Probably, not everyone knows where cocoa comes from, how to grow it correctly, collect it, and whether everyone is allowed to consume it.

It turns out that cocoa grows in Latin America on a tree called "chocolate." The height of the tree reaches almost ten meters, so it’s not easy to see the fruits at that height. In addition, cocoa is extracted from the pulp of the fruits of the chocolate tree. They contain many useful substances that can bring both benefits to humans and harm.

Composition and benefits

Cocoa beans contain many useful substances, in particular, such trace elements:

• vegetable protein;
• carbohydrates;
• organic acids;
• saturated fatty acids;
• starch;
• dietary fiber;
• sugar.

In addition, cocoa has enough vitamins and minerals:

• b vitamins;
• vitamin A;
• vitamins PP and E;
• fluorine, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, etc.

By caloric content, this product is superior to many other plant products. Just 100 grams of crushed cocoa contains from 200 to 400 kilocalories. Moreover, carbohydrates and the amount of fat in one cup are much less present than in a small piece of chocolate.

A drink made from cocoa powder (excellent quality!) Is able to saturate the body, energize, and without burdening with calories. This means that ladies who are on a diet can safely drink one cup of cocoa per day. And it is advisable to drink it in the first half of the day in order to recharge your batteries for the whole day.

The benefits of cocoa in medicine

Many do not even suspect, but cocoa can relieve many ailments, including. If the drink is prepared correctly, it will "work" as an expectorant, antitussive and thinning sputum, medicine. In addition, cocoa butter is used in the treatment of such diseases:

• broncho-pulmonary.

It is not difficult to prepare the medicine: a little cocoa butter is added to a glass of hot milk (not more than 40 degrees), dissolved and drunk warm. Of course, the taste of such milk will be unusual, with a characteristic “oil” film, but for the sake of well-being it is worth to be patient.

In addition to ingestion, cocoa butter lubricates the nasal mucosa, it helps fight viruses during colds.

Also, with the help of cocoa they treat such diseases:

• heart failure and other heart diseases;
• inflammatory processes in the intestines;
• remove cholesterol, bile;
• stomach diseases.

Let us consider in more detail how cocoa affects the functioning of the heart. In one part of cocoa, 70 percent are bioactive nutrients that help block platelet adhesion. In addition to such a useful function, in terms of its antioxidant properties, cocoa surpasses by many times such products as apple, orange juice, as well as tea, both green and black. And flavanols contained in cocoa help prevent vessels from damage and affect metabolic processes on the positive side.

If you drink a cup of aromatic cocoa drink, the fruits of which did not pass the heat treatment, then the muscles recover after a hard day and hard work.

In addition, a special substance is present in the fruits of the chocolate tree, which helps stimulate endorphin, the hormone of joy. That is why, after drinking a glass of hot cocoa, a person feels more cheerful, his mood rises.

But the substance in it, such as elicatechin, helps to reduce the risk of diseases such as:

1. Stroke.
2. Benign and malignant neoplasms.
3. Heart attack.

Through experiments, scientists discovered cocoa as a substance that can rejuvenate the skin. Beans contain a special substance that restores the skin's healthy appearance and increases its elasticity. And melanin, in turn, will protect it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Cocoa during pregnancy

Despite the great benefits of cocoa, it turns out that it is undesirable for women who are expecting a baby to consume it. Doctors recommend giving up the drink altogether or not consuming it often. This requirement is due to the fact that cocoa retains calcium in the body and does not allow it to be absorbed. And this is fraught both for the health of the mother, and for the full development of her baby.

In addition, cocoa is an allergenic product and can trigger an allergic reaction.

If a pregnant woman really likes this drink, then she can afford a cup of weak cocoa once a week.

About harm

Chocolate beans contain a little caffeine, so this should not be missed when preparing a drink for children. Doctors say it is undesirable to give children caffeinated products and be careful with those babies who are strictly forbidden caffeine.

Cocoa harm is also noted in the following: when large plantations of the chocolate tree are grown, it is fertilized and processed from pests. And cocoa is subjected to intensive processing. In addition, the collected beans are again treated with radionuclides in order to destroy pests, and then this cocoa is sent to factories for the production of chocolate. It turns out that 99 percent of such chocolate is consumed by the population of the whole world!

1. Children under the age of three.
2. People suffering from diseases such as sclerosis, diabetes and.
3. Fat, fat people.
4. In stressful situations.
5. With diseases of the nervous system.

Limit the use of the drink is necessary for people suffering from kidney failure and.

How to choose and where to apply

And even despite the fact that manufacturers of raw materials for chocolate claim that cocoa is thoroughly cleaned, in fact, it is impossible to determine which cocoa powder you got.

The market has several types of cocoa, namely:

1. For industrial production. This type is grown using various fertilizers.
2. For industrial production - organic, grown without fertilizers. It is considered the most valuable.
3. "Live" product, collected from wild trees by hand. It has a unique property.

It is not so easy to immediately understand which cocoa variety is on the store counter. How to distinguish a quality product:

1. You are holding a pack of cocoa powder. Read the composition, the fat in it should be at least 15 percent, then the product will be considered the most useful.
2. The color of natural cocoa is brown.
3. If you grind the powder in your hands, it should not crumble and slide into lumps.
4. When cocoa is brewed with boiling water, it is necessary to check whether a precipitate has formed. If the product is of high quality - it will not be.

Pay attention to the manufacturer. Ideally, this should be a country in which chocolate trees grow. If this is another country, then perhaps the raw materials were overbought and the production technology was violated.

How to cook correctly

To brew a tasty drink, you must strictly observe the proportions. To make a drink, MirSovetov recommends:

1. Take three large spoons of cocoa (use only a dry spoon (!).
2. Mix the powder with sugar (one teaspoon).
3. Boil a liter of milk.
4. Pour the mixture of powder with sugar to milk and mix.
5. Cook over low heat for no more than three minutes, stirring occasionally.

Another cooking method:

1. Cook cocoa, sugar, milk, water, a whisk, or a mixer.
2. Boil water and add cocoa and sugar to it.
3. Shake with a whisk or mixer.
4. Add hot fat milk.

With this method, an airy, aromatic cocoa foam is formed in the beverage.

In addition to making a hot drink, cocoa is added to baking and used in the manufacture of sweets and other sweets.

And finally, MirSovetov wants to warn readers against acquiring Chinese-made cocoa. According to gourmets, Chinese purchasers acquire rotten beans and process them by aromatization. Such cocoa will not be useful, but may harm. Be carefull!

Instant or natural grated cocoa, whose health benefits and harm are discussed in the article, is a favorite drink of many children and adults. A soluble drink contains dyes and chemicals that make its taste, color and aroma similar to that made from natural powder. The use of cocoa beans in such a drink is minimal, because they contain no more than 20%. However, grated cocoa has useful properties, because it contains vitamins and minerals present in beans.

Composition

100 g of cocoa powder contains the following amount of minerals:

1. potassium (1524 mg) normalizes muscle function, therefore it is useful for the health of people with arrhythmia (cardiac arrhythmias), because it can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks;
2. phosphorus (734) is part of the bone tissue and ensures its density, reducing bone fragility;
3. magnesium (499), along with potassium, normalizes muscle function and is useful for those who suffer from cramps, because it can make them more rare;
4. calcium (128) is necessary for children in the period of active growth (daily rate of 800 mg), as well as for pregnant women (1000 mg), because it is the main element necessary for the formation and growth of bone tissue;
5. sodium (21) provides normal pressure in the intercellular fluid, due to which all the necessary nutrients are transferred to the cells through it;
6. iron (13.86) reacts with oxygen in the body and forms hemoglobin, with a deficiency of which anemia can develop (a disease characterized by low hemoglobin and accompanied by fatigue, pallor, numbness of the limbs);
7. zinc (6.81) is useful for children (daily intake of 15 mg), because it is part of the bone tissue and prevents bone deformation;
8. manganese (3.84) is involved in the metabolism of vitamins A, B and C and their assimilation;
9. selenium (3.79 mcg) is useful for men's health, because it stimulates the production of testosterone.

The beneficial properties of cocoa are also explained by the presence of vitamins in it:

• PP (2.19 mg) cleanses the liver from "bad" cholesterol, removing its excess. Participates in redox processes, turning fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy necessary for respiration, movement;
• B5 (0.25) is involved in oxidative processes and the breakdown of nutrients, converting them into energy, which is then spent on respiration and motor activity;
• B2 (0.24) is necessary for the synthesis of sex hormones, as well as red blood cells. It is useful for human health, suffering from anemia (low hemoglobin), because it is involved in the formation of hemoglobin;
• B6 (0.12) is involved in the processing of amino acids. Subsequently, protein molecules are built from them, cell division, tissue growth are ensured;
• B1 (0.08) has antioxidant properties, strengthens cell membranes, and prevents the penetration of peroxidation products through them. It is these oxidation products that form insoluble formations in the cell cavity that can lead to cancer;
• B9 (32 mcg) is involved in the formation of the fetal nervous system, therefore it is indicated for pregnant women. The daily norm is 500 mcg;
• K (2.5 μg) normalizes blood coagulability, promotes the rapid healing of injuries. For this reason, it is even part of the healing creams for the skin and is prescribed before surgery and childbirth in order to avoid bleeding.

Calorie content of cocoa powder is quite high and is 289 kcal. Moreover, in a drink without the addition of milk and sugar, 68.8 kcal per 100 g. Calorie content of cocoa with milk is 94 kcal per 100 g. When sugar is added, it increases by another 10-15 kcal.

Therefore, it is better to drink it for children and adults in the morning. The biological rhythms of the body determine in the morning a more active production of enzymes. As a result, the proteins, fats and carbohydrates from the drink will be broken down faster. And energy costs during the day will allow them to be spent, preventing the formation of fatty deposits. While if you drink the drink at night, then the energy will not be consumed and the splitting will take place less actively, which will lead to the formation of fatty deposits.

Skin Benefits

Drinking a drink has a beneficial effect on the skin. It contains plant phenols procyanidins, which rejuvenate the skin and smooth out fine wrinkles. This is due to the fact that they bind collagen molecules, which maintains skin elasticity.

In addition, the drink contains melanin, which protects the skin from the negative effects of sunlight. This not only reduces the rate of skin aging, but also prevents the development of cancer, such as melanoma.

Vitamin K in the composition promotes the rapid healing of wounds and injuries on the skin, provides tissue repair. The antioxidants in the composition of the drink also have a beneficial effect on the skin, eliminating toxins, slowing down its aging and maintaining a healthy appearance.

Hair Benefits

It is worth drinking cocoa for children and adults in order to improve the condition of the hair. Nicotinic acid (2.19 mg) in the composition of the drink has a positive effect on the hair when applied internally and externally. It activates sleeping hair follicles, stimulating the growth of new hair.

To achieve a noticeable effect, you need not only to drink cocoa, but also to make hair masks from it. When applied topically, nicotinic acid stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, due to which nutrients come to the roots in larger quantities. This stimulates rapid hair growth.

The most popular mask of milk and cocoa is used when necessary to quickly grow hair, as well as to get rid of bald patches. Mix two tablespoons of the powder with 100 ml of hot milk. Pour a teaspoon of cognac into the mixture to smooth your hair.

Cool the mixture a little and apply on the hair roots and scalp. Wrap them with cling film and a towel. Soak this mask for 30-40 minutes, then rinse. Apply 2-3 times a week to reduce loss.

Important! Such a mask is not suitable for blondes, because cocoa can dye hair, giving them a yellow or brownish tint.

Liver benefits

Studies by Spanish scientists have confirmed the beneficial effects of cocoa on the liver in cirrhosis and fibrosis. The control groups included people with cirrhosis and liver fibrosis. The first control group consumed white chocolate, the second - dark with cocoa content. As a result, an improvement in the state of the liver was observed in the subjects included in the second group.

The use of cocoa leads to a decrease in jumps in portal pressure (pressure in the liver). For patients with cirrhosis and liver fibrosis, these jumps are dangerous, because they can cause rupture of the vessel. Indeed, with cirrhosis and fibrosis, the pressure in these vessels is already high enough, because blood cannot pass freely through the liver. It is assumed that such an effect on the liver is associated with the antispasmodic relaxing effect of the vitamin-active substances flavonols (25 mg in 1 cup), which are part of cocoa.

Harm

Despite the fact that the benefits of cocoa are undeniable, there are also contraindications to its use. Do not use it for those who care about their weight, especially at night. When consumed with sugar and milk, the calorie content of the drink is about 85 kcal per 100 g or about 200 kcal in a cup (for comparison, in sweet coffee with milk 100–110 kcal per cup). High calorie content of the drink will negatively affect the figure and lead to the formation of fatty deposits.

Another contraindication is kidney disease. The drink contains purines (1900 mg) - natural substances contained in the body of children and adults and participating in the mechanisms of storage of hereditary information. However, in excess, the substance reacts with salts and leads to the accumulation of uric acid in the body. Which, in turn, is harmful to health, because it leads to the formation of sand in the renal pelvis.

The high purine content also explains cocoa damage to the joints. Contraindications to its use are rheumatism, arthritis, osteoporosis, gout. Excess purines leads to the deposition of salts in the joints and can worsen the condition and complicate the course of the disease.

Also, do not drink the drink for children under three years of age. Caffeine in the composition (5 mg in one serving) has an exciting effect on the nervous system and can unpredictably affect the unformed nervous system of the child. For the same reason, both children and adults should not drink it at night, because it can cause sleep disturbances and insomnia.

Cocoa harm for pregnant women is also present. Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. In addition, the drink can provoke a skin allergy, because it is included in the group of products of increased allergy along with chocolate and coffee, because it contains obligate allergens, which are characterized by increased sensitizing activity, that is, they often cause a protective reaction in the immune system. system.

• excessive sweating;
• weakening of the immune system, frequent colds;
• weakness, fatigue;
• nervous state, depression;
• headaches and migraines;
• successive diarrhea and constipation;
• i want sweet and sour;
• bad breath;
• frequent hunger;
• problems with losing weight;
• decreased appetite;
• teeth grinding at night, salivation;
• pain in the abdomen, joints, muscles;
• cough does not go away;
• acne on the skin.

If you have any of the symptoms or doubt the causes of the ailment, you need to clean your body as soon as possible. How to do it .

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Cocoa is a tasty and healthy drink that is recognized as a true children's treat, but only benefits if the child receives it in the right age and moderate amounts. The relevant questions remain - when and how to introduce it into the child’s diet. The safest age for introduction into the diet of cocoa should be considered 3 years.

Cocoa can be given to children about 2 times a week in small quantities - half the usual mug or small mugs in the morning. The maximum amount per week is 4 cups. It is best to serve it for breakfast, especially this will come in handy if the child refuses to eat in the morning. It is recommended to increase the volume of cocoa drunk in one go to the volume of a full cup only after 6 years, but not more than 2 a day - this portion will be enough to saturate the body with its beneficial properties. Cocoa can be drunk every morning. The maximum amount of natural cocoa should not exceed 0.5 g per day per 1 kg of baby weight.

When can I offer cocoa?

Healthy babies who do not suffer, do not have digestive system disorders, are still allowed to enter the drink earlier - from 2 years. But only occasionally as a rare dessert.

• Children suffering from food allergies should not try cocoa before 3-5 years old, in most cases, and at school age, cocoa remains banned. It is better to enter it carefully, in small portions starting once a week, depending on the characteristics of the child, his state of health.
• Children with metabolic diseases, in particular purines (gout), should not give cocoa even at an older age.
• It is not worth giving, it is better for them to consume unsweetened low-calorie drinks.
• Hyperactive children, choleric do not need cocoa.

Attention! If after the use of cocoa the child has signs of allergy:, inflammation of the eyelids - cocoa should be canceled and the doctor should be consulted about the possibility of its further use.

Why not earlier than 3 years

Do not experiment and introduce cocoa into the diet of a child before the prescribed age. The tannins and tonic properties of this drink will not benefit a small child. Teotrombin, 40 fragrant compounds - a one-year-old child makes sense to protect against all allergens, so we can definitely say that a one-year-old child does not need cocoa. But even if you decide to give cocoa to a child earlier than the prescribed age, then give preference to a high-quality and natural product, you should not accustom the kid to drinks like “Nesquik”. Cocoa should be powder dark brown without flavoring or flavoring, without lumps, grains, dissolve well. Quality cocoa should have a fat content of more than 15%, the smell of chocolate.

Cocoa Benefits

Cocoa is rich in vitamins and minerals, improves mood and tones.

1. The composition of cocoa is very suitable for a child, it is rich in the necessary amount of minerals, vitamins. In addition, cocoa, chocolate and desserts with its addition are among the most delicious.
2. The most pleasing property of cocoa is to improve mood. In response to the ingestion of cocoa, the hormone of joy endorphin is produced, which is why a bar of chocolate or a cup of cocoa helps to cope with stress so well.
3. Cocoa has an excellent tonic effect.
4. Cocoa contains theobromine, which, which means it’s good to drink cocoa with a dry, painful cough.
5. Cocoa is a high-calorie product that satisfies hunger.
6. Helps and contributes to the speedy recovery of the body after training.
7. It’s good to drink.

Cocoa Harm

1. High incidence of allergic reactions.
2. Do not drink cocoa before bedtime, because it tones, invigorates, refers to high-calorie foods, so it is more likely that the child will be disturbed by insomnia and heaviness in the stomach.
3. With frequent use of cocoa may appear.
4. Cocoa provokes attacks.
5. Do not rush to treat the child with hot chocolate, unlike cocoa, it is more fat, very high-calorie and contains unnatural additives.

Cocoa Recipe for Kids

For one serving of cocoa:

• Milk - 250 ml
• Cocoa - 1 tsp. without a hill
• Sugar to taste - approximately 1.5 tsp.

Thoroughly mix the cocoa powder with sugar: the better you mix, the less lumps you get. We put milk on the fire and bring to a boil, slowly pour the mixture of sugar and cocoa, stirring constantly, boil for 5 minutes. Insist 5-10 minutes. In hot cocoa, you can add a stick of cinnamon, a little vanilla. To make cocoa, a third of the milk can be replaced with water, and in the end, add cream or baked milk for a pleasant aroma and delicate taste.

Cocoa is not a healthier drink than cocoa is one way to diversify your taste and life in general.

On the beneficial properties of cocoa generally tells the program "About the most important":

Cocoa for many adults is associated with childhood, mother's care and warmth. And it is not surprising that mom wants to treat a growing child with such a delicious drink. In order for the baby to receive only pleasant emotions and benefits from him, one should know how many months it is allowed to try such a drink, what is the benefit and harm, and also how to brew it for the child.

What is cocoa

A drink with the name "cocoa" is prepared from the fruits of an evergreen tree of the same name.For the first time it was cooked by the ancient Aztecs, calling it "bitter water." When the fruits came to Europe, the drink of them was brewed only for royalty. Only in the 18th century ordinary people began to drink it. Now beans for the manufacture of cocoa powder are grown mainly in Africa, and the drink is distributed around the world.

   Cocoa native to South America

Than useful

• The child will receivevaluable proteins, fiber, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, vitamin B9, iron and other substances.
• Stimulates endorphin synthesis,  thanks to which cocoa improves mood.
• Rich in polyunsaturated fats, which are important for the formation of cell membranes.  Such fatty acids reduce bad cholesterol.
• It attracts with its pleasant chocolate flavor and perfectly satisfies hunger.  It is useful to give thin children.
• Theobromine in the composition is able to slightly inhibit the cough reflex,therefore, the drink is recommended for dry cough, which torments the child.
• If the baby refuses milk, then cocoa will help to get out of this situation without conflicts,  because for its preparation usually use a recipe in milk.
• The biologically active compounds that it contains have a positive effect on mental activity. Drinking cocoa in the morning will improve the student’s performance and relieve stress from stress during class.
• It has the ability to accelerate the recovery processes in the muscles after exercise,  therefore, this drink is recommended for children attending sports sections.

   Cocoa nourishes the body with vitamins and minerals, improves performance and boosts mood

Harm and contraindications

• Allergies may occurtherefore, with a tendency to allergic reactions, acquaintance with such a drink is postponed to a later age (at least 3 years). A negative reaction is manifested by spots on the skin, an itchy rash, inflammation of the eyelids and other symptoms. When they appear, you should immediately cancel the drink and consult a doctor.
• It acts as a source of caffeine and theobromine,  whose properties are similar. These compounds in excess increase the activity of the child and excite the nervous system. For this reason, cocoa should be discarded for hyperactivity, as well as for babies with choleric temperament.
• Drinking cocoa at night can prevent the child from falling asleep.
• The preparation of the drink involves the addition of milk and sugar, so cocoa is quite high-calorie. This leads to a limitation of its use in overweight children.
• If you give it to your child before eating, the baby may refuse food,since the drink is quite satisfying.
• It is contraindicated in children who have impaired kidney function, and also have problems with purine metabolism.
• Too frequent use  may cause constipation.
• Drink may cause migraine.

   Cocoa stimulates the nervous system and may cause allergies.

From how old to give children

Doctors do not recommend giving cocoa to a one-year-old child, but recommend that you try such a drink for the first time only from 2 years old. Unwanted use at 1 year is associated with an increased risk of allergies. In addition, such a small child also has nothing to do with excess sugar and increased activity. That is why the first cup should be offered to a two-year-old peanut or an older child.

The first portion should be a small amount of the drink - just a few spoons.So the mother will be able to understand whether the child tolerates cocoa well or whether acquaintance should be postponed for 3-5 years. If after the morning serving of the drink by the evening the child does not have a rash on the skin and other signs of allergies, the next time the volume of the product can be doubled. The portion increases gradually and very carefully to the age norm.

   Doctors recommend cocoa to children over 2 years old.

How much can a child drink

At the age of 2 to 5 years, the optimal portion of cocoa per day is considered to be 50 ml, and the frequency of consumption of the drink should not exceed 4 times a week. It is best to offer cocoa to children for breakfast. Let such a sweet drink at preschool age be a rare treat, and from 6 years old you can drink it more often (even every day). A student under the age of 10 can drink 100 ml at a time, and at an older age, the portion can be increased to 150-250 ml.

   The daily portion of cocoa for a 2-year-old child should be no more than 50 ml

Opinion Komarovsky

Komarovsky calls cocoa a drink useful for the child, but he emphasizes the attention of parents that it acts as a source of energy. According to a popular doctor, there will be no harm from one cup of cocoa per day, but mom should remember that cocoa will increase the baby’s activity, so you should not drink this drink at night.

A short comment by the doctor in the following video.

How to choose

How to cook

To prepare a tasty drink, pour 1.5 teaspoons of cocoa powder into a stewpan. Add the same amount of sugar and mix thoroughly so that there are no lumps. Pour in 100 ml of hot water and, while heating over moderate heat with constant stirring, wait for boiling, then pour in 150 ml of milk (it should be preheated).

Reduce the heat and continue to heat the drink by removing it from the stove before the cocoa boils. Take a whisk and whisk the drink for 15 seconds until foam appears. So you mix the components more thoroughly and prevent the formation of a film (many children refuse such a drink because of it).

The proportion of sugar and cocoa powder can be changed according to the preferences of the child. Some people like a sweeter drink, while others like chocolate. If cocoa is served with cookies or another sweet product, the amount of sugar in the recipe should be reduced. You can diversify the recipe by adding vanilla, cinnamon, condensed milk, baked milk or cream during the preparation of the vanilla.

A preschool child can drink it both warm and chilled. Some kids really like to feast on them through a cocktail straw.

For older children, you can prepare a dessert by pouring a ball of ice cream with cold cocoa and decorating with whipped cream and chocolate chips on top.

For schoolchildren in the cold season, you can offer a vitamin C-rich cocktail, for the preparation of which you need to combine using a blender 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, a glass of milk and 3 tablespoons of rosehip syrup. In this drink, you can also add any berries or fruits to taste.

Cocoa or hot chocolate

When a child tasted cocoa and fell in love with this drink, many mothers had the idea to make crumbs hot chocolate made from natural chocolate and cream, however this delicacy is less preferable for the children's menu, as the drink turns out to be very fat, thick and high-calorie. Include it in the children's menu is not earlier than 10 years.

If we are talking about instant hot chocolate, which is bought in a supermarket, children do not need to get acquainted with such a drink. It is good if it happens as late as possible, because the composition of such a product includes many stabilizers, flavorings, emulsifiers and other additives. These substances are not useful even for adults, so children do not need such “hot chocolate”.

For information on when cocoa can be given to a child and why it is considered safer than coffee or tea, see Dr. Komarovsky’s program.

You will learn even more about the benefits by watching the program "Live healthy."

Many people since childhood love an invigorating brown drink with a delicate foam. Its aroma and sweet taste evoke pleasant memories. Not only children but also adults enjoy cocoa. This drink appeared in Europe in the 16th century and even then became popular. After all, Europeans liked the invigorating properties of cocoa beans, and adding sugar and cream to the drink, they also made it tasty. And only in the 19th century the harm of this product appeared and are still being studied, and many doctors argue whether it can be given to children.

For many years, cocoa has been the main drink in all kindergartens and schools. And indeed, it has not only a pleasant taste, but also many other advantages. Cocoa powder is now used to make the drink. The benefits and harms of it for children are still being studied. But this drink is still very popular.

Cocoa Benefits

Already with the advent of cocoa beans in Europe, people noticed their invigorating effect. This product improves body tone, performance and accelerates recovery from illness and heavy physical exertion. The content of biologically active substances in cocoa that stimulate the production of endorphins leads to the fact that it improves mood and is a strong antidepressant. In addition, it not only helps to combat stress, but also increases concentration and activates thinking.

The composition of cocoa powder can tell a lot about the benefits of this drink. Besides

the content of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in it, scientists have discovered many other useful substances in cocoa. For example, tryptophan helps in the treatment of depression, theobromine reduces cough and relieves caffeine increases tone, and antioxidants help rejuvenate the body. Polyphenols normalize pressure and decrease, which helps in the treatment of hypertension.

And this is not all the benefits that cocoa powder brings. Its properties in wound healing, tissue regeneration and increased skin elasticity contribute to the widespread dissemination of this product in cosmetology. Especially important is the ability of this drink to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

But not everyone can consume this product seriously studied. And despite many advantages, an invigorating aromatic drink can bring big problems.

Cocoa Harm

Due to the caffeine content in it, you should not drink more than two cups of the drink per day, as this can cause overexcitation, anxiety and even addiction. Cocoa powder contains many purines, so it is undesirable to use it for kidney diseases. In addition, often this product causes allergic reactions. This is due to the fact that during its production, insects are processed together with cocoa beans, which cause allergies in people.

Soluble cocoa powder is the most harmful because it contains many emulsifiers, flavors and other artificial additives. Therefore, you need to buy only a natural product from well-known manufacturers.

For the preparation of many dishes, cocoa powder is used. The benefits and harms of it are known to a few, but almost every housewife has this product in the kitchen. It is added to pastries or cereals. In addition, it is so pleasant to have a cup of aromatic hot cocoa in the morning.