Cocoa, when defatted and powdered, is an ingredient in various popular foods such as drinks or smoothies, ice cream, cakes, cookies, etc. Chocolate, on the other hand, is a food composed of cocoa, with cocoa butter, sugar and often other ingredients (powdered milk, nuts, etc.).
All these additions limit the amount of cocoa itself, thus making it a more attractive food for the palate, but not so good for our health. For this reason, it is recommended to consume chocolate with 70% or more cocoa, as it is the way that it has less butter or fat and less sugar.
BENEFITS OF COCOA
- CONTAINS GREAT NUTRIMENTAL PROPERTIES
It provides you with 50% fat in the form of butter, between 11 and 12% proteins, 7 and 8% starch, and the rest is made up of water, fiber, essential organic acids and in smaller amounts it has sugar, theobromine, caffeine, and 300 other substances. The highest magnesium content is found mainly in its raw form.
- HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS
Cocoa is as rich in antioxidants as green tea and red wine.
- RELIEVE STRESS
Thanks to the theobromine, which stimulates the central nervous system, and is milder than caffeine, cocoa helps you reduce your stress levels with a longer effect.
- DECREASE CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Consuming dark chocolate with 60 or 70% cocoa can reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). This as long as the product is 100% organic and of excellent quality.
- RELIEVE THE BAD HUMOR
Anandamide works as a natural mood regulator. It is used in patients with depression treatment, to manage aspects of the mood.
- HYDRATION OF THE BODY
Cocoa is a super ingredient in topical products, it has hydration benefits for the hair and the reduction of cellulite.
- APHRODISIAC
Cacao chemicals such as phenylethylamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters responsible for stimulating endorphins in the brain responsible for feelings of well-being, pleasure, euphoria and excitement.
THE BEST WAY TO EAT COCOA
Consume it in liquid form, that is, dissolved in milk or water, and hot. According to a study done in New York, a cup of soluble cocoa has been shown to be the beverage that contains the highest concentration of antioxidants.