There are some food items, the benefits of them is hardly known. Today I am writing about one such food item- Cocoa-The Unknown Healthy Food.
Almost all of us relate Cocoa with chocolates, but we have never thought of Cocoa as food by itself. The consumption of Cocoa provides many health benefits. Do not reach out for a bar of chocolate or a dollop of ice cream yet. There is a healthy way to include Cocoa in your diet, and it is not guilt ridden.
Cocoa has ancient history, the word chocolate is often associated with Cocoa. It comes from native words chocolatl, which means hot water, and cacahuati that refers to bitter Cocoa based brew. Spanish conquerors discovered Cocoa and soon started adding sweeteners and spices to Cocoa to reduce its bitterness. Thus chocolate evolved and became famous across Europe. It is to the credit of Belgian Jean Neuhaus II, who invented the art of making chocolate and making it famous across the globe.
Today 4.5 million tons of Cocoa beans are consumed annually across the world. However, consuming it as Cocoa powder provides the best health benefit and not the sweetened versions. While buying, at least 70% Cocoa content is to be ensured in the powder.
Good for Heart
Flavanols present in Cocoa help reduce risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. Cocoa powder also contains healthy polyphenols and antioxidants that help with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in the body. Thy also help with blood sugar levels, and thus, overall has multiple benefits that help lower the risk of heart disease and strokes.
Improves Cognition Health
Cocoa is highly cognitive for our health. Cognitive is the term connected with processes of understanding. The flavanols present in Cocoa play a big part in this by boosting brain oxygenation. Consumption of Cocoa powder can help improve concentration and memory. The impact of Cocoa on the brain can also help improve mood, reduce stress levels and make you calmer. This, it may also help with sleep issues like insomania.
Boosts Immunity
It is the nutrients that we consume that keep our immunity levels boosted naturally. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants that help our immune system. It also contains mineral like Iron, Zinc, Selenium, Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Potassium. The Zinc present in Cocoa also helps in healing wounds.
Help Muscle and Nerve Functions
The Magnesium in Cocoa helps regulate muscle contraction and nerve functioning. It also reduces the risk of neurological disorders and protects nerve cells.
Anti-Inflammatory
Theobromine, of which Coco is a rich source, works as anti-inflammatory agent. This properly helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc, linked to chronic inflammation.
Anti-Diabetic
Cocoa does have some anti-diabetic effects, according to emerging research on the topic. For example, flavanols improve gut function and insulin secretion and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Other Benefits
Some studies have shown promising anti cancer effects based on the antioxidants in Cocoa. For example, Theobromine and Theophylline in Cocoa have anti-asthmatic properties in animal studies. In addition, some components in Cocoa can protect you from gum diseases and tooth cavities. This benefit is due to the presence of some elements that contain antibacterial, anti-enzymatic properties
The polyphenols in Cocoa can be beneficial to skin health and help sun protection. Cocoa powder also helps in the detoxification of the body by stimulating waste elimination from the body. The anti-inflammatory properties also help with joint disorders such as arthritis, osteoporosis, gout, and even fractures. In addition, the Iodine content in Cocoa powder can help regulate the thyroid function in the body.
Hope the above information will be helpful you.
Waiting, for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
9th November 2021 174/21