The 15 Health Benefits of Cocoa
The fruit of the Cacao tree is a pod filled with sweet cellulose surrounding a cluster of about 20-40 Cacao seeds . Along with its well-established role in chocolate making, cocoa ‘s healing and medicinal benefits have been enjoyed since the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations ruled the continent.Main Health Benefits of Cocoa :
- Regulates blood pressure ;
- Promotes brain health ;
- Controls cholesterol ;
- Prevents diabetes;
- Relieves the symptoms of bronchial asthma .
Nutritional Value of Cocoa:
- Calories 74 kcal;
- Carbohydrates 19.4 g;
- Proteins 1 g;
- Total fat 0.1 g;
- Saturated fats 0 g;
- Dietary fiber 2.2 g;
- Sodium 1 mg.
So, check out now in detail The 15 Health Benefits of Cocoa:
Benefits of Cocoa to Regulate Blood Pressure: Cocoa is rich in flavonoids that act in reducing blood pressure and improving the elasticity of blood vessels. Research carried out on this subject has shown positive changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as a consequence of consumption of cocoa -based products .
Benefits of Cocoa Being Rich in Antioxidants: A comparative research study made it evident that cocoa exhibits greater antioxidant activity than black tea, green tea and red wine. Cocoa ‘s antioxidants help neutralize oxygen-based free radicals present in the body.
Benefits of Cocoa for Brain Health: Scientists have claimed that cocoa is rich in flavonol, which can help maintain ahealthy brain . These neuroprotective benefits of cocoa may also have favorable effects on learning and memory functions.
Benefits of Cocoa in Cholesterol Control: An investigative research study showed that cocoa helps in controlling bad cholesterol , and acts beneficially to increase good cholesterol .
Benefits of Cocoa Against Diabetes: Cocoa consumption has been shown to be effective in improving insulin resistanceand glucose metabolism . This, in turn, helps in the regulation of sugar levels in the body.
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 alleviatingasthma.
Benefits of Cocoa for Accelerating Healing Processes: Cocoa extractis trusted for its wound healing properties and in the manufacture of natural medicines. Cocoa helps in preventing the development of various types ofinfections in the body. Along with proper medication, Cocoa was also found to be helpful in eradicating bacteria.
Benefits of Cocoa Against Obesity: One study showed the potential benefits of cocoa in preventing obesity induced by a high fat diet. Cocoa intakehelps in modulating lipid metabolism and reducing the synthesis and transport of fatty acids, thus reducing the risk of developing obesity .
Benefits of Cocoa for Cardiovascular Health: Studies have shown that cocoa also has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Cocoa is rich in flavonoids such as procyanidin, catechin and epicatechin, which have antioxidant properties and help protect cells from damage while strengthening the heart.
Benefits of Cocoa Against Depression: Consuming cocoa has antidepressant 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.
Benefits of Cocoa Against Constipation: Research has shown that consumption of cocoa husk exerts therapeutic effects in the treatment of chronic constipation and diseases of intestinal function. According to a study done on pediatric patients, consumption of fiber-rich cocoa products resulted in faster colonic, rectal and intestinal transit times.
Benefits of Cocoa for Cancer Prevention: Cocoahas shown 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 bycocoa.
Benefits of Cocoa to Fight Fatigue: Cocoa has been shown to exert calming effects on people suffering fromchronic fatigue . Cocoa ‘s attenuating effectsare attributed to the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, anandamide, and phenylethylamine in the brain , which exert protective effects from oxidative stress on cells.
Benefits of Cocoa Against Skin Problems: Cocoa is also effective in maintaining good skin 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.
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 like Alzheimer’s disease .