Cocoa powder and 10 amazing benefits you may not know

Considered as an ingredient widely used around the world in general and in Vietnam in particular, cocoa powder is considered one of the most nutritious and very healthy drinks. However, most consumers only know they have health benefits but do not understand where they are good. Therefore, in the article below, Trong Duc Cacao would like to introduce to you 10 amazing benefits from pure cocoa powder that you may not know.

1. High Nutritional Value

Cocoa is full of basic nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and lipids that help provide energy. Fat in cocoa is mainly triglycerides and unsaturated fatty acids, the good fat content in cocoa is equivalent to the monounsaturated fat content in olive oil. In addition, cocoa is also known for its high soluble fiber content.

In addition to helping to create a feeling of fullness and reduce cravings, fiber also helps you fight extremely well with constipation. Not only that, drinking cocoa also means that you are bringing in a lot of essential minerals, such as manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, ... needed for metabolism and body building.

2. Boost Metabolism

Dr. Shilpa Mittal, Nutritionist of India, said, “Cocoa is a great ingredient to boost metabolism.”

It can be seen that cocoa helps to accelerate metabolism, allowing the body to burn more calories per day for better bodily activities.

3. Anti-Oxidant

As you know, antioxidants make it easier to digest. Therefore, when dining, people have the habit of drinking wine because it contains high antioxidant content.

But  cacao contains more antioxidants than wine and green tea. So when you encounter a case of overeating or indigestion, think of a chocolate bar or a cup of cocoa!!!

4. Improve Blood Circulation, Stabilize Blood Pressure

Polyphenols are antioxidants found in cocoa powder and other foods such as fruits, vegetables, chocolate, tea, and wine. Polyphenols have a lot of health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, increasing blood flow to lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

In addition, Cocoa is slowly consumed into the blood sugar and produces insulin, a substance capable of stabilizing blood sugar. This shows that  cocoa will be very good for diabetics.

Therefore, patients with diabetes or heart disease can use cocoa as a very good treatment support food.

5. Weight Loss, Weight Control

It sounds counter-scientific, but cocoa is actually used as a weight loss drink. Because the main ingredient in cocoa is  theobromine, a substance that makes the body feel full and suppresses appetite.

So, to fight cravings to control your weight, using cocoa or   dark chocolate is an effective way.

6. Beauty Skin

Perhaps this is a benefit that few of you expect.

The flavonoids in cocoa can protect the skin from sun damage. In addition, cocoa also helps to improve blood circulation under the skin, making the skin more ruddy, increasing the elasticity and moisture of the skin, helping to fade wrinkles, giving you a more beautiful and youthful skin.

You can use pure cocoa powder on your face about 1-2 times a week or use it as an exfoliant and moisturizer for the skin. You will feel a noticeable difference in 1-2 weeks of use.

7. Relaxing Drink, Anti-Depression

Cacao helps fight depression, relaxes the body???

The human nervous system contains about 20% Serotonin, if impaired, it leads to feeling bored, decreased interest or easily angered, having difficulty completing work ....

And cocoa is one of the foods that help promote serotonin levels in the brain, make the brain happy, and help repel stress very effectively. However, scientists recommend drinking 1 cup of cocoa in the morning to help you stay awake and have a long active day, limit use in the evening because it will cause insomnia.

8. Asthma Treatment

Cocoa powder is said to be a beneficial food for people with asthma because it contains anti-asthmatic compounds like theophylline and theobromine (which help relieve persistent coughs). On the other hand, theophylline aids in the expansion of the lungs, relaxing the airways and reducing inflammation.

9. Helps Increase Pleasure

Cocoa contains Amphetamine content - a substance that helps to stimulate the pleasure center in the cerebral cortex, enhancing the secretion of sex hormones.

Instead of taking some expensive, unhealthy drugs that can cause side effects… So why don't you try a cup of hot cocoa every day that is both effective and nutritious.

10.Anti-Cancer Properties

It doesn't sound good, but cocoa powder has a very high concentration of flavanols that have anti-cancer properties, protect cells against cancer cell growth, fight inflammation and help stop the spread of cancer. cancer cell.

Cocoa extracts have shown many positive results in reducing the risk of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and liver cancer.

You can use cocoa or chocolate to reduce the risk of cancer. However, you should choose raw chocolate  containing a large cocoa content such as 70% cocoa dark chocolate to have a good effect.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, cocoa has many health benefits. Nutritionists recommend drinking 1 cup of hot cocoa every morning to have an effective working day and maintain good health.