The ancient Aztecs considered cocoa sacred and enjoyed savoring a drink made from ground cocoa beans. He invigorated, gave strength, helped to cope with diseases and had an amazing taste and aroma. The Indian soldiers were especially fond of drinking “chocolatl”.

When Europeans appeared in America in the 16th century, they also liked the drink. The Spaniards, along with other wonders, brought cocoa beans to the Old World. At first, drinks were made from them with the addition of sugar, vanilla, other spices, and only much later they began to make cocoa powder and butter solid   chocolate, which is so loved by both children and adults.

Many doctors and nutritionists are sure that delicious chocolate can cause damage   health. Other experts dispute their opinion, arguing that chocolate is very healthy and has healing   properties. Let's try to figure out what benefit   and harm   cocoa.

Chemical composition and calorie content

Cocoa powder   - This is an invaluable gift of nature, rich in substances that are extremely beneficial to humans.

To get the right amount of zinc, just drink 2-3 cups of cocoa   per week or eat a couple of cubes of dark chocolate per day. A sufficient amount of this trace element is very important for the proper functioning of the body, since it is involved in protein synthesis, DNA formation, and also ensures the normal functioning of cells.

Iron, as you know, is actively involved in the process of hematopoiesis, therefore, to increase the level of hemoglobin, it is useful not only to eat apples, meat and liver, but also to include cocoa or chocolate in the menu.

Powder in its composition   contains melanin - a substance that protects the skin from infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation. It prevents sunburn, overheating and even sunstroke. So before you get out to sunbathe, drink a cup of cocoa or eat some chocolate - your skin will be grateful.

Cocoa contains caffeine, but in a much smaller amount than coffee, and other tonic substances. So, theophylline stimulates the central nervous system, dilates blood vessels; theobromine increases working capacity, but does not cause pressure surges. Exotic bean powder can stimulate the production of the hormone of joy of serotonin, so if you have a bad mood or trouble, a few slices of your favorite chocolate will quickly and with guarantee lead you to a good mood.

However, those who follow the figure, to the use of dishes from cocoa beans should be treated caution. Calorie content   per 100 grams   product is according to various data from 300 to 390 kcal. Thus, one cup of cocoa will be able to replace you with one meal, for example, afternoon tea or dinner.

Beneficial features

The product familiar to us has a rich set of valuable substances. Even the Indians knew about its medicinal properties and used as a healing agent.

What are the valuable qualities endowed cocoa powder?

• It has antioxidant properties. Some researchers believe that they are stronger in cocoa than in green tea and red wine. It acts on free radicals and removes them from the body. Therefore, regular consumption of chocolate prevents the development of cancer.

• Lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation in the brain. Since the brain is more actively saturated with oxygen, the quality of its work also improves significantly. Exotic bean powder will be indispensable for those who are engaged in mental work or suffer from a weakening of the activity of the brain vessels.

• Strengthens the walls of blood vessels, makes them more elastic, reduces the likelihood of blood clots by 70%. Studies have shown that regular consumption of cocoa reduces the incidence of heart and blood vessels by 50%. It is recommended to include it in the menu for heart failure.

• It stimulates the metabolism.

• Helps relieve muscle pain after heavy physical exertion or sports training.

• Helps restore body strength after an illness.

• Participates in the restoration of cells and the rejuvenation of the body as a whole.

• For men, the use of cocoa rich in zinc is a sure way to prevent the development of diseases of the genital area and increase male strength.

• For women, cocoa products are an excellent cosmetic. In the most luxurious SPA salons, cocoa and chocolate are used for anti-aging and restorative procedures. They are used in the manufacture of creams, lotions, masks, shampoos, scrubs, etc.

Vitamins and minerals found in cocoa are very useful for children. But for children under 3 years old, it is better not to give it, since caffeine and other stimulants can overexcite the child’s nervous system.

Is it possible cocoa with diabetes, in particular with type 2 disease? The calorie content of the product is very high, this should be taken into account when entering it in the menu. But the benefits cocoa powder can bring are invaluable. It activates the metabolism, reduces pressure, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves heart function. This is very relevant   for patients with diabetes. Chocolate also removes bad cholesterol from the blood and prevents blood clots.

If you carefully calculate the calorie content and not abuse this delicacy, it can bring significant health to your health. favor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Doctors still argue about whether it’s good or bad to drink cocoa and eat chocolate during of pregnancy. On the one hand, it has beneficial folic acid, which is very important for a child. Only with its sufficient quantity will the fetus develop normally, a healthy nervous system will be formed. The antidepressant properties of the product are also useful to future mothers who experience tremendous physical and nervous stress.

AT composition   There are substances in the powder that significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, and diabetes.

On the other hand, high calorie content contributes to quick recruitment excess weightand everyone else knows that chocolate can cause allergies.

The conclusion is simple: in small quantities   in the absence of allergic reactions, pregnant women and nursing mothers can drink cocoa and eat their favorite chocolate. If you or a child have signs of allergy, the product should be immediately excluded from the diet.

Harm and contraindications

We talked about the beneficial properties of cocoa, now we need to understand in what situations the product contraindicated.

• The presence of purines in it, causing the accumulation of uric acid in the body, can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the kidneys or gout.

• Caffeine and other tonic substances cause hyper excitation in children under 3 years old and can provoke sleep disturbance even in adults. For this reason, drinking cocoa at night is not recommended.

• The product should be used with caution in diabetes and atherosclerosis.

• In the rainforests where cocoa grows, there are a lot of insects that love to feast on its beans. Often during the processing of beans, they also fall under the millstones. It is insect chitin, not cocoa, that causes an allergic reaction. At the slightest manifestation of allergies, you must first try a product from another manufacturer, and if this does not help, give up cocoa and chocolate. Useful information: Cocoa "Golden Label" - a time-tested brand. It does not cause complaints from consumers, the quality is always at the highest level.

Cocoa butter: properties, uses, benefits and harms

Cocoa butter is extracted from ripe beans, the quality product has a light yellow color and a delicate taste, low melting point - about 35 ° C. It is widely used in cooking and has healing   properties, contains potassium, calcium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, iron and other trace elements, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C, H, PP. Most often it is used to treat colds, respiratory diseases, as well as skin diseases, dermatitis, burns, rashes. Cocoa butter is part of many regenerating cosmetics.

Excessive consumption of oil can cause food poisoning, disrupt the liver, pancreas and intestines. High calorie content makes the product undesirable for those who are overweight.

Let your favorite treat bring you only good!

This unique taste ... A brown drink with foam has been familiar to us since childhood: we drank it in kindergarten, at school, and now we are unlikely to refuse to sip it. Of course, this is cocoa. Since ancient times, drinks made from cocoa powder have been valued for their aroma, extraordinary taste and airy foam. "Divine drink" - so our ancestors called it. "Cocoa - the benefits and harms in one bottle" - as they call it now. Yes, it really is about that drink. Is Cocoa Healing? The benefits and harms of it were identified by scientists after careful research of the powder. It turns out that a harmless drink from childhood is quite even harmless. So what qualities does this powder have? Let's try to figure it out together.

Cocoa - the benefits and harms in one bottle

There really is a benefit and quite serious. For example, a drink can cheer up and tone up. Also, the hormone of joy, that is, endorphin, is stimulated plus everything. Beans include antioxidants. Thanks to them, the person who drank this drink normalizes blood pressure and viscosity, thereby reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. The use of this miracle powder with the addition of water or skim milk does not increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, since it includes 15% of fat, consisting of stearic, oleic and palmitic acids. Due to the content of theobromine and phenylethylamine, the powder has a diuretic effect and is also an antidepressant and stimulant. The cocoa powder contains serotonin, it helps fight stress. The drink includes manganese, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, vitamins, magnesium, in a small amount it also contains caffeine. It turns out that this is a liquid that invigorates the body, relieves weakness and fatigue, fights stress, normalizes sleep, stimulates the immune system, heals wounds, helps smooth wrinkles, but, despite all the pluses, this drink has opponents.

Everyone knows that in Africa there is complete unsanitary conditions, and cocoa powders bring us from there. Therefore, in these products there are sometimes ground insects, but recently manufacturers have begun to treat the sorting of beans with special care. Experts say that the presence of caffeine, theobromine, phenylethylamine in the drink is not good, because people with migraines can cause headaches. Although the powder does not raise cholesterol, it can be the culprit of overweight, and this, as a rule, causes problems of the cardiovascular system. And the substance phenylethylamine affects the opiate receptors of the brain and acts like a drug. Copper entering cocoa powder may be related to the appearance of tumors. Benefit? Its somehow small, compared with the minuses, right? But it is fair to say that all these hypotheses are not proven, but are the subject of debate by many scientists. Therefore, they should not attract serious attention. What you really need to fear is instant powders. Now you decide whether to drink cocoa. The benefits and harms of this drink are described above.

06.07.17

Cocoa powder is obtained from finely ground cake of chocolate tree beans after receiving oil from them. It serves as the basis for the preparation of an aromatic chocolate drink.

Among the Indians, Maya was considered a sacred drink. He was drunk during important rituals. For example, at the conclusion of marriage. The scientific name of the beans is Theobroma, which means “food of the gods” in Greek.

Is there any benefit in using cocoa, than it is useful for different categories of people? We will discuss in our article!

How to choose a good product and check its quality

In stores you can find two types of cocoa:

• powder to be boiled;
• dry mix for instant cooking.

Natural powder is more beneficial for health.   It does not contain sugar or preservatives.

When choosing, evaluate the fat content(on packaging): it must be at least 15% in the product, shelf life.

The remaining quality criteria can be evaluated already from the purchased product. These include:

• The smell of chocolate. It should be strong and clean, without any impurities.
• There should be no lumps. Their presence indicates improper storage.
• Grinding   He is supposed to be very small. To assess the quality, you can grind the powder between the fingers. Good cocoa should stick to the skin, not crumble into dust.
• Color can only be brown.

Before cooking, a little product is advisable to taste.   Rancid or other unpleasant aftertaste indicates unsuitability for food.

REFERENCE! After preparing the drink, the suspension in the liquid should not settle before two minutes.

Composition and calorie content

The chemical composition of the product contains more than 300 organic substances.

The most significant among them:

• theobromine, causing a feeling of happiness and euphoria, but without addiction.

  INTERESTING!   Theobromine is added to a new generation of toothpastes, as it prevents the destruction of enamel and the development of caries.

• Theophylline, relaxing smooth muscles, normalizing respiratory function.
• Phenylethylaminerelated to antidepressants.
• Caffeine,   stimulating mental and physical activity. It belongs to psychostimulants, but the powder is contained in an amount not exceeding 2%.
• Purine bases,involved in the synthesis of interchangeable amino acids.
• Polyphenolsacting as antioxidants.

Calorie content is about 300 kcal / 100 g of product.

Nutrition Facts and Glycemic Index

Sugar-free cocoa powder refers to foods with a low glycemic index of 20. This makes it suitable for the diet of patients and obesity.

Useful properties of the drink in water and milk

The product has a general strengthening effect on the body.. It invigorates, raises the mood, stimulates mental activity without depleting the nervous system.

Fragrant hot drink useful to drink in the cold season., since it has a warming effect.

The product is capable of:

• stimulate lung function;
• activate hemoglobin synthesis due to its content;
• prevent tooth decay;
• neutralize the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiationdue to the natural pigment melanin, which is part of the composition;
• inhibit the development of cancer;
• normalize blood pressure;

It has antioxidant properties, superior to and.

Cocoa brewed on water reminds taste of dark chocolate. It is recommended to drink it to people:

• prone to diarrhea;
• hypotension;
• allergic to lactose.

French nutritionist Madeleine Gesta recommends drinking a drink made in skim milk with honey. It maintains strength even during tough diets.   due to a balanced combination of trace elements and vitamins contained in the ingredients of the drink.

Cocoa in plain milk, with or without sugar, is useful for people with mental work. It satisfies hunger without burdening the stomach, stimulating the brain.

Effect on the body

The product is a source of endorphins, hormones of happiness. It acts gently, not addictive and mood swings.

What is beneficial for adult men and women

In adults, with moderate constant use, strengthens the capillaries due to its flavonoids. Promotes wound healing, rejuvenation of the skin of the face and body.

It is good for men to maintain reproductive function. and contained in the drink, stimulate the body to actively produce male hormone - testosterone, improve the quality of seminal fluid.

Cocoa women are especially useful for hormonal disruptions. It balances the emotional state, softens the premenstrual syndrome.

Pregnant and lactating

Doctors do not recommend cocoa in any form for women expecting a baby, since it complicates the absorption of calcium by the body. But with severe toxicosis in the first trimester, drinking a drink in small quantities is allowed, twice a day, 50-100 ml. It relieves nausea, causes a surge of strength, preventing exhaustion.

During lactation, the product must be resolutely abandoned   to avoid sleepless nights and impaired calcium metabolism in the baby.

Is it harmful to children

Children can drink cocoa from three years old. It is better to accustom your child to a natural product with a minimum amount of sugar. It is necessary to introduce the drink into the diet carefully, in small portions, since it can cause allergies.

Especially useful is a delicious drink for children after illness, during exams to increase their overall tone and mood.

For the elderly

With the onset of age-related changes in the human body, perestroika begins, which is accompanied by emotional decline, depression and depression.

Cocoa can support older people:

• activating the blood supply to the brain;
• improving memory;
• preventing the development of atherosclerosis;
• increasing the strength of the walls of blood vessels and capillaries;
• gently removing from a depressive state.

Special categories

They also note the benefits of the product for asthma sufferers.. It relieves spasm of the bronchi, facilitating the well-being of the patient.

Potential danger and contraindications

Cocoa is a food that can trigger allergic reactions.. The main contraindication is individual intolerance.

The product also can not be consumed:

REFERENCE!   Despite the tonic effect, cocoa helps to normalize blood pressure to all those suffering from its drops. It is advisable for hypotensives to drink it on the basis of water, and for hypertensives - milk.

Major suppliers of cocoa beans for powder production - Africawhere chocolate trees are treated with pesticides and insecticides. All toxic substances are removed during the processing of beans at the stage of oil extraction.

But improper storage of raw materials before processing can harm. Therefore, it is better to purchase the product in large supermarkets from manufacturers worthy of your trust.

Since cocoa has the properties of energy, it is better to drink it in the morning to get a charge of vigor for the whole day. A drink on water is combined with cheese or boiled, and on milk - with and honey. Elderly and debilitated people can drink cocoa in milk during the day or early evening.

Sugar-free cocoa in milk is good for athletes, 20-30 ml with an interval of 15 minutes, starting an hour after training. You can prepare a drink in advance and pour it into a thermos.

Safe daily dose of the drink - two cups of 200-250 ml each. To prepare one serving, take 2 tsp. product.

ATTENTION! It is advisable for hypertensive patients to limit themselves to one cup of a fragrant drink in the morning. Patients with asthma - on the contrary, you can drink 3 cups per day.

In cooking

Used for making chocolate sauces, pastries, glazes, etc.

Pancake Sauce

Ingredients:

The value of cocoa has been known since ancient times - among the Aztec and Mayan tribes, beans went instead of money. At first, the drink from cocoa beans was drunk cold, used for ritual purposes. And only after the conquistadors delivered the fruits of the chocolate tree to Europe, the drink from its fruits began to be drunk hot. Doctors, pharmacists, culinary specialists, cosmetologists - they all know about the valuable substances that this product contains, therefore they actively use it in their own field. Consider the benefits of cocoa for human health and its possible harm.

What cocoa powder is made of

The technology for extracting powder and oil from cocoa beans was invented by a native of Holland Conrad van Heuten in 1828. In the future, thanks to her, it became possible to make chocolate bar.

After ripening the fruits of the chocolate tree, they are cut with a knife. Fruits are cut and seeds extracted in the form of beans. Seeds lend themselves to fermentation by placing them in boxes with banana leaves and burlap for seven days. As a result of this procedure, the tart taste disappears and the mouth-watering chocolate aroma intensifies. Then the seeds are dried in the sun and then proceed to extract the oil. As a result, cake remains, which is ground into powder. This is cocoa powder.
   As a result of the described process, several types of powder are obtained. In stores, they also sell a product that can be simply poured with boiling water and drunk, and requiring cooking. It is important to understand that the first of them contains very few useful substances, manufacturers compensate for their absence by introducing synthetic vitamins.

Did you know? Until the 19th century, cocoa was called hot chocolate and was sold in pharmacies. It was used to treat depression, improve overall well-being, heal wounds, and enhance sexual desire..

What is included

Let's see why cocoa is so healthy and what it contains. Like any product, it contains a number of micro and macro elements:

•   - 1509 mg;
•   - 655 mg;
•   - 425 mg;
•   - 128 mg;
•   - 80 mg;
•   - 28 mg;
• Fe (iron) - 22 mg;
•   - 13 mg;
•   - 7.1 mg;
•   - 4.6 mg;
• Cu (copper) - 4550 mcg;
•   - 245 mcg;
•   - 56 mcg.

  As you can see, most of the fruits of the cocoa tree contain potassium and phosphorus. There are few products that boast the content of so many of these elements.

Here are some vitamins in cocoa:

•   - 3 mcg;
• beta-carotene - 0.02 mg;
•   - 0.1 mg;
•   - 0.2 mg;
•   - 1.5 mg;
•   - 0.3 mg;
• B9 - 45 mcg;
• E - 0.3 mg;
• PP - 6.8 mg.

If you are interested in whether there is caffeine in cocoa, then let us know - this substance is present in it. In addition, cocoa beans contain proteins, carbohydrates and fats, organic compounds, tannins and dyes, theobromine.

Useful properties for the body

After considering the vitamin-mineral complex contained in cocoa, you can understand what useful properties it has.

Obviously, such a high content of potassium (half the daily norm for humans) and magnesium allows the product, when ingested, to have a serious effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and to promote the elimination of bad cholesterol.

Did you know? To get one kilogram of cocoa powder, you will need 40 fruits (1200 seeds).

Calcium, which is part of the composition, has a positive effect on bones, bone division, teeth, muscles. Nicotinic acid has a beneficial effect on the hair, stimulates their growth.

Iron cleanses the blood, contributes to its saturation with oxygen.

Of course, cocoa butter still has greater benefits, because it is used in medicine.   First of all, he is advised as an excellent expectorant for colds. It also has a powerful immunomodulatory effect. When added to tea or milk, oil can relieve cough, bronchitis, and throat diseases in just two to three days.
   In the latter case, it is also advised to simply dissolve it to soften and heal the larynx. Oil helps with irregular emptying or their prolonged absence, the presence of hemorrhoids.

  Outwardly, they make therapeutic massage with oil, they lubricate problem skin, cracks, and make hair masks.   Therefore, the main thing that cocoa is good for women is to improve their appearance. After all, women are more likely than men to monitor the condition of their hair, nails, and skin. In cocoa, there are all the necessary elements that allow you to make ladies more beautiful, their skin is more toned, young, their hair is silky, stronger.

Important! Since cocoa butter is a strong allergen, you should not use it during self-treatment. A doctor's consultation is required.

Men will be interested to know how cocoa is good for them. First of all, by the presence of zinc, which positively affects potency. The regular use of black and hot chocolate by representatives of the strong half of humanity will necessarily lead to an increase in libido. In addition, zinc is the main building material for sperm. So, its use with cocoa favorably affects the condition of seminal fluid, in particular, the activity of sperm.
   Despite the high content of valuable substances, cocoa should not be abused, especially for those people who are accustomed to monitor the state of their figure - 100 g of the product contains 300 kcal. In a cocoa drink with milk - 85 kcal.

Is it possible for pregnant and lactating women

Cocoa is certainly good for women who are expecting a baby. Firstly, due to the large amount of iron in the composition - a chemical element that takes an active part in hematopoiesis, it is contained in the hemoglobin of red blood cells. For pregnant women, both the first and second actions are very important, since in the woman’s body during this period there should be no problems with the circulatory system, since now the volume of blood in it increases many times, a third circle of blood circulation is formed. Providing the baby with the necessary nutrition depends on whether the circulation of the mother is normal.

It is also known that during pregnancy women often suffer from anemia, so almost any product containing iron will now be beneficial.

Natural cocoa powder is rich in magnesium and calcium, which are responsible for the activity of the nervous system and the state of bones. Folic acid, which is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, cell division and growth, is very necessary for mother and child. This substance is important for the formation of the neural tube in a child. It is used to prevent its abnormal development in the baby.
And of course, one cannot ignore such an ability of cocoa as toning - a hot drink raises the mood, invigorates, gives strength. However, he is able to raise blood pressure. Therefore, gynecologists, when authorizing the use of this drink to pregnant women, warn that in large doses it is unsafe for both the woman herself and the fetus. The norm for a woman in position is one glass a day, preferably in the morning and with the addition of low-fat milk. In the first trimester, it is better not to resort to this drink. This period is very important for the formation of the fetus, and gynecologists have no unequivocal opinion on whether it is possible to drink cocoa at this time.

For the entire period, you should refuse from the use of ready-made drinks in powders such as "Nesquika", which you just need to pour boiling water. They include various additives, flavors, emulsifier, synthetic vitamins that are not beneficial for the child.

You should not drink a hot drink for pregnant women who have a tendency to allergies, hypertension, hypertension, kidney problems.

Important! Pregnant, one of the habits of which is to drink cocoa, it is necessary to tell the gynecologist about this. Based on the anamnesis and condition of the woman, he will decide whether she can not change her habit during pregnancy. He will also tell you in what quantities you can drink a drink.

About whether she can regularly drink cocoa, should ask the gynecologist or pediatrician and the mother who is breastfeeding. Indeed, due to the fact that the drink invigorates, it can excite the baby’s nervous system. In addition, it can cause allergic reactions in the baby.
   Usually, if the baby is healthy, he did not have diathesis, allergic reactions, then the mother can enter cocoa into her menu after reaching the age of three months. In this case, the condition of the baby should be monitored. If his body does not react in any way to this product, then the woman can continue to use it in the future. When a rash appears on the baby’s body, the drink should be excluded and returned to it after breastfeeding is completed.

How to choose quality cocoa powder when buying

We have already indicated that several technologies are used to make cocoa powder. However, in any case, a natural product can be determined if you know what to pay attention to. We open some secrets - how to choose high-quality cocoa:

1. The first thing to do is pay attention to the color - it should be pure brown, without the inclusion of additives.
2. Next, sniff the product. If it has a delicious chocolate smell, then it is good and natural. The absence of odor suggests that the powder has undergone the strongest processing.
3. We taste it - strong bitterness and unpleasant taste should not be.
4. Cocoa powder should be crumbly, uniform consistency. Lumps indicate expiration or improper storage.
5. The powder must be ground, but not to dust.

Important! Give preference to cocoa powder made in the country where chocolate trees are grown.

How to store at home

To cocoa powder does not lose its valuable properties, it must be stored properly. Storage is carried out in a place where there is no high humidity, where light does not enter, there is good air access, there are no pungent odors. The optimum room temperature is from 15 to 20 ° C, the humidity level is up to 75%.

If you create all of the above conditions, then when stored in packaging from the manufacturer or in a metal container, the shelf life of the product is 12 months. When stored in packaging from other materials, the shelf life will be reduced to six months.

How to make a delicious cocoa drink: recipe

Cocoa drink is most often brewed with milk: half a liter of milk is brought to a boil. A tablespoon of cocoa powder is mixed well with two tablespoons of sugar. A little milk is added to the mixture. All mix well to a homogeneous mass, add the milk that remains, bring to a boil. It is on milk that a hot drink comes out especially delicious.

Less often, a drink is made on water - two teaspoons are ground with two teaspoons of sugar, a little boiling water is added, mixed, and then water is added to the desired volume.    Ice cream, marshmallows marshmallows, spices add to cocoa drinks.

Contraindications and harm

Unfortunately, despite a number of useful properties, cocoa can be harmful and has a number of contraindications. So, it can not be used in any form to people suffering from:

• gout
• kidney problems
• chronic constipation;
• diabetes mellitus;
• atherosclerosis.

   Caution should be used in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under three years of age. Before consuming cocoa, persons belonging to these categories should consult a doctor.
Thus, cocoa is an affordable and useful product that contains a large number of elements useful to the human body. The content of cocoa beans is used in cooking (for the preparation of sweets, pastries, drinks, chocolate), medicine (folk and traditional), cosmetology. Like any product with medicinal properties, cocoa has a number of contraindications. People suffering from any diseases, especially those related to the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, should familiarize themselves with them before regularly drinking cocoa or drinking it in another form.

Cocoa tree is one of the most cultivated trees on the globe. Therefore, to date, the benefits and harms to the health of cocoa, mainly in the form of powder, have been studied in detail by scientists.

Structure

The caloric content of cocoa powder without sugar per 1 tablespoon (approximately 5 grams) is 12 kcal.

In this amount of product is present:

• 1.7 grams of plant fiber (this is about 7% of the daily intake);
• 10% daily dose of manganese and copper;
• 7% magnesium;
• 4% phosphorus and iron.

It may seem that the chemical composition of cocoa does not include anything particularly important. This is not true.

The beneficial properties of cocoa are determined not by the main nutrient compounds, but by those components that are present in it in small quantities, but have significant biological activity. Mostly these are antioxidants.

Raw cocoa powder contains more than 300 biologically active compounds. The activity of its antioxidants is at least 4 times higher than that of the highest quality dark bitter chocolate. And 20 times than blueberries. The antioxidative properties of cocoa are greater than that of green or black tea, as well as red wine.

And since the destruction of free radicals is necessary for the prevention of almost all serious illnesses, we can confidently say that what is natural without sugar is a truly healing food product.

Beneficial features

The medicinal properties of cocoa are mainly associated with the presence in its composition:

• flavanols that eliminate free radicals, enhance the production of nitric oxide (NO) and slow down the absorption of carbohydrates;
• epicatechiana and catechin, which penetrate the blood-brain barrier and protect the brain from oxidative stress, enhancing cognitive functions (a special benefit of cocoa for the elderly is associated with this effect).

The table summarizes the main medicinal properties of the product.

Normalization of blood pressure.	The prevention of blood clots.
Protection against neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing memory and cognitive functions.	Improving mood, combating mental fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Strengthening intestinal motility, the fight against constipation.	Normalization of the blood lipid profile, reducing the risk of cardiovascular catastrophes.
Cancer Prevention.	Fighting insulin resistance ..
Preservation of youthful skin (maintaining a high level of hydration, elasticity), protection from ultraviolet radiation.	Strengthening tooth enamel.
Normalization of heart rate.	Improving blood microcirculation.

How does it affect weight loss?

Extremely positive.

Cocoa for weight loss is useful in that:

• reduces the rate of formation of body fat, especially visceral fat in the abdomen;
• slows down the absorption of fats entering the body with food;
• struggling with insulin resistance;
• reduces the level of chronic sluggish inflammation;
• prolongs the feeling of satiety;
• energizes.

When reading about the benefits of cocoa for weight loss, you need to understand that we are only talking about a natural powder without sugar, milk, etc. Crushed cocoa beans (nibs, or feathers) are even more useful. But in soluble cocoa powder of a high degree of processing, there is no benefit. And if this instant powder is also supplemented with sugar, then it only harms the body. Promotes weight gain and can not help to lose weight.

How to use?

Is drinking allowed during pregnancy?

Yes, natural cocoa during pregnancy is allowed and even indicated. Since it has a lot of useful properties that are important for women carrying a child.

However, you can not abuse the product, since it is a fairly strong allergen. And during pregnancy, an allergy can develop even for those foods for which it was not there before.

Can Cocoa Be Breastfeeding?

Again, this product is quite often allergic. Therefore, a nursing mother must enter it into her diet with caution, observing the baby’s reaction.

If the baby tolerates cocoa normally, it can be consumed during lactation on an ongoing basis. But do not abuse.

Can I drink hypertension?

Many people cannot understand in any way whether it raises or lowers cocoa pressure.

The correct answer is that it is included in.

Of course, a cup of chocolate drink does not have a really strong hypotensive effect. Therefore, hypotonics have absolutely nothing to fear. Just because there are a lot of flavonoids in beans of this species, they increase the production of NO, which is necessary for the expansion of blood vessels, and which is always lacking in the body of those who suffer from hypertension.

But what about the caffeine product?

The amounts of this compound in cocoa are small. One tablespoon of powder contains 12 mg of caffeine. On a day, an adult, even prone to hypertension, can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine. That is more than 33 tablespoons of powder, which is obviously simply not possible.

Is it wise to drink at night?

Yes. As has just been said, the amounts of caffeine in cocoa powder are negligible. And they can not lead to increased agitation and insomnia.

The exception is people with individual hypersensitivity to caffeine. Here they are not recommended to drink this drink at night.

Is it allowed to use with gastritis and pancreatitis?

For chronic inflammation of the pancreas and / or stomach, moderate cocoa is allowed.

In the acute phases of these diseases, it is better to refuse the drink.

From what age to give the baby?

You can start giving cocoa to a child no earlier than a year. Since the product is allergenic, it is necessary to introduce into the diet a little bit, adding powder to milk.

And it is very important to remember that only natural cocoa powder, which is bitter, has healing properties. And the kids don't like him. But as soon as you add sugar to cocoa, it turns from a useful product into a harmful one.

And no enrichment of it with vitamins and other advertising tricks of manufacturers of children's sweet instant drinks do not change the situation - there is no use in such a product. Therefore, there is no need to strive to introduce it into the baby’s diet.

Contraindications

The main contraindication for the use of cocoa is an allergy to it and individual intolerance. Otherwise, this product is safe when used in adequate quantities.

Caution note

Only cocoa powder or crushed grains (nibs) have beneficial properties.

All instant powders, and even sugar, do not bear any benefit. Like all other sweet products of deep industrial processing, they cause harm to the body. Since cocoa in the form of nibs is useful for weight loss and can act as a healthy snack on a diet for weight loss.

But a cup of a sweet drink made using instant powder leads to weight gain and other health problems.

What is healthier than coffee or cocoa?

As is usually the case with questions of this kind, there is no single answer to them. Useful for whom? In what situation?

Coffee is more stimulating, exciting. Cocoa rather relaxes. It is only able to excite people with hypersensitivity to caffeine, to which coffee is contraindicated.

Both products have a large number of antioxidants that have a positive effect on health, including the process of losing weight.

And both drinks are useful only when they are consumed in a natural bitter form, without sugar and the use of instant powders.

If someone wants to compare the calorie content of cocoa and coffee, then making it again difficult. First of all, because it is impossible to evaluate the calorific value of your portion of the drink in absentia. How much sugar did you put in it, how much milk did you pour, etc.?

If we compare the number of calories in a cup of cocoa and coffee brewed from a natural product, then it is approximately the same and negligible.

What is alkalized cocoa powder?

The color of the natural product is light reddish brown. In order to make the powder darker (chocolate), it is treated with a solution of potassium carbonate, which slightly increases its pH, as a result of which it becomes more brown.

Such cocoa is called alkalized, or Dutch. Usually it is used in baking and in the creation of other chocolate desserts, which are darker, and therefore, according to many people, more mouth-watering.

Sometimes the powder is alkalized even more. And he turns completely black.