What is Cocoa?
Cocoa refers to the low-fat constituent of the finely ground cacao beans which are the fermented seeds of the cacao tree (Latin name: Theobroma cacao, which means “Food of the Gods”). These ground beans, known as cocoa liquor or mass, also contain butter, which is a non-dairy, naturally occurring fat present in cacao beans. About 50-60% of cocoa liquor consists of cocoa butter. here are some health benefits of cocoa.
Its tree stands about 12-25 feet tall and grows naturally in tropical climates. The fruit of the cocoa tree is a pod full of sweet pulp enfolding a cluster of about 20-40 cacao seeds.
Health Benefits of Cocoa
Let’s look at some of the major health benefits:
Lowers High Blood Pressure
Flavonoid-rich cocoa aids in lowering blood pressure and improving the elasticity of blood vessels. Research shows positive changes in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure as a consequence of consuming cocoa-based products instead of black and green tea. These favorable changes are attributed to the presence of antioxidants in it that stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which helps keep blood vessels relaxed. Furthermore, this helps in maintaining a healthy circulatory system.
Manages Obesity
A study has shown the potential benefits of it in preventing high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Its intake helps in modulating lipid metabolism and reducing the synthesis and transport of fatty acids. It also improves thermogenesis, which is the mechanism of heat production in white adipose tissues and the liver.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Its powder is rich in flavonoids namely, procyanidin, catechin, and epicatechin, which have antioxidant properties and help in protecting the cells from damage while strengthening the heart. It prevents the formation of fatal blood clots, which can lead to stroke or cardiac failure. The flavonoids possess anti-platelet aggregating effects and modulate primary hemostasis, which is the measure of time blood takes to clot. This ultimately helps prevent atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Reduces Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Its powder has been shown to exert calming effects on people suffering from chronic fatigue. Its attenuating effects are attributed to the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, anandamide, and phenylethylamine in the brain. These exert protective effects on the neuronal cells and helps in combating chronic fatigue syndrome.
Skin Care
Research findings suggest that the consumption of flavonol-rich cocoa helps in decreasing the effects of UV-induced erythema, and reducing skin roughness and scaling. It also aids in enhancing skin elasticity, hydration, and density. Epicatechin present in its aids in elevating the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, stimulating the healthy flow of blood in the dermal tissues, and contributing to endogenous photo-protection. It is also used in the preparation of various skin care products.
Treats Neurodegenerative Disorders
The presence of epicatechin and catechin in it has shown beneficial effects in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. These phytochemicals have synergistic qualities, which aid in reducing the oxidative stress on the mind. This helps in preventing neuronal cell damage and exerts a protective effect on the cellular membrane against cytotoxicity. These all are the amazing health benefits of cocoa
Cocoa: A Culinary Gift
It has been treasured worldwide for its usage in the manufacturing of chocolate and other sweet delicacies as follows:
- Its beans are roasted, husked, ground and, depending on the desired product, sweetened and flavored to produce chocolate.
- Several types of chocolate are produced from cacao beans, including unsweetened chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate.
- Its butter is also used as a substitute for gelatin to enhance the flavor and aroma of food.
- Its butter melts easily providing a smooth and creamy taste to many preparations making them even more palatable. These benefits make its butter a healthy, plant-based alternative to be included in recipes, rather than gelatin, which is derived from animal by-products.
Uses of Cocoa
- It mulch is a by-product and is produced from the discarded shells of cacao beans. Mulch is valuable in efforts to reduce weeds, regulate the temperature of the soil, prevent soil erosion, and increase its nutritive value.
- Roasting cacao beans release their shells, which are further used to produce cocoa mulch. This is rich in naturally available macro-nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, all of which are valuable for plant health.
- Its beans have water retention capability too.
Side Effects
The major side effects of cocoa include:
Caffeine addiction
It is a source of caffeine and excess intake of it may cause the following:
- Increased urination, sleeplessness, and irregular heartbeat.
- It can also aggravate the conditions of people already suffering from anxiety disorders or diarrhea.
- Excess caffeine during breastfeeding can result in crankiness and abdominal discomfort in infants.
- It may also worsen the condition of gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
