Pure cocoa: properties and health benefits

Cocoa is one of the best known fruits worldwide due to the products that are born from it. It is also considered a functional food for its contribution of nutrients to our body.

Its scientific name is Theobroma cacao L. , it is of tropical origin and has a singular importance in the economic performance of the agricultural area.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) considers cocoa as one of the basic agricultural products, and the beginning of consumption of this fruit is unknown, because it has been used for worship since ancient times. to Gods.

Its consumption, although it is practically entirely in a processed form (in by-products and final products), does not counteract its immense variety of benefits and contributions to health.

In the following article we will talk about pure cocoa, its nutritional properties, health benefits and ways to consume it.

What is pure cocoa?

Cocoa arouses incredible interest in research articles due to its potential beneficial effects. It is a plant of American origin although without accuracy.

Cocoa is a fruit, which thanks to its shape is considered under the name of cob. This contains oval-shaped grains.

Currently, different types of cocoa are harvested depending on the region and its genetics, which has been modified with hybrids that seek to improve production and greater resistance to diseases.

In the history of cocoa, it spread from a privileged culture of upper classes, being considered a divine gift by the Mayans and being used as a curative to heal the soul.

Properties of pure cocoa

Cocoa offers a high amount of nutritional health benefits. In this sense, the multiple possibilities of making products from pure cocoa is what has led us to expand the market with products known as functional foods.

From its composition, all these benefits are born that we will mention and that we will explain in more detail later. Next we will talk about the biological molecules that make up this wonderful fruit.

vitamins

Cocoa is one of the leading fruits with antioxidant and vitamin content.

In this sense, it has a contribution in group B vitamins, which help the metabolism to work correctly and in fact can speed up its process and produce energy in shorter periods of time.

On the prestigious Todoalimentos website , we have a reference to the vitamin values ​​that cocoa provides, even after being processed into powder, but this is still pure in its composition. The vitamins that stand out are: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-3 and B-9.

minerals

The Superfoods Blog exposes how important these components are for carrying out biochemical reactions, in addition to the mobilization of sugars through the muscles.

The prominent minerals in the composition of cocoa are magnesium, iron and chromium. It also provides potassium, zinc and copper, but in smaller proportions. They have a long list of benefits provided through their consumption.

Fiber

In cocoa, fiber is basically its main component. In investigations such as that of Lecumberri and Col, entitled ” Characterization of cocoa fiber and its effect on the antioxidant capacity in serum of experimental animals “ , the excellent source that corresponds to this fruit is evident, especially dietary fiber.

Fiber helps with the feeling of satiety and therefore benefits in weight control. They regulate intestinal transit and help improve or control glucose and cholesterol levels.

calories

The purer the cocoa, the higher caloric intake it has. 100 grams of pure cocoa powder have 228 calories, which makes up 11% of the recommended daily intake.

That is why its great contribution of energy inclines it to be a recommended food, for the requirement of some extra energy contribution.

Health benefits of pure cocoa

As we have previously mentioned, the nutritional components of this food favor our body and our health in many ways. It is in fact used for medicinal purposes and with its pleasant taste it is not far from being a superfood.

So below we detail more about the great benefits of pure cocoa.

Prevents cardiovascular diseases

Due to its high content of flavonoids (which are antioxidant substances), they favor reducing degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In fact, these components are capable of slowing down the aging of our cells.

At the University of Murcia , an investigation entitled “Study of the Content of Bioactive Compounds of Cocoa and its Application in Obtaining an Ingredient Rich in (Poly)phenols” was carried out, where they delved into the mechanism of action of these compounds on cardiovascular diseases. . These mechanisms include:

• Inhibition of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
• Decreased platelet aggregation.
• Improvement of vascular endothelial function.
• Reduction of inflammatory markers.
• Decreased blood pressure.

Therefore, the consumption of pure cocoa or even by-products such as chocolate is recommended to reduce cardiovascular risks.

lowers blood pressure

This fact focuses on the decrease in both systolic and diastolic pressure and the increase in sensitivity towards insulin.

Researchers like Hooper and works like “ Effects of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials ”, show the capacity of this fruit in our cardiovascular system.

Said study compares from experiments, how insulin resistance improves and how pressures decrease after the consumption of cocoa samples.

Reduce the cholesterol

Cocoa is responsible for preventing deposits from occurring in the arteries of the heart and also increases HDL cholesterol levels in plasma.

In a study carried out, it was observed that the consumption of at least 40 grams of dark chocolate or dark chocolate per day produces a decrease in cholesterol in hypertensive patients.

Lowers the risk of diabetes

A study conducted at Brigham Young University in the US revealed that there are compounds in cocoa that can potentially help treat and prevent type 2 diabetes.

In fact, it works by increasing our body’s insulin production levels from components present in cocoa.

Promotes the proper functioning of the metabolism

As we previously mentioned, type B vitamins promote metabolism and produce more energy in shorter periods of time. And precisely cocoa, a rich source of vitamins B3 and B9 mainly.

An investigation by the University of Navarra and led by Idoia Ibero, concluded that cocoa can improve the nutritional and metabolic state of the body.

Protects kidney health

Theobromine contained in cocoa prevents the production of kidney stones. In the Blog Observatorio del Cacao they mention in an article on ” The components of cocoa and their studies for effects on health” , also how flavonoids facilitate the dilation of the arteries of the kidneys, so this could improve the correct functioning of these organs.

Improves memory and concentration

“The origin of these benefits lies in the fact that flavanols dilate the arteries and promote blood circulation, increasing the blood flow that reaches the brain and, therefore, improving mental performance” , is what Dr. Estruch assures in his workshop on the benefits of cocoa on memory and learning ability in children and adolescents.

There are also related studies , which ensure that the constant consumption of cocoa improves concentration and brain response based on mental processes (auditory, visual, short and long-term memory) and information processing.

Reduces stress and improves mood

The chemical compounds in pure cocoa, such as phenylethylamine, anandamide and serotonin, are responsible for stimulating endorphins that give the brain a feeling of well-being, pleasure, euphoria and even what is considered a degree of excitement.

Improves skin and hair

Cocoa when it is in our body can control the production of fat. Deeply hydrates and confers vitamins and minerals, which are responsible for maintaining adequate levels in our skin.

Its antioxidant content also prevents the aging of our cells and can also confer anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of acne.

Increases sexual potency

Motivated by the endorphins that they confer and the dilation of arteries that improve blood circulation, cocoa is considered a sexual enhancer.

Studies carried out in the Journal of Sexual Medicine , verified that 163 individuals (of the female sex) experienced greater pleasure and increased sexual appetite.

In addition to this, due to its caloric intake, it is recognized that it increases energy levels and resistance.

How to consume pure cocoa?

Cocoa is normally consumed in the by-product formulation, but its direct consumption can be just as palatable and delicious. Here are some recipes to include this incredible superfood in our diet.

pure cocoa drink

Who has not had breakfast, snack or even dinner with a delicious cup or glass of chocolate drink? The best thing is that the inclusion of products such as milk increases the nutritional value of the drink and makes everything better.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of pure cocoa powder
• 1 liter of cold vegetable or skimmed milk
• sweetener to taste
• ground cinnamon to taste

Preparation:

• Add to the glass of the blender all the previously mentioned ingredients.
• Blend until everything is fully integrated and serve in a glass with plenty of ice.
• To enjoy!

pure cocoa pudding

It is a quite particular recipe, striking, delicious and super nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup of pure cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon almond or oat flour
• 2 tablespoons of liquid coffee
• ¼ cup nonfat or nonfat milk
• sweetener to taste

Preparation:

• We beat the eggs together with the sweetener of preference.
• Add the cup of milk to the mixture.
• Add the cup of cocoa, flour and liquid coffee and then cook at a temperature of 180°C for approximately 40 minutes.
• Wait for it to be cold to remove from the mold and serve in slices.