Cocoa improves mood and has a positive effect on memory, helps with cardiovascular diseases. Let's take a closer look at the health benefits of cocoa.
Cocoa is a seed derived from the fruit of the Theobroma cacao plant. One cocoa fruit contains 20-60 seeds. The main color of cocoa ranges from purple to deep red. Only when dried does the cocoa turn chocolate brown. Cocoa is widely used in the food industry, medicine and cosmetology.
Cocoa history
The homeland of cocoa is Central and South America. The inhabitants of these regions, the Mayan and Aztec tribes, ate cocoa beans rich in protein and fats. In the daily diet of pre-Columbian America, they were mixed with cornmeal and paprika. For holidays and religious ceremonies, a drink called chocolatl was prepared from cocoa seeds.
In Europe, cocoa first appeared thanks to Christopher Columbus. In those days, its value was so great that cocoa beans were used as a means of payment. And when, in the 19th century, the Swiss managed to create a technology for making chocolate, the price of grains became prohibitive.
Where do the invigorating properties of cocoa come from?
Cocoa beans contain stimulating alkaloids: about 2.5% theobromine and less than a percent caffeine. Although after processing the cocoa beans, the content of these components decreases, they still remain enough to restore the body both after physical and psychological stress.
Nevertheless, people on a diet should be careful - cocoa is a very high-calorie product. 100 grams of cocoa contains almost 230 calories, and the glycemic index is 20.
One thing to remember is that cocoa is a strong allergen and should not be given to children under one year of age.
How are cocoa seeds good for you?
They contain:
• phenylethylamine - a substance that has a stimulating effect and has a positive effect on memory,
• tryptophan - an amino acid necessary for the production of serotonin (the hormone of happiness),
• polyphenols - that is, antioxidants. They are the ones that reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Catechins and epicatechins regulate the work of the epithelium of blood vessels, which reduces the risk of inflammatory and thrombotic conditions of the circulatory system, preventing atherosclerosis,
• vegetable fats - oleic, stearic and palmitic fatty acids. These monounsaturated fatty acids reduce blood cholesterol,
• calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium. The last element is especially important for cocoa. Magnesium has a positive effect on heart function and improves blood circulation. It is also beneficial for the brain and counteracts the negative effects of stress, has antidepressant properties,
• vitamins A, E and group B,
• carbohydrates (fiber and sugars).
How is cocoa used
Most often, cocoa is used in the form of a sweet treat: a chocolate bar or a drink. Instant cocoa granules or instant powder contain few of the health benefits of raw beans.
The quality of cocoa powder can be determined by its color: the darker the product, the better. Cocoa can be made with cinnamon, honey, or cane sugar. According to nutritionists, cow's milk added to cocoa definitely reduces its health benefits.
In what form is it better to consume cocoa
Commonly sold raw cocoa beans go through a fermentation and drying process - they are not roasted or roasted. Remember, raw cocoa beans are the healthiest. They are good to eat, although not as tasty.
Raw and ground cocoa beans can be added to finished chocolates. They are suitable as an addition to all types of appetizers, ice cream, cocktails, muesli, cakes and desserts. Ground raw cocoa beans are added to coffee. Especially lovers of bitter, aromatic coffee will discover completely new flavors thanks to such cocoa-coffee mixtures.
For seniors and juniors
Natural cocoa is rich in flavonoids. As a result, it has a stimulating and restorative effect on the brain, thereby improving short-term memory. Cocoa is especially recommended for the elderly as it retains memory longer and strengthens cognitive abilities. As mentioned earlier, cocoa is not recommended for children under one year old.
