Medicinal uses of cocoa
Cocoa was first grown in prehistoric South America. It was brought to Europe by the Spanish Conquistadors during the Age of Exploration. Steam-powered machinery made it possible to produce cocoa powder in large quantities in the 1850s. Today, the annual global consumption of cocoa exceeds 4.5 million tons.
The beans from the Theobroma cacao L. plant are used to make cocoa powder. Although the main component of chocolate is made of cocoa beans, cocoa powder may also be made from them. Many possible health advantages are offered by the powder.
Benefits to Health
There are many advantages to using cocoa powder, particularly if it contains at least 72% cacao. Here are a few of the health advantages of cocoa powder:
Enhancement of Cognitive Health
More cocoa powder in your diet may assist to boost your general cognition, learning and memory, and attention, according to research. In addition, it might improve cognitive function in sleep-deprived individuals.
Enhance Immune System
Iron, zinc, and selenium are all present in cocoa powder. Your immune system benefits from these minerals, which also assist your body in functioning.
Radiation therapy with fewer side effects
If you've been diagnosed with a cancer and are receiving radiation treatment, consuming cocoa powder may be beneficial. According to research, the selenium in cocoa power reduces the side effects of radiotherapy for cancer patients.
Magnesium has a critical role in controlling muscle contraction and supporting neuronal activity. Additionally, the mineral lowers the danger of neurological illnesses while defending nerve cells. Consuming cocoa powder helps support healthy muscle and neurological system function because it includes magnesium.
Healing of Wounds
Zinc, a mineral that aids in wound healing, is abundant in 90% cocoa chocolate.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Dark chocolate contains flavonols, a type of flavonoid that lowers blood pressure, improves blood flow, and guards against cell damage to aid prevent heart disease. The antioxidants polyphenols, which are found in cocoa powder, also aid to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
Reduction of inflammation
Theobromine, which is abundant in cocoa powder and reduces inflammation, also has anti-cancer, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties.
Controlling one's weight
Because cocoa is low in fat and sugar and high in phytonutrients, the calories you consume from cocoa powder will be full of beneficial compounds. Additionally, research has revealed that cocoa increases feelings of satisfaction while regulating energy consumption and metabolism. To put it another way, even though chocolate is frequently linked to weight gain, cocoa powder may potentially aid in weight loss while supplying vital nutrients.
Nutrition
Iron, zinc, selenium, and magnesium are among the components found in high concentrations in cocoa powder.
Vitamins per Serving
Cocoa powder powder in one-fourth cup amounts to:
- 49 calories
- 12 grams of carbohydrates
- 7 grams of fiber
- 4 grams of protein
- 3 grams of fat
What to Look Out For
Cocoa doesn't have a lot of fat or sugar by itself. However, additional sugars and fats are included in the majority of commercial chocolate products. For the best results, use items with 60–70% cocoa or more.
How to Make Chocolate Powder
From cocoa beans, make cocoa powder by:
- Roast the cacao beans
- To preserve the cocoa nibs alone, remove the shells.
- The cocoa nibs are processed into a non-alcoholic liquor.
- To press out the cocoa butter, use the cocoa liquor.
- The cocoa press cake, which is the solid residue, should be broken down to create cocoa powder.
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