers to produce beneficial postibiotics like butyric acid.
They have a great fat profile, low in omega-six and high in the beneficial fatty acid omega-nine.
Omega-nine supports:
Healthy energy levels
They are great for a quick pick me up when you are feeling sluggish.
Healthy cholesterol levels
Healthy eyes
Great for dry eyes
Nourished skin
Great for dry skin
Healthy lungs
Healthy liver
Healthy joints
Healthy gut and microbiome
Healthy immune function
Healthy cytokine balance
Macambo is rich in several beneficial compounds. They include:
Theobromine, which supports
Healthy cardiovascular system
Healthy circulation and blood flow.
Healthy mood.
Healthy alertness, focus, and concentration
Eat them before a test or situation where you must be on point.
Healthy lung function
Theophylline, which supports
Healthy lung function.
Healthy muscle relaxation.
Polyphenols are a class of compounds found in many plant foods that are potent antioxidants and great prebiotics.
These little beans pack some big benefits!
How to use macambo beans
You can use them in lots of different ways. Enjoy straight from the bag, crumbled over desserts and drinks, or sprinkled on salads for a unique flavor twist. Blend with milk to create a delicious, nutty hot or cold beverage. Grind into a paste and add to desserts, baking, sweets, or savory dishes.
They make a delicious topping on a maca or cacao latte.
Sustainability and ethics of macambo beans
Macambo beans are very rare in the wild and can easily be overharvested, which would lead to them becoming extinct very quickly if lots of companies did it, which is why you should never buy while harvested ones. It is only found in South America, and some parts of Central America, and it has a beautiful spiritual and physical relationship with cacao in traditional cacao production.
We are excited to be able to supply Macambo beans directly from a family farm in Peru that grows them organically. It grows over the cacao, helping to provide shade and protect the cacao. It is not being wild harvested, so it will not affect wild populations of the plant. The farmers are paid a fair price for their crops. This allows all of us to experience the benefits of this incredible food without causing harm to the environment while helping to provide a good living for family farmers. A true win-win!
Use code Macambo at checkout to save ten percent!