Zinc, present in it, helps protect against oxidative stress, which is a major cause behind accelerated aging. A comparative research study published in 2003 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has made it evident that cocoa exhibits higher antioxidant activity than black tea, green tea, and red wine. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. A meta-analysis also revealed a positive change in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure as a consequence of consuming cocoa-based products as compared to an intake of black or green tea for seven days. A study has shown the potential benefits of cocoa in preventing high-fat-diet-induced obesity. naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. Further human studies are required to research the potential benefits of this bean against neurodegenerative diseases over time. In moderate amounts, it can help in protecting the cells from damage, while strengthening the heart. According to USDA, a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder contains 12 calories, 3.1 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. © 2020 Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd. All the information on this website is for education purpose only. last updated - October 09, 2020 Historically, it is considered a very important crop in Central and South America. To obtain the benefits of cocoa, it is important to consume the correctly sourced product. It may also aid in enhancing skin elasticity, hydration, and density. The top health benefits of cocoa include its ability to lower blood pressure, prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and aid in weight management. Cocoa is a powder made from roasted, husked, and dried cacao beans, which are the fermented seeds of the cacao tree. Epicatechin present in cacao aids in increasing the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, stimulating the healthy flow of blood in the dermal (skin) tissues, and contributing to endogenous photo-protection. Kid social media influencers are promoting junk food and sugar-filled beverages in their YouTube videos, and they are garnering more than a billion views,…, We know that music, particularly musical training can improve the functioning of the brain. The fruits, or the cacao beans, are actually pods filled with sweet pulp enfolding a cluster of about 20-40 cacao seeds. If yes, please share your email to subscribe. Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. Average rating 4.1 out of 5.0 based on 529 user(s). Ask your doctor or check labels to ensure safe consumption. Images are provided by Shutterstock & our contributors. Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids – namely, procyanidin, catechin, and epicatechin, which have antioxidant properties. You may have seen cacao powder as well as cocoa powder in the supermarket aisles and wondered about the difference. Cocoa has been treasured worldwide for its usage in the manufacturing of chocolate and other sweet delicacies. Cocoa beans are used to make chocolate and cocoa butter. This gives it anti-asthmatic properties and is valuable in curing various allergies, including asthma and shortness of breath. Always use scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Cocoa Powder amazing benefits includes stabilizing blood pressure, supporting brain health, a good source of antioxidant, maintains cholesterol level, treats diabetes, cure bronchial asthma, contain healing power, reduces obesity, strengthening cardiovascular health, a mood buster, helps treat constipation, prevent cancer, and support skin health. In this article, we look at the health benefits of dry, unsweetened cocoa powder. All rice noodles and rice paper wraps are gluten-free as they are made wholly from rice. Curcumin can also limit weight gain. If you are trying to lose weight, honey can be very helpful, you can try it with lemon, cinnamon, or ginger for its effects. The findings have advocated that the consumption of cocoa-based products enhances the flow of blood to the brain and they have provided evidence of the therapeutic potential for curing vascular disorders. About 50-60 percent of cocoa liquor consists of cocoa butter. These neuroprotective benefits could also have favorable effects on learning and memory functions. by Meenakshi Nagdeve https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-cocoa.html Cacao powder refers to the product made from beans that have not been roasted and contain a higher number of antioxidants as compared to cocoa powder. The entire list of reference links is also provided at the bottom of the article. For this, you will have to look out for green stems. Antioxidants help neutralize the oxygen-based free radicals that are present in the body. Cocoa contains a high amount of flavonoids, like flavonol. Cocoa powder is made from crushed cocoa beans or seeds, it has amazing nutrition facts, flavor, health benefits, and minor side effects. It is also used in the preparation of various skin care products. In addition to this, it may also interact with drugs for asthma, depression, and diabetes. These mechanisms, in turn, aid in regulating sugar levels in the body. Let’s look at some of the major health benefits of cocoa. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. Its intake helps in modulating lipid metabolism and reducing the synthesis and transport of fatty acids. There are so many incredible benefits of eating cocoa powder that you won’t believe that something so delicious could be so good for you. Cocoa powder is also abundant in phenolic phytochemicals and flavonoids. Cut rosemary on the new growth. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas. The proanthocyanidins derived from this product may help in inhibiting the cataract formation occasionally induced by diabetes, according to one animal study. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. The flavonoids possess anti-platelet aggregating effects and modulate primary hemostasis, which is the measure of time blood takes to clot. She has completed the. Cocoa may cause allergic reactions like the following: Caffeine may influence the effects of certain medications prescribed before the diagnostic test associated with the heart. Our articles are evidence-based and contain scientific references, fact-checked by experts. Its beans were so prized that the native tribes used them as a form of currency. This ultimately helps prevent atherosclerosis and thrombosis. 10 Health Benefits of Organic Cocoa Powder You May Not Have Heard Of. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. The intake of this flavanol-rich bean also has therapeutic potential in improving the vascular function of people with diabetes on various medications. These favorable changes are attributed to the presence of antioxidants in it that stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which helps keep blood vessels relaxed. The fat is removed from cocoa butter to make cacao nibs. The cacao tree stands about 12-25 feet tall and grows naturally in tropical climates. The health benefits of khichdi, an Indian dish made of rice, lentils, & turmeric, include its ability to nourish the body, aid in digestion, & boost heart health. You can pass the powder through the smell test! You can read about the 6 Surprising Cocoa Butter Benefits to know more. If the cocoa powder has gone rancid, it will give an unpleasant odor and can cause digestive problems if consumed. Research led by Dr. Norman K. Hollenberg has suggested that flavanol may aid in maintaining a healthy brain. These ground beans (cocoa liquor or cocoa mass) also contain cocoa butter, a non-dairy, naturally occurring fat present in cacao beans. A 2004 study shows that cocoa may possess hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on both glucose and cholesterol levels, respectively. Commercially available chocolates and cocoa-products may not be rich in the original beneficial flavonols of cacao beans since they can be get destroyed by over-processing. Home remedies for weight loss include doing yoga, regular exercise, having a well-balanced diet comprising fruits & vegetables, and reducing the intake of sugar & high GI food. To increase transparency to the user, we provide reference links marked by numbers in parentheses in the copy of the article. Cocoa is native to the Amazon region of South America. Medically reviewed by Vanessa Voltolina (MS, RD) ✓ Evidence Based. It is generally advised to avoid caffeine-rich beverages or foods such as cocoa before such cardiac examinations. However, remember that if you are consuming cocoa powder in foods and beverages that contain high amounts of sugar and fat, it will be detrimental to weight loss. 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. There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'organicfacts_net-box-4','ezslot_1',120,'0','0']));Cacao beans contain xanthine and theophylline, which aid in relaxing bronchial spasms and opening constricted bronchial tubes. We source information from studies, clinical trial findings, and meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals. Cocoa is a source of caffeine and excessive intake may cause the following: Note: Avoid use before surgeries to avoid any interference with blood sugar control. Today, it is produced across the world, with about forty percent of the harvesting done on the South Coast of West Africa, along with Indonesia, Ghana, Brazil, Nigeria, and Cameroon, which contributes to the overall production. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. The excess can be blotted out gently using a tissue. In addition to cacao beans, the therapeutic utilization of cacao bark, butter, and flowers have also been valued since ancient times for treating various diseases like skin ailments, bowel malfunction, and wounds. Attach YouTube/Vimeo clip putting the URL in brackets: [https://youtu.be/Zkdf3kaso], 9 Impressive Benefits Of Cocoa or Cacao | Organic Facts. But the precise reasons behind this are less known. With a high nutritional value, cocoa is a good source of teaching required nutrients in th… It prevents the formation of fatal blood clots, which can lead to stroke or cardiac failure. Health benefits of apple cider vinegar include its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, boost weight loss, improve skin & gut health, & lower cholesterol levels.Read more! It also contains stimulants like theobromine and caffeine. Along with its well-established role in the manufacturing of chocolate, the healing and medicinal benefits of cocoa have been appreciated since the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations were ruling. The Latin name for cacao beans is Theobroma cacao, which translates to “Food of the Gods”. Consuming cocoa powder has shown antidepressant-like effects on certain physiological processes. Researchers found that consuming cocoa-containing foods helped lower blood pressure levels in a small sample size of participants. A research study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that consumption of cocoa powder is effective in improving insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. The presence of the neurochemical phenylethylamine in cocoa also helps in enhancing feelings of contentment and promoting aphrodisiac effects. Also, consult your doctor before adding a new type of food, especially one with so many unique compounds, into your diet. Though it's most famous for its role in chocolate production, cocoa has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. First, you will have to discard the tough outer leaves of the lemongrass stalks by peeling them away with your fingers.

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