Nutrition and effects of black cocoa nibs on our health

Any of us have heard of the name Cacao nibs but do not know exactly what they are and have the same effect and provide how much nutrition for health and body as cocoa powder or not? If so, let Trong Duc Cacao help you better understand what cocoa nibs are? And the nutrition, the effects that they bring to the health of the general sta in the article below.

1. What are cocoa nibs?

Cacao nibs are flakes from cocoa beans that are harvested, cleaned, fermented, dried, roasted and ground into small pieces. As a result, cocoa nibs have a bitter taste, a hardness almost similar to that of roasted coffee beans, a taste of chocolate, and a black or dark brown color.

Cacao nibs, also known as cacao nibs or roasted cocoa beans, are known to be a nutrient-dense food and powerful antioxidants with health benefits.

2. Nutritional composition of cocoa nibs

Cacao nibs provide significant amounts of protein along with many other nutrients such as healthy fats, fiber, minerals, and many plant compounds like flavonoids.

Each 28g serving of cocoa nibs contains the following nutrients:

• Energy: 175 calories
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 1g

In addition, cocoa nibs are packed with minerals: 6% of the RDI for iron, 16% of the RDI for magnesium, 9% of the RDI for phosphorus, 6% of the RDI for zinc, 27% of the RDI for manganese, and 25% of the RDI copper,…

As can be seen, cocoa nibs contain very little sugar, so it becomes a healthy substitute for chocolate flavor lovers.

3. Effects of cocoa nibs on health

Here are some outstanding health benefits of cocoa nibs:

Provides antioxidants
When free radicals are abundant in the body, they lead to oxidative stress -  related  to a number of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and neurological impairment.

Meanwhile, antioxidants are known to be compounds that are able to   protect body cells   from the damage of free radicals. Cacao nibs are foods rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenol compounds (also known as flavonoids) such as catechins, epicatechins and procyanidins. Thus, cocoa nibs has the effect of  reducing the incidence of certain cancers, heart disease, and neurological impairment.

In addition, the addition of cocoa nibs or cocoa-based products provide significant amounts of antioxidants to the body.

Has anti-inflammatory properties

The presence of many free radicals in the body is also one of the causes of harmful chronic inflammation and related to health conditions  in various ways. Cacao nibs have strong anti-inflammatory   properties, as research has shown that the polyphenol content in cocoa can reduce the activity of the   protein NF-κB - which plays an important role important for the inflammatory process.

Furthermore, polyphenol compounds also have the ability to destroy tumors alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) as shown in many other studies conducted in vitro.

In a study  of 44 men, lasting 4 weeks further demonstrated: those who consumed 30 grams of cocoa-based products containing 13.9 mg of polyphenols, the results showed a significant reduction in the condition. inflammatory markers.

Supports immune booster

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cocoa nibs have a positive impact on health by increasing the body's immune system. Because many studies show that the flavonoid compounds in cocoa have the ability to reduce inflammation, thereby improve the response rate of the immune system.

In addition, cocoa can improve the function of lymphatic tissue - intestinal-associated factor (GALT) as it plays an important role  in the immune system in the intestines of the body. Meanwhile, GALT contains about 70% of most of the immune cells present in our body.

A diet rich in cocoa products has been shown to reduce sensitivity to toxins and allergens occurring within the gut, thereby maintaining good intestinal health. Even this habit has the ability to   inhibit   the release of antibodies and inflammatory molecules.

Helps control blood sugar

Consuming cocoa nibs is also beneficial for people who are experiencing problems related to blood sugar levels, especially people with diabetes.

Many studies show that: the use of cocoa helps to regulate and control blood sugar levels, and at the same time improves sensitivity to insulin - a hormone that helps cells. can absorb sugar into the bloodstream.

Results  from a study that took place in 60 people showed that: those who ate about 25 grams of dark chocolate (high in polyphenols) per day for 8 weeks experienced reduced blood sugar and  HbA1c concentration.

Thus, cocoa nibs can become one of the products with the ability to regulate blood sugar because it contains many antioxidants and does not contain any added sugars.

Helps improve heart health

With polyphenol compounds such as catechins and anthocyanins, cocoa nibs provide many benefits for heart health. For example, it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart failure, coronary artery disease and stroke.

A review of 20 studies  found that consumption of cocoa products (including cocoa nibs) rich in flavonoid compounds was associated with a significant reduction in blood pressure within 2-18 weeks.

Not only that, but this habit has also been shown to improve blood vessel function, promote blood circulation, increase good HDL cholesterol, and reduce bad LDL cholesterol along with inflammation, all of which are beneficial for prevention. against cardiovascular disease.

Can prevent cancer

The antioxidants in cocoa nibs all have anti-cancer properties, notably epicatechin and catechin that help reduce inflammation and stop the growth of cancer cells, even destroying these cells.

Many studies have demonstrated: a diet rich in cocoa prevents the spread of   colon cancer cells   or protects against   lung cancer  and   adenocarcinomas. prostate. Furthermore, thanks to its rich flavonoid content, cocoa nibs have a positive effect on reducing the risk of certain cancers such as lung and ovarian.

Where to buy Nibs Cocoa?

Nibs Cocoa products provided by Cocoa Trong Duc have the best quality, meet UTZ standards and receive many positive feedbacks from customers who have used them. 

For more information, please contact us via hotline or go directly to our unit's address for advice and the fastest quote!