Are you a fan of cocoa? Then this article is for you!

Many girls think that cocoa is linked to chocolate and weight gain. But this is not scientifically accurate. So we dedicated today’s article to talk about cocoa, Its benefits and how to take it during dieting, And ways to prepare it at home in a healthy and delicious way, Stay with us to learn more.

What is cocoa?

• Before getting the cocoa powder we all know, Cocoa comes in the form of beans, and these beans are the seeds of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao). Cocoa powder is prepared by grinding cocoa beans and removing the fat or cocoa butter. These beans are also used in making chocolate from cocoa powder.
• It is believed that cacao was first used by the Mayan civilization in Central America.
• You might think, my dear, that the only role of Cocoa is to produce chocolate. However, recent research has revealed that it does contain important compounds that are beneficial for your health.

What are the benefits of cocoa for the body

Cocoa contains a variety of chemicals. including antioxidants called flavonoids, These substances relax blood vessels, which can lead to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation and blockages in blood vessels.

Cocoa is commonly used by people to treat heart disease and high blood pressure. You may have heard of this before, my dear. It is also used for high cholesterol, memory, skin aging, and many other conditions.

We will now talk in detail about the benefits of cocoa in the body:

1. Cocoa to protect heart health:

• Cocoa contains chemicals called polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, tea, chocolate, and wine.
• These substances have been linked to many health benefits. These include reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• Cocoa is one of the richest sources of polyphenols. In particular, flavanols, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• But Unfortunately, my dear, Processing and heating cocoa can cause it to lose its beneficial properties. It is often treated with alkali to reduce bitterness. Which results in a 60% reduction in flavanol content.
• Therefore, not all cocoa products provide the same amount of benefits. This depends on the methods of preparation, treatment and modification.

2. Cocoa reduces high blood pressure

• Cocoa may reduce high blood pressure when prepared as a powder and used to make dark chocolate.
• This effect was first observed in Mesoamerican islanders who drank cocoa. And who had significantly lower blood pressure than their non-cocoa-drinking relatives.
• The flavanols in cocoa are thought to improve blood levels of a substance called nitric oxide, which can enhance blood vessel function and reduce blood pressure.
• However, my dear, as previously mentioned, It is important to remember that processing significantly reduces the number of flavanols. So the effects will likely not be seen from the regular bar of chocolate we eat.

3. Cocoa reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke

• Cocoa reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, not just lowering blood pressure.
• This is due to the aforementioned chemical – nitric oxide – which relaxes and widens arteries and blood vessels and improves blood flow.
• Also, cocoa can help reduce harmful LDL cholesterol. It has an effect similar to aspirin on the blood. It improves blood sugar and reduces inflammation.
• These properties have all been linked to a lower risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
• Good news for chocolate lovers! Research findings and studies indicate that frequent consumption of small amounts of cocoa-rich chocolate (sugar-free dark chocolate) may have protective benefits for your heart.

4. Cocoa improves brain function

• Several studies have found that polyphenols may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by improving brain function and blood flow.
• Flavanols can cross the blood-brain barrier and participate in biochemical pathways that produce neurons and molecules important for your brain function.
• Numerous studies point to the positive role of cocoa in brain health and potential positive effects on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, my dear, there is an ongoing need for more research to substantiate this information.

5. Cocoa improves mood and symptoms of depression

• In addition to the positive effect of cocoa on age-related mental degeneration, Its effect on the brain may also improve mood and symptoms of depression.
• As we all know chocolate is associated with happiness. The positive effects on mood may be due to the flavanols found in cocoa. It turns into a compound called tryptophan, which has a stimulating effect On stabilizing the mood.
• One study on chocolate consumption and stress levels in pregnant women found that frequent chocolate consumption was associated with reduced stress and improved mood in children.
• Moreover, another study discovered that eating cocoa rich in polyphenols improves calmness and psychological satisfaction. Therefore, you should have a piece of dark chocolate when you feel tired and mentally exhausted. What the world spoils can be fixed by a piece of chocolate!

6. Cocoa to improve type 2 diabetes symptoms

• Although eating too much chocolate is certainly not good for controlling blood sugar, However, cocoa itself actually has some anti-diabetic effects. Yes, this is correct, How is that done?
• Laboratory studies indicate cocoa flavanols can:

1. It slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine.

2. It improves insulin secretion.

3. It reduces inflammation.

4. It stimulates the absorption of sugar from the blood into the muscles.

• Some studies have shown that a higher intake of cocoa flavanols, It can lead to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• In addition, a review of human studies showed that consuming flavanol-rich dark chocolate, or cocoa, can improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and reduce inflammation in diabetics and non-diabetics.
• Here we tell you, my dear, of the necessity of moderation. Moderation is the basis for obtaining all these distinctive and beneficial benefits. There is no good in overeating chocolate just to get the beneficial effect of cocoa.

7. Cocoa helps control weight

• Ironically, my dear, eating cocoa, even in the form of chocolate, It may help you control your weight!
• It is thought that cocoa may help by regulating energy use, reducing appetite and inflammation, increasing fat oxidation, and feeling full and full in the stomach.
• A population study found that people who ate chocolate frequently had a lower body mass index than people who ate it less frequently. Although the former group also ate more calories and fat!
• However, Other studies have found that chocolate consumption increases weight. The rule of non-excess, my dear, do not forget!

8. Cocoa relieves pain caused by peripheral arterial disease

Hot cocoa may be exactly what the doctor orders for leg pain relief. Yes, this is correct!

A small study published by Circulation Research found that adults with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who drank hot cocoa would notice less leg pain when walking than those who didn’t drink cocoa.

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition in which fatty deposits collect and reduce blood flow in the arteries outside the heart. Mostly in the legs.
• People with PAD often experience pain when they walk.
• in this study, Researchers gave 44 people with PAD a specially designed drink containing cocoa three times a day for six months.
• Cocoa drinkers were able to walk an average of about 140 feet in a timed gait test than people who drank the same amount of the same non-cocoa beverage.
• The cocoa drinkers also had some improvements in muscle function and blood flow.
• The researchers speculated that cocoa might contain an ingredient that helps muscle cells use oxygen more efficiently.

Cocoa and diet

• The presence of cocoa has always been associated in our minds with an image of weight gain or its presence is forbidden in dieting. But this is not quite true. Yes, my dear, Cocoa can help you on your weight loss journey!
• You may feel confused when linking cocoa powder to losing extra pounds, but it is true. May this delicious food help you achieve your body goals, If eaten the right way and in the right amount, we obviously mean that you can’t go eating all the chocolate that has cocoa in it because these food items contain one of the most unhealthy ingredients – sugar.
• If cocoa powder is taken in a healthy way, Not only will it help you lose weight, But it will also help you regulate your blood pressure and improve your general health. Consuming cocoa powder on its own is also the healthiest way to consume cocoa in its purest form.

Cocoa and chocolate

Cocoa powder is often confused with chocolate. But the two products are completely different. Cocoa powder, as we mentioned earlier, is made from grinding cocoa beans and does not contain fat or sugar. As for chocolate, it contains cocoa butter, cocoa and sugar, in addition to many other ingredients.

The percentage of cocoa in chocolate determines how healthy or unhealthy the product is. This is why dark chocolate is considered one of the healthiest and most beneficial snacks. Because it contains the highest percentage of cocoa in it.

Here are some of the reasons cocoa powder can help you in your weight loss journey:

1. Cocoa boosts anabolism (metabolism):

Cocoa is known to boost metabolism and help the body burn fat better.

This is why you can often see fitness instructors advising people to add cocoa powder to their pre-workout protein shake.

2. Cocoa fights infections:

Cocoa powder may improve digestion. Because of its anti-inflammatory effect on the gut.

A healthy gut is directly linked to weight loss, you know, my dear.

3. Cocoa Helps Detoxify:

Due to the presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids (formerly mentioned), Cocoa powder is great for detoxing the body.

Cocoa powder is also rich in fiber, which is good for regulating blood sugar and removing toxins from the body.

4. Cocoa fights stress:

We talked earlier that cocoa fights stress and improves mood. This may have a direct effect on weight loss. As the level of stress may be directly proportional to the fat around your belly specifically.

When you feel stressed, This will affect the energy required of you to expend exercise in the proper way, Which may also hinder your weight loss process.

And do not forget, my dear, to mention the hormone cortisol, which is called the stress hormone, which has a direct effect on increasing your feeling of stress. Thus, it hinders your weight loss process.

How do you take cocoa powder to lose weight?

As has just been mentioned, Cocoa powder improves fat metabolism and increases energy. Thus it can be consumed for faster weight loss.

If you want to use cocoa powder to burn fat, Make sure, sweetie, that you buy a high-quality, organic brand that does not contain sugar.

• You can add cocoa powder in small amounts to a cup of warm milk or a bowl of oatmeal in the morning.
• Adding cocoa powder to breakfast smoothies can give them an extra flavor that is both delicious and nutritious.
• As we mentioned earlier, Adding cocoa powder to your pre-workout protein shake may also help you burn fat faster.

However, we advise you to consult your nutritionist in order to find out exactly how much cocoa powder you should eat daily, In accordance with your weight and daily needs from food sources.

Cocoa for pregnant women

Cocoa offers both benefits and risks for pregnant women. Is it safe for a pregnant woman to eat cocoa in the form of a hot drink or dark chocolate?

• Most healthcare professionals recommend that no source of caffeine be included in a pregnant woman’s diet. However, recent research conducted at the Yale Center revealed that chocolate may protect pregnant women from developing high blood pressure or preterm labor.
• As for drinking cocoa in the form of hot chocolate, The drink usually contains a small amount of caffeine. But caffeine has many harmful effects on the health of your fetus. It crosses the placenta to reach the fetus’s bloodstream. Which will raise his heart rate, which affects his movement inside your womb, Caffeine also hinders the absorption of iron and calcium taken by you. This will affect your fetus and its development inside your womb.
• And therefore, It is very important to pay attention to the amount of caffeine consumed by the expectant mother. Whether from cocoa drinks or coffee, Therefore, we advise you, my dear, to consult your doctor before eating dark chocolate and drinking cocoa. It will help you with the appropriate amount allowed per day to preserve your health and the health of your fetus.

When is it preferable to drink cocoa?

Although cocoa contains a very small amount of caffeine (compared to coffee), However, for many people who are severely sensitive to caffeine, This tiny amount can cause insomnia, anxiety, and major health effects. So we advise you to reduce your intake of cocoa in the evening.

Instead, my dear, The best time to drink cocoa is in the morning, as it not only helps you to be alert and energetic instead of coffee, but it is also good for the digestive system and provides good nutrition for the body, as well as many antioxidants that keep you young.

How to prepare cocoa with milk

Of course, there are many, many recipes and drinks that contain cocoa. And we chose for you the easiest and best way to prepare a cocoa drink with milk, Consisting of only 4 ingredients and the lowest calories:

the components:

• 1 cup milk (you can use any kind of milk of your choice) such as oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or cow’s milk).
• Dates (acts as a natural and healthy sweetener).
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened).
• Vanilla extract (optional, it gives a delicious taste in a small amount).

Method:

1. Grind the dates well after removing their seeds using a high-powered blender until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
2. Place all ingredients (milk, cocoa powder, crushed dates, and vanilla extract) into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
3. Taste it and adjust it as you like. You can add dates to increase the sweet taste.

At the end, We hope you liked the article. We have talked about cocoa, its importance, and some research and studies that support its benefits in our body. on weight loss and cardiovascular health, In addition to an easy and quick way to prepare a healthy drink from cocoa powder.

If you liked the article, Share it with your friends who love chocolate and cocoa. Share it on social media platforms, mentioning the magazine page, We’ll be glad to know what you think of it!

Written by: Marah Mohamad

Sources:

webmd

healthline

chocolate-advisor

health.harvard.edu

hellomotherhood