Do you know the effective cocoa powder benefits?
You will be unaware of these impressive Benefits of Cocoa Powder
Let us tell you the benefits of cocoa powder, after that, you will know why cocoa powder is healthy …
Table of Contents
As soon as the name of cocoa powder comes to mind, the first thought of chocolate, Cocoa powder has been used to make chocolates, cakes, milkshakes, as well as for health benefits for years. Don’t be surprised! Many research mentions that regular and moderate use of cocoa powder can be beneficial in reducing the symptoms and prevention everyday health problems. For this reason, in this article of My Health Only, we are giving information related to cocoa powder based on research. Keep reading this article to know how using cocoa powder can benefit the body. Before telling the benefits of cocoa powder, we also make it clear that it is not a treatment for any disease, but it can be used to keep oneself healthy and to prevent minor physical problems.
Keep reading the article.
Let us first know what is cocoa powder.
What is Cocoa Powder?
The powder made by grinding cocoa beans is called cocoa powder. Cocoa powder has very little fat. Most people misunderstand cocoa powder as chocolate, which is not correct. Chocolate is made from cocoa powder, but chocolate or grinding it does not make cocoa powder. Know further how it can be beneficial for the body.
Know more about the benefits of cocoa powder.
Tremendous Health Benefits of Cocoa Powder –
- Benefits of Cocoa Powder for Oral Health
Benefits of Cocoa Powder for Oral Health Cocoa has been given the status of ‘Food of God’. There is a mention of this in research by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). Research has said that cocoa powder can be used to prevent many health problems. The same study also mentions the use of cocoa for oral health.
On the other hand, tannins are found in cocoa, which can help to some extent in protecting the teeth from caries. At the same time, the caffeine and theobromine present in cocoa are also considered beneficial to prevent caries. Just keep in mind that only fat-free coca can do this.
- Benefits of Cocoa Powder in Weight Loss
It is believed that obesity can also be controlled by consuming cocoa. During research conducted in Indonesia, one group of overweight people was given capsules containing four grams of cocoa powder and the other group was given capsules containing one gram of cocoa powder. According to the research, a reduction in weight was recorded in both groups.
Those who consumed four grams of cocoa powder for eight weeks were found to have a reduction in belly fat and weight. According to research, the antioxidants present in cocoa increase the hormone called leptin in the body, which helps in controlling appetite. For this reason, it is believed that cocoa powder can be beneficial in weight loss.
- Benefits of Cocoa Powder in Cardiovascular Disease
Cocoa powder has also been considered beneficial to prevent heart disease. Firstly, cocoa powder can help protect against heart disease by reducing weight. Actually, increasing weight works to increase the risk of heart disease. Research published on the NCBI website has found that consuming natural polyphenols present in cocoa keeps the heart-healthy. Along with this, the flavanols present in cocoa ensure normal blood flow in the body. Research clearly states that cocoa should be consumed in 200mg doses for heart health.
Polyphenols are believed to be responsible for the positive cardiovascular effects present in cocoa. The increased nitric oxide in the body following consumption may show potentially beneficial effects on improving endothelium function (the thin membranes present inside the heart and blood vessels), blood pressure, insulin, and blood lipids.
- Benefits of Cocoa for the Brain and Memory
Cocoa has also been shown to be beneficial for brain health. Research has found that the flavanols present in it may have the effect of increasing cognitive (mental ability). It can relieve fatigue and sleeplessness by improving brain function. Cocoa has also been considered beneficial in removing memory loss and cognitive decline in understanding new things. For this reason, the study mentions doing more research on cocoa in the future regarding brain health. At the same time, another research also mentions that flavonoids present in cocoa can help in improving brain function. Actually, it carries blood to the neural tissue, which is better for the brain.
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- Reduce and Control Inflammation
Cocoa has anti-inflammatory properties. This property can work to control inflammation as well as reduce it. Indeed, cocoa contains polyphenols, which exhibit this property. According to research on the NCBI website, polyphenols present in cocoa may help improve and reduce inflammation in the intestine (inflammatory bowel disease).
Cocoa can also help protect the nerves from inflammation and damage. Flavonoids such as procyanidins and catechins may also help protect DNA from inflammation and oxidative damage.
- Benefits of Cocoa Powder in Asthma
Natural cocoa powder, which is not sweet, is considered good for asthma patients. It contains anti-asthmatic compounds theobromine and theophylline. Cocoa powder does not contain fat as the fat is removed from it while preparing it. Cocoa powder contains 1.9% theobromine. For this reason, it is believed that cocoa powder can help reduce asthma.
The same study also clearly states that cocoa powder has been found to have anti-asthmatic effects, but it is not clear whether it has a negative effect on any medicine. In such a situation, if a person is already taking any medicine, then before consuming cocoa powder, consult a doctor once.
- Improves Mood and Prevents Depression
The benefits of cocoa also include improving mood and warding off depression. Actually, cocoa contains flavonoids. These compounds are believed to help improve mood. At the same time, the polyphenols present in cocoa work in the body like anti-depressants.
- Cocoa Powder for Skin
The use of cocoa powder helps to hydrate the skin. Along with this, it increases the density of the skin. According to the research on the NCBI website, it is beneficial for the skin due to the flavonol present in cocoa powder. In addition to hydrating the skin, this element can also help protect the skin from solar radiation. It can also work to condition the skin and reduce the visible aging of the skin due to the sun’s photodamage. It can help reduce the scaling and dryness of the skin.
- Cocoa Powder for Hair
Cocoa powder has also been considered better for hair, Cocoa powder has anti-inflammatory properties. This property can work to reduce scalp inflammation and dandruff. At the same time, people believe that after applying cocoa powder to the hair, it absorbs the excess oil from the scalp. However, there is no scientific evidence available regarding this. Some people apply the cocoa powder directly to the hair, while some use it by making a paste.
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Next, we are telling about the nutritional element of cocoa powder.
Nutrients of Cocoa Powder –
We have already been told about the benefits of cocoa powder. Now further we are giving information about the nutritional value and important nutrients present per 100 grams of cocoa powder through the table.
Keep reading the article.
Next, we are telling about how cocoa powder can be used.
Uses of Cocoa Powder –
After the benefits of cocoa powder, we are going to tell you how to use cocoa powder.
- Cocoa powder can be used to sprinkle over coffee.
- Cocoa powder can also be used while making brownies.
- Hot chocolate can be made using cocoa powder.
- Cocoa powder is also used to make chocolate.
- Smoothies are made from cocoa powder.
- Cocoa powder is also used to make face masks.
- It is also used to make tablets and capsules.
- Cocoa powder can also be eaten by mixing it in curd.
- Cocoa powder is also used as a face scrub.
When to eat – There is no exact time to eat the cocoa powder. It can be used at any time as a balanced diet or to enhance the flavor of coffee and other foods.
How much to eat – 1-4 teaspoons of it can be used daily to include in a balanced diet and benefits of cocoa powder. At the same time, it is mentioned in research that up to 200 mg (.2 g) of cocoa flavanols (supplement) can be consumed per day.
Read further in the article about the side effects of cocoa powder.
Side Effects of Cocoa Powder –
Along with the advantages of cocoa powder, it can also have side effects. Yes, while consuming it in limited quantities gives health benefits, consuming it in large quantities can also cause harm to the body of cocoa powder. What are the possible side effects of cocoa powder, let us know –
Many cocoa powders available in the market are high in sugar, which can increase the amount of glucose in the body. This can lead to the risk of diabetes.
Cocoa powder contains caffeine, which if taken in excess can cause the following problems.
- Anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
Along with the benefits of cocoa powder, in this article, we have also told about the side effects of consuming too much of it. Just now consume it keeping in mind the physical need and disease. Remember that the food that can act as medicine in moderation, if the quantity of the same food item is in excess, it can also leave a harmful effect on the body. Also, note that the benefits of cocoa powder can be maximum for the body only if it is not containing chemicals and sugar. It is our prayer that you eat healthily and stay healthy. Hope you enjoy this article.
