Cocoa fascinates young and old for its taste, but it is also a superfood with very beneficial properties for our bodies. Of course, consuming pure cocoa can take advantage of all its advantages: foods derived from pure cocoa, such as chocolate, also contain a lot of sugar, which is not very healthy for our body.
From a nutritional point of view
When eaten in butter form, it provides 50 percent fat and 11 to 12 percent protein. It also contains 7 to 8 percent starch, with the remainder being water, fiber, essential acids and as many as 300 other substances. For example, magnesium is high in raw form. Ideally, consume cocoa powder produced from the seeds of the tree of the same name, as it is low in fat. However, the most common way to take it is to mix it with other ingredients, such as milk or sugar, in the form of chocolate. This means it has more nutrients, such as vitamins A, B, calcium, iron or copper, and it also contains a lot of fat and sugar.
It is rich in antioxidants and can relieve stress.
Pure cocoa is a source of antioxidants, just like red wine or green tea. Additionally, cocoa helps reduce stress levels thanks to theobromine, a substance that stimulates the central nervous system. On the other hand, its cannabinoid content helps to make people happier due to its mood regulator properties. It is even used in patients who are being treated for depression.
Finally, we must mention its ability to increase libido. This is due to chemicals like phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters responsible for stimulating endorphins in the brain associated with happiness, joy, euphoria, and excitement.
lower cholesterol levels
Eating chocolate can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Yes, as long as we consume cocoa that is at least 70% pure.
help fight disease
As a source of antioxidants, cocoa has been linked to protection against pathologies caused by oxidative stress. Among these diseases, we found cardiovascular, colon cancer, diabetes, cerebrovascular, liver cancer, gastric cancer… It also contains flavonoids that are usually found in vegetables, which help prevent some heart diseases. This is because they have a positive effect on cells, helping cells protect themselves from free radical attacks. This works great in the fight against diseases like cancer. Flavonoids also offer benefits to the brain system, as they help improve memory and other cognitive processes.
It is a natural diuretic and helps rehydrate the body
Paradoxical though it may seem, it is a natural diuretic but also aids in hydration of the body. Theobromine in cocoa helps protect the kidneys and increases urine production. On the other hand, it also has moisturizing properties, especially for the hair, and it also helps reduce cellulite.
The Best Ways to Eat Cocoa
As we mentioned, it’s best taken in its pure form, whether it’s a butter or a powder. However, this is difficult for many people, as the taste is rather bitter and far removed from the taste of chocolate as we know it. We can also consume it in liquid form, making shakes with milk or water, preferably hot. A cup of soluble cocoa has a high concentration of antioxidants, making it a very healthy drink. Using cocoa powder we can also prepare sauces mixed with fresh fruit.
Another option is to think of it as chocolate, but it’s best to choose the purest chocolate. It contains at least 70% cocoa in its composition. We should be eating 1 to 2 ounces 2 to 3 times a week. In short, it is an excellent food and it would be a good decision to include it in our diet, but we should not abuse cocoa. This should always be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.