What is Cocoa?
Cocao beans are rich food that offers both antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. Cocoa beans are raw form of seeds.
These trees are native to Mexico, Central, and South America. Small trees called theobroma cocoa, whose name comes from Greek, contain about 40 to 60 pods of cocoa seeds.
Seeds are extracted from the pods after harvest. After the drying process of these seeds which are subjected to natural fermentation and drying process is completed within 1-2 weeks, they are used as raw cocoa beans.
The raw cocoa beans used in the making of chocolate we all know and love so much are roasted and then combined with sugar and fat. The high heat applied in roasting generally reduces strong benefits and antioxidant levels of raw cocoa.
It is simple to use. Not only are they used in desserts, yogurt, mixed drinks, but cereal or oatmeal can also be sprinkled on foods. Raw cocoa is both health benefits and gives the food an excellent flavor.
9 Wonderful Health Benefits Of Cocoa
Effects on Blood Pressure
Because of rich in flavonoids, it helps lower blood pressure by improving the flexibility of blood vessels. In this study, it was shown that consuming cocoa-based products instead of green and black tea led to positive changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
On the other hand, cocoa containing antioxidants may support blood vessels as it stimulates the production of nitric oxide. Moreover, this helps to maintain a healthy circulatory system.
Good For Heart Health
Cocoa beans have proven to be quite beneficial for heart health. The polyphenols have been beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Research has shown that polyphenols found in cocoa beans can lower blood pressure.
On the other hand, the fact that these seeds also contain magnesium makes Cocoa an important food for heart health. Cocoa, which helps the heart pump blood effectively, also reduces the risk of blood clots thanks to the magnesium it contains. This, in turn, prevents the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Lowers Cholesterol
It can reduce levels of bad cholesterol, known as LDL, in the blood. It can prevent the risk of heart attack or stroke because of prevents LDL oxidation. According to information obtained in clinical trials, cocoa can also increase levels of good cholesterol called HDL.
Improves Brain Function
It can improve brain function. According to a study at the University of Nottingham, it can increase blood flow in the brain.
Cocoa, which can increase levels of short-term memory and general alertness for short periods, is also able to fight insomnia because it contains high levels of flavanol. Cocoa, which improves concentration and memory, is an excellent food for brain functions.
It is a Natural Antidepressant
It contains enzymes that are known to be beneficial for fighting depression. Serotonin, dopamine, and phenylethylamine (PEA) are used by the body to promote positive mental health and a sense of well-being. Also, it contains other beneficial enzymes that are designed to aid long-lasting feelings of happiness.
Energy Source
A cup of hot cocoa makes you feel good and can help you achieve an increase in energy levels. The stimulants found in cocoa beans are very supportive in this regard. Also, consuming cocoa can be beneficial for relieving anxiety.
Balances Blood Sugar
It can act on cells to control blood sugar. Clinical tests with healthy people found that cocoa foods and drinks did not raise blood sugar. Pure cocoa is a food product that has the least effect on blood sugar compared to other products.
Prevents Cancer
Cancer has become a rapidly increasing disease in recent years. Reproductive cancers such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer are among the most common types of cancer.
According to a study conducted in the United States, components in cocoa protect normal cells, especially through polyphenols, thus helping to stop the proliferation of breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells.
Strengthens Immune System
Research has shown that cocoa can also increase immune function as it aids the cognitive and detoxification system. It is said to be able to support both regulating certain immune cells and modulating immune function.
Because it increases the oxygenation of the brain, it can be beneficial in diseases such as dementia. Finally, raw organic cocoa powder has a high fiber content, thus facilitating detoxification by removing pollution from the body.
14 Amazing Health Benefits Of Cocoa Butter
It has become a favorite product all over the world. Cocoa butter, which adds a creamy and rough texture to most chocolates, has many health benefits. This natural oil has been used for many years in the pharmaceutical, food and ointment industry.
Cocoa butter, on the other hand, has become an indispensable ingredient in the skincare products and cosmetics sector due to strong therapeutic properties. For centuries, this butter has been used by African people to protect the skin from the damage of the sun and strong winds and, on the other hand, to moisturize skin.
It is a natural moisturizer because of can melt at a temperature above room temperature. It is high in fatty acids that can penetrate the skin for deep hydration.
Don’t think cocoa butter just moisturizes skin. This oil is also very useful for hair. When applied to the hair, it moisturizes hair and leaves a pleasant smell in the hair.
It is rich in antioxidants such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. These substances will allow the creation of a layer of skin tensors and protection against free radicals.
Thus, this butter, which can protect the skin from the sun, can also slow aging. This oil, which can also reduce the development of wrinkles, will benefit over the years.
Weather, hormones and seasons can affect skin health. This butter, on the other hand, reverses this situation, becoming a soft and non-toxic option. The antioxidants it contains work to alleviate old age spots, to reduce scars, to equalize skin tone.
Some people have stated that they even use cocoa butter for sensitive skin or skin irritation, such as eczema and dermatitis. Instead of commercial creams and ointments loaded with harmful chemicals is a healthy and easy way to choose.
The creamy texture of cocoa butter makes it a favorite additive for lotions and creams. It can become an excellent shaving soap for both men and women. This simple method both moisturizes and nourishes your skin.
Lips usually need to be moisturized for this, when we use moisturizers that add chemicals into it, we have to taste throughout the day. But it is both simple and cheap.
A relaxing bath is best after a stressful day. This butter added to hot water has an incredible effect. Adding about 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter to the water will help to reduce the stress of the day.
T-cell activity and boost the immune system. Added to diet programs, it can also promote hormonal balance. Some of the conditions that oil can affect can be listed as heart disease, mood disorders, psoriasis, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, arthritis.
Although more research is needed, it may affect alleviating constipation. Eating cocoa products regularly is an incentive for better bowel functioning. Researchers are still testing the benefits of cocoa butter to treat chronic constipation and intestinal function diseases.
Chocolate is known to make people happy. It can also raise endorphins and serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood.
Side Effects
Its consumption is considered safe for most people. It contains caffeine and related chemicals. Caffeine-related side effects such as irritability, increased urination, insomnia, and a rapid heartbeat can be caused by large amounts of cocoa consumption.
It can cause allergic skin reactions, constipation, trigger migraines. It can also cause nausea, intestinal ailments, stomach rumbling and digestive complaints such as gas pains.
Advice
Consult your doctor before adding raw cocoa to your diet program. Only doctors know identifying potential risks that they may pose to you in the event of cocoa consumption. The health history of a person is also an important factor for the cocoa consumption rate.
