Benefits and contraindications of cocoa The cocoa tree is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, and its fruit was consumed by pre-Columbian cultures such as the Mayans more than 4,000 years ago.
The word “Cacao” originates from the Olmec “ka-ka-w,” and the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II enjoyed drinking a frothy, bitter drink made from ground cacao beans called xocōlātl.
Today, 70% of cocoa is grown in West Africa. Cocoa plants have two edible parts: the seeds (also called beans) and the fruit.
If you’ve ever eaten chocolate, you’ve eaten cacao nibs. They are fermented, ground into a paste, sweetened, and sometimes flavored to create everything from chocolate bars to chocolate wafers.
The cacao fruit is not as ubiquitous in the US, but it is mixed into drinks in Ecuador and is slowly making its way into the United States as well.
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C.acao benefits and contraindications
cocoa benefits
Benefits of cocoa for the brain Scientists have suggested that cocoa may help keep the brain healthy. It has a very good effect on the tasks related to the memory. According to the findings, cocoa consumption increases blood flow to the brain and is also known to cure vascular disorders.
cocoa for cholesterol According to research, cocoa has hypoglycemic and hypocholesteric (hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic) effects on glucose and cholesterol levels. Eating a cocoa-based diet can help reduce levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Its intake has been found to increase healthy HDL cholesterol levels
Beneficial for diabetes Cocoa intake is effective in improving insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. It is helpful in controlling sugar levels in the body. This helps prevent the formation of cataracts, which can sometimes be an obstacle in the treatment of diabetes. Free radicals, by promoting oxidative stress, increase the complications of diabetes, causing damage to cells and tissues.
Eat Cocoa for Asthma Cocoa beans contain some compounds that help relax bronchial spasms and open constricted bronchi. It makes breathing easier and, in addition, it is important to treat various types of allergies, such as asthma and shortness of breath. Therefore, its intake helps to relieve asthma.
cocoa for obesity According to a study, black cocoa may be beneficial in preventing obesity with a high-fat diet. Its intake helps reduce lipid metabolism and reduces the synthesis and transport of fatty acids. This helps burn calories.
Boost your mood with cocoa Stress-reducing effects on physiological processes of cocoa intake have been observed. Studies have shown that its flavonols are consistently psychologically sensitive.
Cocoa has been shown to have a calming effect on people suffering from fatigueto. The release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and phenylethylamine in the brain helps prevent oxidative stress in neuronal cells, as well as being useful in combating chronic fatigue syndrome.
.Benefits of cocoa for the skin Cocoa has also been found to be effective in maintaining skin health. According to research, eating flavonol-enriched cocoa helps reduce the effects of UV rays and helps reduce skin roughness and flaking. If applied to the skin, cocoa, specifically cocoa butter, helps increase skin elasticity. Here is a video that deals with the subject.
Learn how to prepare homemade cream with cocoa butter to combat premature wrinkles
Cocoa benefits for the heart Studies have shown that cocoa also has a good effect on the heart health. It is packed with flavonoids such as prozanidin, catechin, and apatechin, which are rich in antioxidant properties and help protect cells from damage, strengthening the heart. These are useful for improving endothelial function and stimulating beneficial HDL cholesterol.
These help prevent the formation of fatal blood clots, which can lead to stroke or heart failure. Blood platelets play an important role in cardiovascular disorders.
The flavonoids present in cocoa have quite a good effect on the platelets. All of these health effects help prevent various medical conditions (for example, atherosclerosis), which are some of the main causes of more serious cardiovascular diseases.
Cocoa protects against Alzheimer’s disease The presence of the main flavonols such as aptaquine and catechin in cocoa is beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
According to research, these phytochemicals have cooperative properties that help reduce oxidative stress in the mind. It helps prevent neuronal cell loss and has a protective effect on the cell membrane against cytotoxicity. Let’s see, next, the contraindications of cocoa
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Cocoa contraindications and side effects
Cocoa is a source of caffeine. Excessive caffeine intake can cause many side effects, including increased urination, drowsiness, and irregular heartbeat. Excessive caffeine intake can cause anxiety disorders or diarrhea problems.
Excessive caffeine intake while breastfeeding can cause stomach problems in babies and lack of sleep.
It can also make the disease worse gastroesophageal reflux.
Cocoa can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to cocoa. Allergies include skin reactions, migraines, headaches, gas, digestive upset, and nausea.
Cocoa can interfere with the absorption of antibiotics, contraceptives, medicines antifungals and antiulcer. Therefore, in general, it is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
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