Cocoa - Benefits, Harm, Use, Calories

The ratio of BJU in the product

Source: depositphotos.com How to burn 530 kcal?

Cocoa itself is presented in the form of several products obtained during the processing of beans:

• Grated cocoa;
• Cacao butter;
• Cocoa powder.

Cocoa butter is the most valuable product, it is obtained using the pressing method. Roasted and crushed fruits serve as raw materials for obtaining cocoa powder. Basically, cocoa powder is a kind of waste (the result of processing the beans after the cocoa butter is obtained). But grated cocoa is the raw material for real chocolate, it is obtained directly in the process of grinding the beans of the plant.

Useful properties and calorie content of cocoa

In addition, the use of cocoa powder and butter makes it possible to obtain very tasty drinks and confectionery.

The benefit of cocoa is that it contains a lot of useful substances, namely:

1. Caffeine;

2. Theophylline;

3. Theobromine;

4. Phenylethylamine;

5. Proteins;

6. Fatty acids;

7. Zinc;

8. Melanin;

9. Vitamins;

10. Microelements;

11. Polyphenols.

The first three components of cocoa have tonic properties, while phenylethylamine acts as an antidepressant on the body. Cocoa butter is especially rich in proteins and fatty acids, which ensures the stabilization of cholesterol in the blood. Melanin, which is part of cocoa powder and cocoa butter, gets into the skin and is able to absorb the sun's rays, protecting the body from burns and sunstroke. Cocoa butter is very rich in vitamin F.

The essential fatty acids found in cocoa include the following:

• Stearic acid;
• Palmitic;
• Oleic;
• Linolenic.

All these fatty acids, as well as other beneficial trace elements and polyphenols, provide the following properties, which are the special benefits of cocoa:

1. Regenerating;

2. Immunomodulatory;

3. Antioxidant;

4. Anticarcinogenic.

The main elements in cocoa butter are purines (an important constituent of nucleic acids). Thus, the content of these substances determines the use of cocoa to normalize the process of biosynthesis of proteins and enzymes.

The main indicators of the nutritional value of cocoa, per 100 grams of product:

• Calorie content of cocoa - 37 kilocalories;
• Proteins - 24.2 g;
• Fat - 17.5 g;
• Carbohydrates - 31.9 g.

In addition, the benefit of cocoa is that it serves as an excellent stimulant for the production of endorphins, they are also called hormones of joy or happiness. Endorphins contribute to:

1. Activation of vitality;

2. Strengthening mental activity;

3. Improving performance;

4. Improving mood;

Cocoa application

Cocoa liquor, like cocoa butter, is used as an important ingredient in the confectionery, pharmaceutical industry and in the manufacture of cosmetics. It is cocoa powder and butter that are mandatory components in the production of products such as:

• Chocolate;
• Confectionery;
• Hand cream;
• Lipstick;
• Face cream.

Besides chocolate and other sweets, cocoa powder is often used for drinks. To increase the tone and mood, cocoa is recommended to be drunk in the morning or at noon, it is better to combine it with dried fruits and honey.

In addition to eating, cocoa powder and butter are used for cosmetic procedures. So, the beneficial properties of cocoa butter are used to rejuvenate the skin, as it has a tonic and healing effect. A very effective way to combat stretch marks on the body is to use cocoa butter for massage and cocoa powder for wraps. Combining cocoa butter with cognac and applying as a mask to the hair gives an excellent result. Hair is strengthened by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp, it grows better and becomes thicker.

Cocoa butter is a component of many medicinal products. The use of cocoa for medicinal purposes was first proposed by the Spanish doctor Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma at the beginning of the XXVII century, and since then it has invariably served to improve human health.

So, the significant benefits of cocoa determine its use to fight colds. In this case, cocoa butter has the following effects:

1. Antitussive;

2. Expectorant;

3. Dilution of sputum.

The following diseases are treated with cocoa butter:

• Bronchitis;
• Angina;
• Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia);
• Flu.

In the treatment of these diseases, cocoa butter is taken orally, diluted with hot milk. You can also use cocoa butter on your throat. During epidemics of viral diseases, doctors recommend lubricating the nasal mucosa with cocoa butter.

In addition, a significant benefit of cocoa lies in its use for the following health problems:

• Bowel inflammation and upset;
• Gastric disorders;
• Increased blood cholesterol;
• Cholecystitis;
• Heart disease.

The benefit of cocoa is to remove excess cholesterol from the blood, which can prevent the development of atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of varicose veins. Cocoa butter acts as a choleretic agent that can be used for cholecystitis. Significant benefits of cocoa are also in its anticarcinogenic properties, which suggests the use of cocoa as a prevention of tumors.

In addition, cocoa butter has a mild laxative effect: drinking 1 tsp at night. cocoa butter, you can get rid of constipation.

Contraindications and harm from consuming cocoa

The benefits of cocoa and harm are completely disparate concepts. Harm from cocoa can only be in the case of poor quality cocoa. So, a rancid and sour taste indicates the potential harm of cocoa, such a product should not be consumed. This also applies to all products in the production of which cocoa is used (chocolate, confectionery, drinks). So, with insomnia, overwork and stress, there will be no harm from cocoa, unlike taking a large amount of coffee or energy drinks.

Cocoa can only be harmful if consumed in excessive quantities, as well as to people with certain diseases, such as gout. It is believed that the high calorie content of cocoa makes it undesirable in the diet. In fact, the calorie content of cocoa is not at all high, drinks and confectionery products with it become high in calories only due to the addition of sugar and fats.

When cocoa is used in its natural form by a healthy adult, there are practically no contraindications. However, there are some guidelines for situations in which the use of cocoa can be dangerous:

1. Individual intolerance to cocoa powder and butter;

2. Children's age up to 3 years;

3. Metabolic disorders in which the use of foods containing purines is undesirable.

Young children should not rush to introduce cocoa to the menu, since their digestive system is not yet sufficiently formed, and the body does not need tonic substances and excess sugar.

It is especially important to think about the potential harms of cocoa for individuals with the following health conditions:

• Allergy to chocolate and products based on cocoa powder and butter;
• Hyperactivity (in children);
• Obesity.

In these cases, the use of cocoa without harm to health is possible after a doctor's approval.

YouTube video related to the article:

Found a mistake in the text? Select it and press Ctrl + Enter.