Cocoa, the benefits and harms to health after 50 years of which today is increasingly being discussed on the Web and on TV, as well as the right choice, preparation and description of the composition of this product are topics for a “weighty” separate article. So Natalia Voitovetskaya, a nutritionist and constant author of the column on the action of the products of the site “I am Healthy”, decided. I decided and got down to business. Photos, interesting facts, theories and tips! Remove milk from the stove - time flies with us!

It is well known that the birthplace of cocoa is the impenetrable forests of the Amazon! Fruits grow on a chocolate tree (the name comes from the fairy tale about the jelly banks!) And, after harvesting, they are widely used both in the food industry and in such areas as cosmetology and medicine. However, most of all cocoa is known all over the world as the basis of chocolate, which in translation from local languages \u200b\u200bliterally meant "food of the gods."

From ancient sources it is known that in ancient times cocoa beans were no less valuable than gold and only the “ruling nobility” was allowed to consume them. The inhabitants of the European continent for the first time managed to taste fragrant grains only in the fifteenth century. At the same time, a special technology was developed for extracting oil from beans and processing them into powder. Conrad van Hoyten is considered its author.

At the same time, some two hundred years ago a cup of hot cocoa was a sign of luxury and wealth. Only respectable representatives of the upper class of society could enjoy a sip of this healthy drink.

Interesting: Do you know that the habit of putting a cup on a saucer is not a sign of good taste, but a necessity caused by the high price of cocoa beans? So gourmets were safe from spilling drops of a precious drink!

To get a kilogram of cocoa powder, it was necessary to process at least forty fruits that contained more than a thousand grains! But even today, the principle and technologies for preparing popular beans-based products are not too different. For the manufacture of powder, cocoa grains are pressed at high temperature, resulting in an oil. After this, fat-free cake is dried and crushed. That's all. Then the powder is packaged and sent to the factories where sugar, vanilla, butter are added to it and everyone’s favorite chocolate is made.

Fact: The Netherlands is considered the largest importer of cocoa. Residents of this republic consume about 20% of the total world crop!

And also, do not miss the chance to find out a lot of interesting things about one more popular product in the article about!

About the benefits of cocoa

The composition of cocoa beans contains the so-called theobromine, which is an analogue of caffeine in its composition. This substance is able to excite the nervous system, expand the coronary vessels and expand the bronchi. Also, chocolate tree grains contain such beneficial substances for the body as:

• essential and tannic oils;
• minerals;
• carbohydrates;
• proteins;
• vitamins.

One of the most famous properties of cocoa is considered to be its ability to provoke the production of endorphins, hormones that have a beneficial effect on the thought process, improve brain performance and overall well-being, and also increase mood.

In addition, the composition of the product contains polyphenols, which effectively reduce blood pressure (blood pressure). That is why doctors strongly recommend including this drink in the menu for hypertensive patients.

Epicachetin, which is part of the composition of the grains, is a powerful prophylactic natural remedy for heart attacks and strokes. Today it is actively used for the prevention of cancer.

Interesting: Scientists believe that the main reason for the longevity of Native Americans is the regular use of cocoa beans!

Eating healthy cocoa after 50 years is good for lowering the chances of losing memory and developing atherosclerosis! It’s very useful for teenagers to drink a drink from depression. It should be noted that the antioxidants and flavonoids contained in the product will help women retain youth and beauty of their skin and hair for a long time! Also, a cup of warm drink can relieve pain caused by problematic menstrual cycles.

In addition, the powder from the fruits of the chocolate tree is able to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and heal wounds. This property of the product is very often used by women for making masks for the skin.

Nutritional and energy value

The nutritional qualities of the product are very high, because in its composition the drink has most of the elements for the normal physiological and mental state of a person.

Calorie content of cocoa is 289 calories per hundred grams. Of them:

• 9 grams of saturated fatty acids;
• 6 grams of ash substances;
• 8 grams of starch;
• 2 grams of monosaccharides;
• 5 grams of water;
• 4 grams of organic acids;
• more than 35 grams of dietary fiber;
• 10 grams of carbohydrates;
• 15 grams of fat;
• 24 grams of protein.

The vitamin complex of the drink is represented by such substances:

• vitamin E
• b vitamins (B9, B6, B5, B2 and B1);
• vitamin A;
• vitamin PP.

In addition to all of the above, in cocoa beans contains most of the macro and microelements we need.

As a percentage, the calorie content of the product is 15% of the daily intake. Of them:

• 14% carbohydrates;
• 47% fat;
• 34% protein.

Video about the properties of cocoa powder:

Contraindications and harm to cocoa for women

Remember that such a rich composition of a delicious aromatic drink can be harmful to your health. Of course, it’s worth mentioning the presence of caffeine in cocoa. It is with this indicator that you should familiarize yourself in more detail, making a cup of goodies for pregnant women and children. In addition, it is better to cross out this drink from the menu for people with ailments whose exacerbation can be affected by this substance.

Interesting: Since chocolate trees grow in regions with, to put it mildly, not the best sanitary conditions, different animals love to settle in them. Cockroaches especially like beans. Therefore, plantations of these plants undergo frequent pesticide treatments. In addition, at the factory, the fruits undergo additional processing using the radiological method. All these facts, despite the objections of the manufacturers, do not bring anything good to our body.

The list of people who better exclude cocoa from the diet includes:

• allergies
• people with heart disease;
• patients with chronic constipation;
• children up to the age of three;
• diabetics
• people with atherosclerosis and ailments of the nervous system;
• patients with high acidity and obesity;
• patients with gout and severe kidney disease, etc.

This is not a complete list of those who may experience the negative effects of the product. Therefore, it is not superfluous to consult a doctor on this issue.

Cocoa in folk medicine

As mentioned earlier, cocoa is widely used not only in the food industry, but also in medicine / cosmetology. Most often it is used at home for the prevention and treatment of colds. And just a cup of a fragrant drink on an autumn day can lift your mood and tone! At the same time, the product perfectly dilutes and removes sputum. Its use quickly and tasty will save you from the flu, sore throat, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

Take care of yourself or your loved ones by warming your parents a cup of cocoa! The health benefits and harms after fifty years of this drink - you have it “on hand”. Get a quality product (such as Chinese) while avoiding flavoring and coloring.

Remember the Pinocchio fairy tale when Malvina treated Pinocchio cocoa for breakfast. Everyone has been familiar with this drink since childhood. It was cooked by cooks in kindergarten and school. Someone loved him, but someone did not like the wand in the cup, which was so easy to blow away. But it is thanks to air foam that the drink is appreciated in cooking. Almost every food enterprise can not do without cocoa powder, and in the home kitchen, housewives add it to cakes, pastries and muffins.

Few people know that the brown powder obtained from the fruits of the chocolate tree was valued in the beginning more than cocoa butter. Only in the 19th century, the world became acquainted with dark chocolate, appreciated its taste, and cocoa powder fell in price. After all, the product is obtained as waste in the production of butter and cocoa. This is nothing but a cake, formed as a result of squeezing the oil itself, which, when crushed and dried, is called cocoa powder.

Studying the chemical composition of the product, biochemists affirmatively stated that brown powder, along with excellent taste, includes significantly more useful trace elements than cocoa butter itself and will be useful to the body for a number of diseases.

Cocoa Benefits - 13 Benefits

1. With high blood pressure

   People suffering from high blood pressure often have to give up tonic drinks: coffee, black and green tea varieties, protecting themselves from pressure surges. But a cup of cocoa will not hurt them. The presence of flavonoids in cocoa beans, which affect the activity of enzymes, helps to increase the elasticity of blood vessels, helping to maintain their relaxed state and prevent an increase in blood pressure readings.

   These qualities of the drink stimulate the production of nitrogen, which is responsible for maintaining heart health. The best thing for hypertensive patients in the morning is not coffee, but a cup of flavored cocoa, which helps maintain healthy blood circulation in the brain.

2. Antioxidant properties

   A drink filled with antioxidants can not only prevent disease, but also slow down the aging process. It is believed that the amount of antioxidants in cocoa powder is significantly higher than in green tea varieties, which are considered the best "fighters" with free radicals. Polypherol compounds in the product prevent the formation of free radicals and stop the oxidation processes in the body, which allows the drink to be attributed to the prophylactic means of cancers.

3. Cocoa benefits for the elderly

   Stresses, overwork, physical overload, a stream of negative emotions - all this can lead to functional cognitive impairment in the brain. Such "troubles" can happen at any age, but they become especially pronounced in people of advanced age.

   Cocoa powder rich in flavonoid glycosides has an additional therapeutic effect in cognitive disorders. The inclusion of a drink in the morning, daily diet will improve blood flow to the brain, helping to activate cognitive processes; attention, memory. Particularly useful brown powder will be the elderly with persistent cognitive impairment. Improving blood supply, it will increase metabolism and eliminate further growth of brain disorders.

4. Maintains Optimal Cholesterol

   Having a hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effect, the product of cocoa trees has a beneficial effect in diabetic complications. It is reasonably included in the list of foods in diets aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol.

   Overweight patients with diabetes mellitus should choose cocoa among the variety of drinks. However, it should be remembered that one cup a day will be quite enough, and drink it should be without sweets and sugar. Only in this case, the benefits of lowering cholesterol will become noticeable.

5. Help with bronchial asthma

   Help cocoa powder will be useful in diseases of the respiratory system. The substances xanthine and theophylline, which are found in cocoa beans, help to relax bronchial spasms, improve chest muscle contraction, and remove mucus from the lungs. With asthma, cocktails and mixtures with the addition of cocoa butter will help the free passage of air flow, alleviating the patient's condition. At home, it is easy to prepare a medicinal paste, consisting of 50 grams of dry powder mixed with 100 grams of melted butter. Such a tool will be useful in exacerbating bronchitis.

6. High nutritional and tonic qualities

   Studying the benefits of cocoa for the body, scientists came to the conclusion that the drink, possessing antidepressant properties, is able to influence physiological processes. Instant cocoa will improve mood, help get rid of depression, energize for the whole day. This is no coincidence. After all, the product contains proteins and acts as an excellent source of protein, and a balanced ratio of saturated and unsaturated acids in cocoa butter will act as an additional source of energy for the body.

7. Help heart activity

   Products containing natural cocoa products rich in flavonoids: kakhetin and epicatechin, beneficially affect the state of the cardiovascular system and prevent the formation of blood clots. A study by Golan scientists confirmed this fact. The study found that men whose diet included cocoa products were 2 times less likely to suffer from heart attacks. In the group of tested men, preinfarction conditions were less frequently recorded. Scientists agreed that the antioxidants contained in cocoa protect the cells of the body from the effects of free radicals. Observation data was published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.

8. For digestive problems

   Delayed bowel movements, for many, sometimes become an undesirable, delicate problem, which leads to poor mood, stress, adversely affects the general well-being and working abilities of a person. Everyone solves this problem on their own. Take your time to rush to the pharmacy for a laxative. Extracts of cocoa saturated with fiber will improve the intestinal tract, have a laxative effect on the motility of the stomach and help to get rid of the accumulated "waste" in a timely manner.

9. Cocoa benefits for women

   Cocoa drink can be recommended with courage to women on a diet. The product does not have high calorie values, but the presence of trace elements of iron and potassium in it will help women eliminate possible manifestations of anemia. For lovers of sweets, fructose can be added to the drink. A cup of flavored cocoa with the addition of milk will reduce appetite and saturate the body with additional calcium. Mayan women consumed up to 40 cups of drink per day. True, his taste was different from the usual drink for us - chili peppers were added to it.

   Nowadays, the introduction of cocoa-containing products in the women’s menu will have a beneficial effect on mental abilities, help to cope with stress, cheer up and not give a figure an extra gram.

10. Benefits of Nesquik Cocoa

    Asking myself the question: "When did I first try cocoa?" “Well, of course, in childhood!” - the answer will sound. Now Nesquik, which has developed healthy drinks based on cocoa beans for children, is helping to start the morning with a tasty drink. A cheerful rabbit on the packaging of a packet with an instant chocolate drink will provide the child with a daily dose of calcium. Children love cocoa drink, and adults do not deny themselves the pleasure of starting the day with a cup of milk cocoa.

11. Compensates for copper deficiency

    Another advantage of cocoa products is their ability to compensate for the deficiency of copper in the body. With a lack of this element, the work of all organs is disrupted: increased fatigue appears, working capacity decreases, depressive states overcome, and the body’s immune forces weaken. Also, the presence of copper is responsible for the synthesis of hemoglobin; it is also present in the composition of melanin, a component of nerve fibers.

    As a rule, with a balanced diet, there is no shortage of such an important element. However, there are diseases when a person is not able to fully eat, then enteral nutrition comes to the rescue. Cocoa has a positive effect on magnesium deficiency during long-term enteral therapy and is the best way to do this.

12. Cocoa benefits for skin and hair

    The use of cocoa powder in cosmetic procedures brings not only pleasure, but also helps to preserve the natural beauty of our body and hair. The range of application of the product for cosmetic purposes is quite extensive: anti-aging masks for face and body, anti-cellulite massages, delicate scrubs, nourishing and moisturizing masks. In the cosmetology industry, there is a whole line producing products based on the cocoa product. The main advantage of cocoa powder is its rich set of active substances, suitable for all types of skin and hair.

    Cocoa cosmetics will be helpful in maintaining healthy skin. Due to the presence of flavonoids, the effect of ultraviolet rays is reduced, dry skin is moisturized, saturated with oxygen, stimulating blood circulation in the subcutaneous tissues.

13. Cocoa is delicious!

    Taste and aromatic properties of the product are highly appreciated in cooking. Chocolate and chocolates are prepared from cocoa powder. And in Mexico, it is added as a component to meat dishes. For the best taste of the drink, the powder should not be mixed with water, but with milk, brought to a temperature of 90 ° C. Many mothers, knowing how difficult it is to make a child drink bitter tablets, resort to a little trick. The fact is that the melting point of cocoa butter is lower than the temperature indicators of our body, and it melts well. Enveloping a “not tasty” tablet with cocoa butter, you can force the child to take the medicine without tears.

Cocoa - harm and contraindications

• The presence of purine compounds in cocoa makes it undesirable for people with kidney problems.
• Do not give a drink to children of preschool age.
• People with hypersensitivity to the constituents of the product.

What else is useful?

Probably, each of us is very familiar with the taste of cocoa from childhood. But, the benefits of cocoa, as well as harm, are not known to everyone. Today, cocoa is found in many products: chocolate, sweets, pastries. Not only drink it as a drink. Cocoa beans came to us from the territory of modern Mexico. Today, grains are grown in other countries. We used to meet cocoa in powder form. And it is very important to choose a quality product in order to get really maximum benefit. And to understand the benefits and dangers of the product, you need to familiarize yourself with the composition of natural high-quality cocoa beans.

The beneficial composition of cocoa

As soon as you familiarize yourself with the composition of the product, its benefits will immediately become apparent. Grains are saturated with many vitamins, minerals and trace elements. A lot of vegetable natural protein is contained in the product. Also, in the composition there are also useful fats and carbohydrates necessary for the human body. But, cocoa is of particular importance due to the high level of dietary fiber, organic and saturated fatty acids. The latter are very difficult to find among the usual food.

Speaking of vitamins, minerals, it is important to note the following substances:

• Vitamins B, A, E, PP;
• Beta carotene;
• Magnesium;
• Sodium;
• Potassium;
• Calcium;
• Zinc;
• Phosphorus;
• Iron;
• Copper;
• Manganese.

Also, starch, sugar, sulfur, molybdenum, and chlorine are present in the product. It is important to remember that whole or chopped fruits are very high in calories. So, 100 grams of cocoa contains up to 300 kcal. And if you cook the powder on the basis of milk, then the calorie content automatically increases. But, such a unique composition allows the body to quickly get enough, and feel full for a long time. Therefore, it is recommended to drink a cup of cocoa for an afternoon snack, but with less sugar. Otherwise, you can harm your figure.

Zinc and iron in cocoa is much more than in other familiar products. The body requires iron for blood vessels. And zinc is very important in the formation of the reproductive system of young men during puberty. Also, experts say that the drink boasts a sufficient level of melanin, which protects our skin from various types of radiation. In general, looking at all the richness of trace elements, we can confidently talk about the undeniable benefits of cocoa.

The beneficial properties of cocoa

The useful properties of the product should be understood in more detail. Moreover, there are quite a few of them. First of all, the benefits of cocoa are observed for people suffering from frequent colds. Drinking cocoa in the form of a drink can very quickly restore strength, and the whole organism. The drink has an expectorant effect, which means it is useful for severe coughing. So, doctors recommend such a product for the following diseases:

• Flu;
• ARVI;
• Angina;
• Bronchitis;
• Pneumonia.

To get a truly therapeutic effect in this case, you need to properly prepare the drink. A glass of milk should be warmed no more, eat up to 40 degrees. A couple of spoons of cocoa powder is added, and thoroughly mixed. It is very useful to use cocoa butter instead of powder. The taste will be unusual, buttery, but the positive effect will turn out much faster.

Cocoa is very useful for the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Due to the high level of potassium, there is a strengthening of the walls of blood vessels. They become more elastic, which means their patency is getting better. So, people can get rid of hypertension. It is worth noting that cocoa has certain components that prevent platelet adhesion. This significantly reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Thanks to iron, which is considered a natural antioxidant, blood is cleansed and restored. The benefits of cocoa to the central nervous system deserve special attention. Surprisingly, for such a tasty warm drink it is able to quickly cheer up, increasing the level of endorphins. Regularly using the product can improve brain function, increase memory, concentration.

Be sure to talk about the benefits for the gastrointestinal tract. The same potassium helps to remove bad cholesterol from the blood, which improves the general condition of a person. Together with cholesterol, toxins and toxins are also excreted. So, the work of the liver and intestines is fully restored. With cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, the value of cocoa is especially evident. Quality fruits help normalize portal pressure. The product contains substances such as elicatechins. They significantly reduce the risk of such diseases:

• Diabetes;
• Stroke;
• Heart attack;
• Stomach ulcer;
• Malignant and benign neoplasms.

The benefits of the drink for women

Speaking about the benefits of cocoa for women, beauty comes to mind first of all. And cocoa grains have long been used to improve the condition of hair, skin and nails. Regularly using cocoa, the skin receives protection from exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiation. With the full functioning of the skin, youth and beauty are preserved. Also, procyanidin is responsible for good skin elasticity. This element in the composition of cocoa is in sufficient quantity.

You need to drink cocoa to improve the quality of your hair. Nicotinic acid is able to stimulate active hair growth. Therefore, you can achieve an excellent volume of hair in a short period of time. At the same time, cocoa can be used both internally and externally in the form of an air conditioner or mask. In case of external use, nicotinic acid will also improve the circulation of the scalp.

What is cocoa good for men?

For the male body, quality black chocolate is very beneficial. It is from cocoa beans that this product is made. The useful composition allows you to protect a man from strokes and heart attacks, while maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. After all, the poor state of the vessels leads to erectile dysfunction. Blood simply does not reach the genitals, which makes it impossible to complete a full sexual intercourse.

And zinc, which is very much in cocoa, directly positively affects potency. The fact is that zinc helps increase libido, libido. In addition, zinc is the main building material of testosterone. Also, the mineral favorably affects the state of sperm. So, you can significantly increase the number of active motile sperm. Consequently, cocoa can be called an excellent prevention of male infertility.

Is there any harm from cocoa?

Despite such a variety of useful properties, there is a group of people to whom cocoa in any form is categorically contraindicated for use. So, first of all, it is worth noting allergy sufferers. Cocoa is known to be an allergen product. And in many cases, it is banned throughout life. Otherwise, the patient may experience such undesirable allergic reactions:

• Allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis;
• Bouts of coughing and suffocation;
• Hives;
• Itching and burning of the skin;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Quincke's edema;
• Anaphylactic shock.

In this case, the harm to cocoa is obvious. It is very important to remember that in case of allergies, even cosmetic products for external use containing cocoa extract are prohibited. Under improper storage and growing conditions, cocoa can trigger severe food poisoning. It is established that the most low-quality product comes to our supermarkets from China.

• Sclerosis;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Diabetes;
• Diarrhea;
• Obesity.

The composition of the grains includes a large number of purines. Exceeding the permissible level of these components provokes deposits of salts on the surface of the joints. Also, under their influence, accumulation of uric acid can occur. Subject to all the rules and norms of cocoa consumption, only the benefit, and not the harm to cocoa for the body will be observed.

Cocoa (lat. theobroma cacao   - food of the gods) - a tonic and aromatic soft drink based on milk or water, cocoa powder and sugar.

Cocoa powder for the preparation of cocoa for the first time (about 3000 years ago) began to be used by the ancient Aztec tribes. The privilege of using this drink was enjoyed only by men and shamans. Ripe cocoa beans were ground into powder and diluted with cold water, hot pepper, vanilla and other spices were added there.

In 1527, this drink entered the civilized world thanks to the Spanish colonizers in South America. From Spain, cocoa began its confident march through Europe, undergoing changes in cooking technology and composition. In Spain, peppers were removed from the recipe and honey was added, and the drink itself was heated. In Italy, it was made more concentrated and they began to produce a modern prototype of hot chocolate. The British for the first time added milk to the drink, giving it softness and lightness. In the 15-17 centuries. in Europe, cocoa consumption was considered a symbol of respectability and affluence.

There are three classic recipes for cocoa drink:

• a bar of dark chocolate melted in milk and whipped into foam;
• brewed cocoa drink in milk with dried cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla;
• diluted soluble cocoa powder in water or milk.

When preparing cocoa, only fresh milk should be used. Otherwise, the milk will curdle, the drink will be spoiled.

The beneficial properties of cocoa

Due to the wide variety of trace elements (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese), vitamins (B1-B3,,,) and useful chemical compounds, cocoa has a large number of positive properties. So:

• magnesium helps to cope with stress, relieve nervous tension, relax muscles;
• iron enhances hematopoietic function;
• calcium strengthens bone tissue and teeth in the body;
• anandamide stimulates the production of endorphin, a natural antidepressant, thereby raising the mood;
• phenyethylamine gives the body the ability to endure heavy physical activity much easier and quickly restore strength;
• bioflavonoids prevent the onset and growth of cancerous tumors.

The beneficial antioxidant flavanol contained in ripe cocoa beans is completely stored in cocoa powder and, accordingly, in the drink. When absorbed in the body, it enhances insulin sensitivity in diabetes, nourishes the brain and stimulates the activity of the cardiovascular system. Cocoa also contains a very rare chemical compound, epicatechin, which lowers blood pressure, improves cerebral blood flow and short-term memory.

At an older age, daily consumption of a cup of cocoa prevents memory problems and strengthens the ability to switch attention, is a preventative against diabetes and heart disease.

Sugar-free cocoa is also used as a skin and neck care product. Gauze soaked in a warm drink is applied for 30 minutes. This mask smoothes out fine wrinkles, gives the skin elasticity and tone, the skin looks much younger.

For hair, you can use a more concentrated cocoa drink with the addition of coffee. It should be applied over the entire length of the hair for 15-20 minutes. This will create a chestnut tinting effect and give the hair a healthy shine.

It is very useful to drink cocoa for children from 2 years old for breakfast - this will give them energy for vigorous activity for the whole day.

Probably, cocoa is the favorite drink of childhood. It was parents, kindergarten and school that introduced us to this drink. Today it is known that cocoa powder, cocoa grains are used to prepare various treats. It is from cocoa that chocolate is made. Also, cocoa powder has found its application in cosmetology. Cocoa beans grow on chocolate trees, and generally have no aroma or taste. Grain is endowed with these characteristics already in the process of roasting, processing. Why is the product so useful? And can cocoa be harmful?

Composition of Cocoa Beans

Natural, high-quality cocoa beans have a rich mineral composition. The composition of vitamins is no less impressive. The highest value and concentration are in the vitamin of group B, on which the full functioning of the central nervous system depends. So, the group is represented by the following components: B2, B1, B9, choline. Also, in the composition of beans there are a sufficient amount of vitamins K, PP, A, E.

The benefits of cocoa are also determined by minerals, trace elements, which are abundant in the product. Such a drink is a powerful source of iron. In total, 100 grams of cocoa powder contains 120% of the daily norm of this component. In second place in the ranking of concentrated minerals is magnesium - 105% of the daily value. According to these data, the benefits of the product become clear. Such trace elements also have a high concentration:

• Potassium;
• Sodium;
• Phosphorus;
• Calcium;
• Zinc;
• Fluorine;
• Copper;
• Chlorine.

Among the constituents of this product, a certain amount of caffeine and theorbromine is noted. Caffeine in cocoa has a mild effect, absolutely not harmful to health. At the same time, an invigorating effect is observed. Therefore, it is customary to give cocoa to children. Oil is made from grains, which is actively used both in cosmetology and in cooking.

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Calorie Cocoa?

What is the calorie content of cocoa beans? Can I drink this drink while dieting? Cocoa has never been low in calories. 100 grams of powder contains 290 kcal. Therefore, drinking more than 1 cup of cocoa per day can damage the body. But, in turn, the drink perfectly saturates, gives a feeling of satiety for a long time. Therefore, nutritionists recommend that women replace one of the main meals with a cup of cocoa.

The product contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, starch, natural sugars, organic acids, dietary fiber, pectins. So, proteins in 100 grams of cocoa 24 grams, which is about 30% of the total required daily allowance for the normal functioning of all systems and organs. Fat in cocoa 15 grams, carbohydrates - 10 grams. A large amount of dietary fiber (160% of the daily value) completely restores the digestive system.

The beneficial properties of cocoa

Having studied the composition of the powder, there is no doubt about the usefulness of the product. The drink has a large amount of antioxidants. So, in 1 cup of cocoa contains 5 times more antioxidants than in 1 cup of green tea. These substances not only protect the body from all kinds of pathologies and diseases, but also slow down the aging process. Also, it is antioxidants that inhibit the effect of free radicals on body cells, which prevents the development of cancer and cancer. Cocoa has many other beneficial properties.

The benefits of the drink for the cardiovascular system

Natural, high-quality cocoa contains a large number of flavonoids, which positively affect the work of the heart muscle, the entire cardiovascular system. These components protect the human body from blood clots. This effect has been proven by numerous studies. So, two groups of men took part in the study. In the diet of the first group were included products containing cocoa. The second group of men did not change their usual diet. After some time, it was established that men from the first group were 3 times less likely to suffer from heart attacks.

Cocoa is very useful for people suffering from hypertension. Hypertensive patients, as a rule, are prohibited from consuming tonic drinks (strong tea, coffee). But, this does not apply to cocoa. The drink not only tones, but also normalizes blood pressure. All the same flavonoids strengthen the walls of blood vessels, make them more elastic. With regular, but moderate consumption of cocoa, nitrogen production is activated, which is very useful for the functioning of the heart, blood circulation in the brain.

Coconut tonic properties

Numerous studies of the effect of cocoa on the human body prove that the product has antidepressant and tonic properties. So, just one cup of cocoa per day has the following benefits:

• Eliminates signs of depression;
• Cheers up;
• Charges with energy;
• Tones up;
• Increases disability.

All thanks to the high level of proteins (proteins). So, a balanced ratio of proteins, organic acids in cocoa butter are considered sources of energy and strength.

Cocoa and the digestive system

In the modern rhythm of life, quick snacks are an integral part of the whole day. This quality of nutrition leads to the development of constipation. This condition not only worsens the mood, but can also cause serious problems with the digestive system. Cocoa beans are saturated with dietary fiber, fiber, which improves intestinal motility, restores its microflora. Due to this, the body gets rid of stagnant feces, toxins and toxins. And nutritionists advise eating 1 teaspoon of dried cocoa powder every day to prevent digestive disorders.

Cocoa powder with high cholesterol

For people who are required to monitor the glycemic index of foods, cholesterol, cocoa is an essential food. So, the drink relieves the condition with complications from diabetes. The drink is included in the diet if necessary to lower blood cholesterol. In the case of diabetes, obesity, cocoa is one of the few acceptable drinks. But, it is important to remember that the acceptable dosage is one cup per day without the addition of sugar or other sweeteners.

Cocoa - prevention of bronchial asthma

Components such as theophylline, xanthine help with various diseases of the respiratory system. So, by using the product, bronchospasm is eliminated, which is very important for such a serious illness as bronchial asthma. With colds, the drink will release the lungs and bronchi from sputum, relieve the patient from sore throat and cough. Adding cocoa butter to other drinks and cocktails will allow air to flow freely.

Cocoa in old age

Overfatigue, stress, age lead to various cognitive impairments in the brain. Such problems are particularly pronounced in old age. Thanks to the glycosides that make up cocoa, the negative effect on the functioning of the brain is leveled. Just one cup of cocoa per day will increase blood flow to the brain, restore cognitive processes. Increases concentration, improves memory.

The benefits of cocoa for the female body

A very useful product for the female body. Nutritionists advise to drink a cup of cocoa during the diet. Such an amount of product will not harm the figure, but it will saturate the body completely with all the necessary trace elements. The main benefits are high levels of magnesium and iron. These trace elements prevent the development of anemia, normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood. After all, it is the female body that is more often prone to anemia than the male one due to regular menstruation.

Very often, hemoglobin reduction and anemia are diagnosed in pregnant women. Cocoa with the addition of milk will make up the lack of calcium in the body, and reduce appetite. Cocoa powder and oil are actively used in cosmetology. When using powder-based masks, using the product inside preserves the beauty of hair and nails. So, a face mask has the following effect:

• Rejuvenates;
• Makes the skin supple;
• Smoothes out fine facial wrinkles;
• Moisturizes the skin;
• Smoothes complexion.

Cocoa bean oil is used for anti-cellulite massage. In cosmetology, there is a whole line of special hair restoration products based on these grains. The main advantage of cocoa for beauty can be called a unique composition that is suitable for absolutely all skin types. Flavonoids protect the skin from the negative effects of sunlight, saturates the cells with oxygen, improves blood circulation.

Cocoa powder harm

Cocoa, like any other product, has both beneficial and harmful properties. Do not give cocoa to children under 3 years old. This is due to the content of caffeine in the product, albeit in small doses. Cocoa beans are highly allergenic. If there is a food allergy, it is better to refuse the use of cocoa.

Also, product damage is caused by unsanitary conditions in the regions where the grains are harvested. In addition, cocoa is a favorite habitat for insects, particularly cockroaches. Often, when grown, these plants are processed with various chemicals. It is undesirable to consume a drink and products containing beans for people suffering from kidney diseases. If there are no strict contraindications for use, cocoa will not harm the body.

How to choose quality cocoa powder?

It is very difficult to find quality cocoa powder in modern supermarkets. The huge export of this product reduces its quality characteristics at times. But, nevertheless, there are some tips that will help you get the most useful product. So, you should choose natural cocoa, and not sweet instant cocoa mixes. Also, on the packaging of good cocoa there should be a mark indicating the absence of alkalization of this powder. Such a mark means that the product was not processed with harmful substances, flavor and taste enhancers were not added to it.

Soluble powders should not be purchased. As a rule, in such a product the content of natural cocoa does not exceed 10% of the total mass. Attention is also paid to the amount of fat in the product. As a rule, the minimum allowable amount of fat is 15%. This suggests that the powder contains natural oils. All-natural cocoa has a dark brown color, chocolate flavor, bitterness is allowed. You can determine the quality of the powder by touch. It is enough to grind a pinch of powder with two fingers. If the grains do not roll (crumble), and there is a greasy coating on the fingers, then natural cocoa. Such a drink will only benefit your body.