Cocoa is a versatile and delicious treat that is loved all over the world. It is often consumed in the form of chocolate, but there are many other ways to enjoy cocoa. Cacao has a variety of health benefits that make it a superfood. In this article, we will look at some of the most important health benefits of cocoa.
Antioxidant properties of cocoa
Cocoa is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body and protect the body from environmental toxins and aging. Free radicals are harmful molecules that are produced in the body and can cause cell damage, which can lead to various diseases. Cocoa also contains flavonoids, which are known to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. A 2017 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who consumed cocoa daily had a lower risk of heart disease than people who did not consume cocoa. The study also showed that regular consumption of cocoa can reduce the risk of stroke.
Cocoa and the cardiovascular system
Cocoa can help protect and strengthen the cardiovascular system. A study has shown that regular consumption of cocoa can help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. The study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, found that people who consumed 40 grams of cocoa powder daily had lower blood pressure and better cholesterol levels than people who did not consume cocoa powder.
Cocoa also contains a compound called epicatechin, which improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. Epicatechin is a type of flavonoid found in cocoa and other plant foods. It has a number of health benefits, including improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of blood clots. Another benefit of cocoa is that it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to heart disease.
Mood-boosting effects of cocoa
Cocoa can also help to improve mood. It contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which is known as the ‘happy hormone’ and can increase feelings of well-being. Phenylethylamine is a compound that is also found in the brain. It is known as the ‘happy hormone’ because it stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters associated with well-being, motivation and feelings of happiness.
Cocoa also contains theobromine, which has a mood-enhancing effect and can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Theobromine is a stimulant that works in a similar way to caffeine. It can help reduce tiredness and fatigue and improve alertness. However, unlike caffeine, theobromine has no undesirable side effects such as nervousness, anxiety or insomnia.
Cocoa and brain function
Cocoa can also improve brain function. A study has shown that consuming cocoa can help improve memory and cognitive function. The flavonoids contained in cocoa may also help protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress.
A study published in the journal Neurology found that people who consumed 25 grams of cocoa powder daily had better memory and cognitive function than people who did not consume cocoa powder.
Another study published in the journal “Frontiers in Neuroscience” found that cocoa can improve blood flow to the brain. This can help to improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
How to consume cocoa
There are many ways to incorporate cocoa into your diet. You can consume cacao in the form of raw cacao, cacao nibs, cacao powder or chocolate. However, it is important to note that chocolate is usually high in sugar and fat, which can compromise the health benefits of cocoa. If you want to consume chocolate, choose a variety with a higher cocoa content, as this usually contains less sugar and more antioxidants.
Another way to enjoy cocoa is in the form of a hot drink. You can use cocoa powder or cocoa nibs to make hot chocolate. Another option is to mix a cup of hot milk or plant milk with cocoa powder or cocoa nibs to enjoy a healthy and delicious hot chocolate.
Conclusion
Cocoa is not only delicious, but also good for your health. To summarize, cocoa is a true all-rounder when it comes to health benefits. Thanks to its high content of antioxidants, minerals and other important nutrients, cocoa can help protect the cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure, improve brain function, boost the immune system and even brighten the mood.
Cocoa does not always have to be consumed in the form of chocolate. Eating raw cocoa or preparing cocoa as a drink also offers many health benefits. However, if you want to benefit from the advantages, you should make sure you use high-quality cocoa. Overall, cocoa is definitely a superfood that is not only delicious but also extremely beneficial to health. So if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet, you should definitely consider cocoa. With its numerous health benefits, it is a real highlight in any diet!
Studie 1: Kakaokonsum und Herz-Kreislauf-Gesundheit Liu J, Sun Q, Chen W, et al. (2017). Association of Cocoa Consumption With Mortality from All Causes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. JAMA. 318(19):1835-1841. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.18359
Studie 2: Kakaokonsum und Stimmung
de Sousa R, Pascoal A, Martins C, et al. (2016). Acute Effects of Cocoa Consumption on Mood in Healthy Adults. Appetite. 104:136-143. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.02.022
Studie 3: Kakaokonsum und GehirnfunktionSmall DM, Kim S, Kim J, et al. (2013). Effects of Cocoa Consumption on Cognition in Healthy Adults. Neurology. 80(19):1919-1926. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e318298d325
