Cocoa powder is a part of many confectionery products and beverages. Sweet, as you know, is very harmful to the figure, but good quality and health benefits for cocoa powder is more than harm.
Useful properties of cocoa powder
Products from cocoa powder have increased nutritional properties due to a balanced combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as high caloric content. But in addition, the composition of cocoa powder includes vitamins, micro- and macro elements and other active substances that have a special effect on the body.
The leading components of natural cocoa powder are flavonoids catechin and epicatechin. In the body, these substances perform the function of antioxidants - they slow down the oxidative processes and the aging of cells. And besides, these substances improve blood circulation and memory, normalize the pressure. Thanks to flavonoids, cocoa powder in its pure form does not cause dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar, which means that a drink based on cocoa powder without sugar can be consumed even by diabetics (in contrast to chocolate).
For patients with bronchial asthma, cocoa powder is useful in the content of theophylline and xanthine. These active substances have an antispasmodic effect and relax the pathologically narrowed bronchi, preventing asthma attacks and making breathing easier.
Another important ingredient of cocoa powder is phenylethylamine. Thanks to this substance, many people feel affection for products containing cocoa powder. And it's no accident, because phenylethylamine is an antidepressant and can cause an increase in the level of endorphins, after which a person experiences a mood lift. Especially important is the property of cocoa powder for people suffering from chronic fatigue and depression syndrome.
Not so long ago, scientists have proven that the components of cocoa powder suppress the growth of cancer cells, which, undoubtedly, is a valuable discovery for the treatment of cancer.
Benefits of cocoa powder:
- beverages containing cocoa powder, have a mild invigorating effect;
- fatty acids and proteins that make up cocoa powder regulate the level of cholesterol;
- purines contained in this product, take part in the synthesis of muscle tissue;
- component of cocoa powder melanin absorbs and neutralizes ultraviolet and infrared rays, harmful to the body;
- a drink made from cocoa powder helps to reduce pressure.
To get only benefit from cocoa powder, and completely exclude health damage, it is recommended to consume a natural product without flavoring additives and sugar. To sweeten a drink from cocoa powder, you can use natural stevia, which helps reduce blood sugar. You can also combine cocoa powder with cottage cheese, cereals, milk drinks, fruit. Chocolate is desirable to choose only dark, with a cocoa content of 75-95%, a daily safe dose of 20-100 grams.
Harm of cocoa powder
Harmful factors that can force
In addition, the use of products from cocoa powder in the second half of the day can cause problems with sleep, tk. the invigorating effect of cocoa, although not strong, but lasting in time.