You’ve probably noticed that those who are influential in the field of healthy living add powdered cocoa to their drinks with a spoon. smoothies. You’ve probably heard people say that cocoa has tons of health benefits, including improving blood circulation, balancing metabolism, supporting skin, and boosting brain power. So what exactly is cocoa and are the health claims about it true? So what are the differences between cocoa, cocoa and cacao? chocolate? Here we’ll break down everything you need to know about cocoa and what it can and can’t do for you.

What is cocoa and where does it come from?

Originating from the equatorial belt of Central and South America, cocoa comes from a small evergreen tree belonging to the Malvaceae family; scientific name Theobroma cocoa.

Cocoa was used by pre-Columbian Mayan populations. aztecshe revered it as a sacred food. In Aztec culture, cocoa was considered more important than gold; Myth Ruler II. Montezuma drank jugs of a drink made from fermented cocoa every day to enhance his energy and erotic sensibilities.

Cocoa was imported to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. This is when what we now know as “cocoa” first came into play: Cocoa is made by grinding dried, hulled and toasted cocoa seeds and then extracting the oil, or cocoa butter. This powder is used for ice cream, cookies, cakes and more.

Cocoa powder has a bitter taste because it is made from raw cocoa beans. It is less processed than cocoa and therefore retains many of the plant’s original nutrients. When purchasing cocoa, look for powder that is organic and raw, meaning that it has been processed at low temperatures to preserve its nutritional properties.

What are the health benefits of cocoa?

Cocoa has many health benefits. Cocoa is rich in B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and zinc. It also contains powerful antioxidants that protect the body’s cells against oxidative stress. Cocoa is a great source of polyphenols, especially flavanols, a subgroup of flavonoids. Here are some of the benefits of cocoa:

• Pure cocoa powder thanks to flavonoids low blood pressure
• Cocoa flavanols to develop increasing skin blood flow, moisture and protection from UV rays
• Cocoa thins the blood, heals improves blood circulation and may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack
• Cocoa may fall cholesterol levels bad LDL
• Thanks to its polyphenol content heals blood flow to the brain and cognitive functions
• It could be reduce risk Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s
• Cocoa can improve mood swings and symptoms of depression because it contains chemical compounds such as phenylethylamine, which is associated with endorphin production in the brain, and tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin.
• Theobromine and theophylline, anti-asthma compounds, thanks to cocoa to be relieves asthma

Can cocoa help maintain a healthy weight?

Consuming high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder or even 70% dark chocolate in small doses offers a feeling of fullness that can be beneficial for those hoping to maintain or lose weight. A published study National Library of Medicine Links dark chocolate consumption to lower body mass index.

Contraindications and negative effects of cocoa

Contains stimulant ingredients such as cocoa caffeine and theobromine and should therefore be avoided in the evening before going to sleep and by those with tachycardia.