Ask not how many calories are in your food; ask how many nutrients are in your calories.  Within the parameters of this question, live the scales for weighing the unregulated word, "Superfood." 

With relentless reminders that too many calories are to blame for our obesity epidemic, we often forget that calories are simply a unit of measurement for food energy.  Calories are the macronutrients of the diet; made up of fats, protein and carbohydrates.  Vitamin and mineral micronutrients are the true heavy-weights, the vital components of the macronutrient lacking in what is termed the Empty Calorie. 

Empty calories are carbohydrates and fats, void of nutritional value, and theirs is the leading role in over-consumption leading to obesity, lethargy and disease.  With these parameters in mind, we can say, a Superfood is a food whose macronutrients abound with the weight of their micronutrients, and to this definition, our humble Capomo (Maya Nut) stands up strong and proud.

Now for the math:  

With 395 calories per 100 grams of Capomo, carbohydrates make up 88% of those calories.  Fiber accounts for 6% of these carbohydrate calories, lowering the glycemic index, or the rate at which the blood absorbs broken down sugars, thus decreeing Capomo a complex carbohydrate.  All 9 essential amino acids plus 10 more make up 11% of Capomo's calories in protein, and fat comprises the last 1%.  Within these macronutrients are the following micronutrients, in order of nutrient density; potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, niacin, zinc, iron, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, copper, manganese, vitamin b6, thiamine, riboflavin, selenium, and vitamin A.

Many thanks to Mary at Summerville Antique Gallery for the use of her beautiful cast iron kitchen scale.

L-tryptophan present in both Capomo and cow's milk, may offer peace to sleepless nights, by activating the brain chemistry responsible for regulation of circadian rhythm - namely, serotonin and melatonin.  As we will explore, a spoonful of honey or sugar may be integral in this chemical reaction and response.  Note:  we have yet to be told that Capomo causes drowsiness, so while this is a gentle method for encouraging sleep, Capomo remains a non-sedating beverage for day time enjoyment.

Tattva's Herbs favorite Capomo preparation is the Saucepan Method.  A ratio of 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons to 1 1/2 cups of water on the stovetop at a low simmer, for 10 to 15 minutes, yields a full-flavored Capomo brew.  I stay beside my pan ready to reduce heat as needed, as Capomo can come to a boil quickly. Capomo enjoys her extended time in the saucepan, unfolding her wings of flavor, building layer upon layer of pillowy cacao notes, mahogany brown as puppy dog eyes. Subtle spicy aromatics fill the air and prepare the senses for relaxation. Remove from heat and strain into your favorite cup, add milk - used as a remedy for sleeplessness for centuries - and sweetener to taste.  

L-tryptophan, also present to a small degree in milk, is a precursor to serotonin, which the pineal gland then converts to melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating circadian rhythm. It is postulated that increased carbohydrate consumption along side l-tryptophan increases it's ability to cross the blood brain barrier, thus, I encourage a healthy spoonful of honey or sugar, if such sweet treats are allowed in your evening calorie count.

May your sleep be sweet and deep.

Sometimes the small things carry us through the big things, like our momental coffee-time that brings energy and cheer to a full day of hard work.  Giving up this small pleasure during pregnancy can be a big disruption, but when little ones come to town, we must confess, “see you later, Old Friend.”  Now, I have as complex a relationship with coffee as the next gal; love the cascading gestalt of flavor and aroma, hate the dependency.  I love the stimulating pause for reflection, hate the extreme energy swings.  I find the headaches that only a well-timed cuppa can cure quite inconvenient, but somehow always worth its tasty charm.  So I would be the last person to suggest anybody say “good-bye” to their faithful friend.  However, when we must, we must, and let it be a reassurance that we need not loose the hard-earned ritual we give to ourselves in this hectic life, but instead replace caffeinated coffee with nutrient-rich, naturally caffeine-free Capomo (Maya Nut).  

Whether your cup of joe is a cold, creamy latte in the morning or a steamy black espresso shot after lunch, Capomo can ease into your unique ceremony without a hiccup of complaint from your tastebuds or your body.  The Capomo seed (Brosimum Alicastrum) decoction and milky latex, has been traditionally used by Meso-American and neighboring island cultures as a galactogogue - a plant tonic to stimulate, sustain, and nutrify breast milk.  In fact, another tree in the same genus, Brosimum Galactodendron, is actually called “Milk tree” or “Cow tree” because the trunks give out enough milk to drink!   Several preparations from these tree siblings generously offer their milk-stimulating benefit to both Mamma and Baby, including the traditional decoction, preparing Capomo as a drink like coffee.  As you would imagine, the pure plant milk acts as a galactogogue as well, but we would need to travel to the jungle to drink it!

If you decide not to breast feed, you and your developing child still benefit from Capomo’s generosity, for equal amounts of calcium and magnesium help build strong bones and teeth.  Capomo boasts a rich amino acid profile providing all 9 essential amino acids, plus 10 more, including L-lysine and L-tryptophan.  As much as 15% of the roasted nuts or the dried flour (used in baking) comprise this hearty protein content.  A myriad of micro-nutrients work hard to prepare your body for the Labor ahead including iron, folic acid, B vitamins, vitamin A, zinc, and a heaping serving of potassium.  This full array of macro and micro nutrients also help ease irritating withdrawal symptoms, so you can drop the caffeine, keep your ritual, and assist your body in the job she now anticipates.  

Many blessings to the Mammas and the Babies, from Tattva’s Herbs and Capomo Maya Nut!  

The Maya Nut tree was the staple food to indigenous peoples all through its habitat, but over past years has fallen out of recognition.  The Maya Nut Institute, a non-profit public charity devoted to “find balance between people, food and forest,” exists to bring knowledge of this bounty back to the people.  Since their 2001 inception, more than 600 rural and indigenous women have established 25 fully autonomous Maya Nut businesses with a strong emphasis on both education and re-forestation.  The Maya Nut Institute’s reforestation partners have planted over 2,000,000 trees in Haiti, Columbia, Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico.  So why would an entire non-profit organization devote all its work to a single species of tree?

The Maya Nut tree compels humans in many ways, but most notably, one Maya Nut tree can produce as much as 800 pounds of food in a given year, and live to over 100 years. Though native to the rain forests, it thrives in a wide range of ecosystems, making it an important climate-change resistant food source.  The fruit is eaten by avian and mammalian animals, the seeds used by people for both food and medicine; even the leaves can be steamed and eaten like spinach!  Check out our friends at the Maya Nut Institute.