The 21 Health Benefits of Cocoa

Cocoa pulp has fiber, glucose and sucrose (energetics), in addition to containing numerous vitamins such as the B complex and niacin, which acts on the muscles, blood and nerves. Mineral salts help in bone health , vitamin C strengthens the immune system, vitamin A acts on the health of the skin and bones.

Fiber helps with the proper functioning of the intestine. Antioxidant, prevents cancer and helps in cases of depression. Cocoa also stimulates the release of endorphins and increases mental disposition. Because it contains flavonoids and tryptophan, it also increases the proliferation of neurons. In addition, it concentrates other substances that give a feeling of well-being, and help in the fight against anxiety and depression. So, check out  the 21 Health Benefits of Cocoa:

Benefits of Cocoa to Improve Blood Pressure : Cocoa rich in flavonoids in reducing blood pressure and improving the elasticity of blood vessels. Research studies conducted on this subject have shown positive changes in 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 cocoa that stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which helps keep blood vessels relaxed. Also, it helps in maintaining a healthy circulatory system.

Antioxidant Capacity: A comparative research study made it evident that Cocoa exhibits greater antioxidant activity than against black tea, green tea and red wine. Antioxidants help neutralize oxygen-based free radicals present in the body. In addition, it is abundant in phenolic phytochemicals and has a high amount of flavonoids as well.
Benefits of Cocoa for Brain Health : Scientists have suggested that flavonol-rich cocoa may prolong its beneficial effects in maintaining a brainhealthy. These neuroprotective benefits may also have favorable effects on learning and memory functions. The results support that consumption of cocoa-based products increases blood flow to the brain and provide evidence of therapeutic potential to cure vascular disorders.

Blood Health Benefits of Cocoa : An investigative research study showed that cocoa has hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on glucose and cholesterol levels respectively. A diet containing it has also been shown to reduce triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and glucose level. It also demonstrated a noticeable increase in healthy HDL cholesterol levels in the test subjects.

Benefits of Cocoa for Diabetics : Consumption of Cocoa has proved to be effective in improving insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. This, in turn, helps in the regulation of sugar levels in the body. The proanthocyanidins derived from it help to inhibit the cataract formation occasionally induced by diabetes. An investigative study confirmed that it exerts protective antioxidant activity in the treatment of long-term diabetic complications such as diabetic nephrotoxicity.

Nephrotoxicity plays a key role in diabetes mellitus and is the main cause of severe kidney disease. Free radicals exacerbate these diabetic complications by promoting oxidative stress, leading to cellular and tissue damage. The free radical scavenging activity of Cocoa has shown therapeutic effects in the treatment and prevention of this type of cell injury. Findings from another research study suggest that consumption of flavonol-rich cocoa has shown therapeutic potential in improving vascular function of diabetics on various medications.

Benefits of Cocoa to Relieve Bronchial Asthma : Cocoa beanscontain xanthine and theophylline which help to relax bronchial spasms and the opening of obstructed bronchi. This facilitates an easy flow of air and is valuable for curing various allergies including asthma and shortness of breath. Its consumption therefore helps to provide relief from bronchial asthma.

Benefits of Cocoa for Healing Wounds: Cocoa extractshave been trusted for their therapeutic and wound healing properties in the manufacture of natural medicines. The extracts help in preventing the development of various types of infections in the body. Along with proper medication, it has also been found to be helpful in eradicating Helicobacter pylori bacteria from the body.

Benefits of Cocoa for Preventing Obesity : One study showed the potential benefits of cocoa 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 demonstrated an improvement in thermogenesis, the heat production mechanism in white adipose tissue and the liver.

Benefits of Cocoa for Cardiovascular Health : Studies have shown that cocoa also has beneficial effects oncardiovascular health . It is rich in flavonoids, namely, procyanidin, catechin and epicatechin, which have antioxidant properties and help protect cells from damage while strengthening the heart. It also helps improve endothelial function and stimulate beneficial HDL cholesterol. This helps in preventing fatal blood clots from forming, which can lead to stroke or heart failure.

Blood plaques play an important role in cardiovascular disease. The flavonoids present in cocoa have antiplatelet aggregation effects and modulate primary hemostasis, which is the measure of the time blood takes to clot. All these health effects help in preventing the proliferation of various medical conditions like atherosclerosis and thrombosis, which are some of the main causes of more serious cardiovascular diseases.

Mood Enhancement Benefits of Cocoa: Cocoa consumptionhas shown antidepressant-like effects on certain physiological processes. Studies have shown that cocoa flavonols help improve mood, fight depression, and promote enhanced cognitive activities during persistent mental exertion. The presence of the neurochemical phenylethylamine also helps to improve feelings of contentment and promote aphrodisiac effects.

Benefits of Cocoa for Treating Constipation : Research studies have shown that consumption of cocoa husk exerts therapeutic effects in the treatment of chronic constipation and diseases of bowel function. According to the study done on pediatric patients, consumption of fiber- rich cocoa products resulted in faster colonic, rectal and intestinal transit times.

Another study also argued that regular consumption of cocoa products has been shown to encourage better bowel function by reducing the time to have bowel movements, increasing the frequency of bowel movements and making stools softer consistency without inducing other side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. or abdominal pain.

Benefits of Cocoa for Treating Cancer : Cocoa hasshown beneficial effects in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells without affecting the growth of normal healthy cells. Studies have provided evidence on the chemopreventive and antiproliferative qualities exerted by the flavonols and procyanidins present in cocoa . These curative effects have proved extremely valuable in the treatment of various types of cancer, including colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Benefits of Cocoa Because It’s Rich in Copper : Cocoa extends its benefits to the treatment of copper deficiency in patients with long-term enteral nutrition. Research studies have revealed that cocoa is quite valuable in copper replacement therapy and has resulted in significant improvements in hemoglobin level, WBC count and copper content in such patients.

According to the findings, Cocoa is considered valuable as a copper-rich component to be included in the diet to maintain normal copper levels, as well as a remedy for the treatment of copper deficiency in such conditions. It helps prevent and treat diseases caused by copper deficiency in the body , such as anemia, neutropenia and leukopenia.

Benefits of Cocoa to Combat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Cocoa has been shown toexert calming effects on people suffering from chronic fatigue. Cocoa ‘s mitigating effectsare attributed to the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, anandamide, and phenylethylamine in the brain , which exert protective effects from oxidative stress on neuronal cells and help fight chronic fatigue syndrome.

Benefits of Cocoa for Skin Health : Cocoa hasalso been found to be effective in maintaining goodskin health . Research findings suggest that consumption of flavonol-rich cocoa helps to lessen the effects of UV-induced erythema and reduce skin roughness and scaling.

It also helps improve skin elasticity, hydration and density. Another study confirmed that the epicatechin present in cocoa helps to raise the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, stimulating healthy blood flow in the dermal tissues and contributing to endogenous photo-protection. It is used in the preparation of various skin care products.

Benefits of Cocoa for Treating Neurodegenerative Disorders: The presence of great flavonols like epicatechin and catechin in Cocoa has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research findings suggest that these phytochemicals have synergistic qualities, which help to reduce oxidative stress in the mind. This helps in preventing neuronal cell damage and exerts a protective effect on the cell membrane against cytotoxicity.

Benefits of Cocoa Because It’s Rich in Magnesium : Another benefit of cocoa products is their role in preventing the negative effects of a magnesium deficiency in the body . An investigative research study confirmed that regular consumption of cocoa products can be beneficial in preventing the adverse effects caused due to a diet lacking in magnesium for a long period of time.

Benefits of Cocoa in Cooking : Cocoa hasbeen prized around the world for its use in making chocolate and other sweet delicacies. Cocoa beansare roasted, castrated, ground and, depending on the desired product, sweetened and flavored to produce chocolate. Several types of chocolate are produced from cocoa beans , including unsweetened chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate.

Cocoa butter is also used as a substitute for gelatin to enhance the flavor and aroma of foods. Cocoa butter has a melting point below human body temperature, so it melts and provides a smooth, creamy flavor to many preparations to make them even more palatable. These benefits make cocoa butter a healthy, plant-based alternative to include in recipes instead of gelatin, which is derived from animal by-products.

Benefits of Cocoa for Treating Alzheimer’s:  Improves Cognitive Function and Prevents Alzheimer’s A Harvard study by Dr. Gary Small, showed that middle-aged people who drank two cups a day improved memory and increased blood flow to the brain .

Cocoa Benefits Because It Contains Healthy Fats : Your body needs fat contrary to what some health professionals preach. Fats are the helpers that create chemical reactions for: growth, immune function and metabolic function. The healthy fats found in raw cocoa are similar to the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil.