Health Benafits Of CoCoa

What Is Cocoa?

The cacao tree is a small tree originally grown in tropical South America. It is small and only grows to 4 to 8 meters in height. Its seeds are called cocoa and are used to produce cocoa butter, the chocolate drink, as well as chocolate. Nutritional ValueThe fruit of the cocoa tree is a pod full of sweet pulp enfolding a cluster of about 20-40 cacao seeds. Nowadays the trees are grown in plantations in many tropical countries.

Species: T. cacao

Genus: Theobroma

Nutritional Value (Per 100 gram)

Calories 228 

Total Fat                        14 g
Saturated fat                 8 g
Cholesterol                    0 mg
Sodium                          21 mg
Potassium                     1,524 mg
Total Carbohydrate     58 g
Dietary fiber                 33 g
Sugar                             1.8 g
Protein                          20 g
Caffeine                        230 mg

Benefits Of Cocoa

Balances Cholesterol Levels

A 2004 study shows that cocoa has hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on both glucose and cholesterol levels, respectively. [19] It helps reduce triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body and gives a noteworthy rise to HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body.

Relieves Bronchial Asthma

Cacao beans contain xanthine and theophylline, which aid in relaxing bronchial spasms and opening constricted bronchial tubes. This facilitates easy flow of air and is valuable in curing various allergies, including asthma and shortness of breath. Its consumption, therefore, helps in providing relief from bronchial asthma.

Research published in 2014 in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology suggests that unsweetened powder has anti-asthmatic properties as it contains theobromine.

Good for Brain Health

Cocoa powder is a flavonoid-rich ingredient that may help you maintain a healthy brain. It provides the neuroprotective benefits to enhance the brain competency, memory and learning functions. In addition to this, scientific studies advocated that cocoa-based products should be an important part of your diet to enhance blood flow and cure vascular disorders. However, excess consumption of cocoa in the caffeinated drinks may lead to severe side effects including sleeplessness and increased urination.

Healing Power

Pharmaceutical companies have been using cocoa extracts for its wound-healing and therapeutic properties for manufacturing medicinal products. Scientists consider cocoa extract as an active agent that helps prevent the growth of infectious bacteria in your body. And, if it is taken with the appropriate medical treatment, it may aid eradicate the contagious bacteria Helicobacter pylori from your body.

Rich in Polyphenols That Provide Several Health Benefits

Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants found in foods like fruits, vegetables, tea, chocolate, and wine.

They have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, better blood flow, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Cocoa is one of the richest sources of polyphenols. It’s especially abundant in flavanols, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. 

However, processing and heating cocoa can cause it to lose its beneficial properties. It’s also often treated with alkaline to reduce bitterness, which results in a 60% decrease in flavanol content
So while cocoa is a great source of polyphenols, not all products containing cocoa will provide the same benefits.

May Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
In addition to lowering blood pressure, it appears that cocoa has other properties that may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Flavanol-rich cocoa improves the level of nitric oxide in your blood, which relaxes and dilates your arteries and blood vessels and improves blood flow.
What’s more, cocoa has been found to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, have a blood thinning effect similar to aspirin, improve blood sugars and reduce inflammation.
These properties have been linked to a lower risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
A review of nine studies in 157,809 people found that higher chocolate consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and death.
Two Swedish studies found that chocolate intake is linked to a lower rate of heart failure at doses of up to one serving of 0.7–1.1 ounces (19–30 grams) of chocolate per day, but the effect was not seen when consuming higher amounts.
These results suggest that frequent consumption of small amounts of cocoa-rich chocolate may have protective benefits for your heart.

Strengthens Cardiovascular Health

A recent study has elaborated some inevitable benefits of cocoa which help strengthen the cardiovascular health. It includes some rich catechin, epicatechin and procyanidin having antioxidant properties which protect cells and strengthen the heart. In addition to that, cocoa powder prevents fatal blood clots from blocking the blood vessels which may lead to severe cardiac failure.

Anti-cancer Benefits

Cocoa has demonstrated beneficial effects in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells without affecting the growth of normal healthy cells (European Journal of Cancer Prevention 2006). Studies conducted by a team of researchers in France have provided evidence regarding the chemopreventive and anti-proliferative qualities exerted by the flavonols and procyanidins present in it.

Treat Constipation

People suffering from chronic constipation can be benefitted by consuming cocoa-based products. Cocoa powder exerts therapeutic effects which help treat digestion complication and bowel function diseases. Researchers conducted a study on various pediatric patients to assess the effects of fiber-rich cocoa powder on rectal, colonic and intestinal diseases. The study found cocoa as a substance enhancing the bowel function and movement. It provides relief from gastrointestinal discomfort by softening stool consistency.

Skin Care

Research findings suggest that the consumption of flavonol-rich cocoa helps in decreasing the effects of UV-induced erythema, and reducing skin roughness and scaling. It also aids in enhancing skin elasticity, hydration, and density. Epicatechin present in cacao aids in elevating the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, stimulating the healthy flow of blood in the dermal tissues, and contributing to endogenous photo-protection. It is also used in the preparation of various skin care products.