The Aztec tribes enjoyed the cocoa a few centuries ago, it was believed that this drink increases potency and gives wisdom. Cocoa, the benefits and harms of which have been well studied, is still controversial - some say the product is harmful, others claim it is healthy and necessary in the diet. Who is right?
Material Content:
The chemical composition of cocoa powder
Oil is obtained from cocoa beans, the remaining dry cake is used to prepare cocoa powder. It serves as the basis for delicious drinks, and in the confectionery industry for chocolate pastes, glazes, fillings.
The composition of cocoa powder (100 g) includes such substances:
- proteins - 24 g;
- carbohydrates - 10 g;
- fats - 15 g;
- dietary fiber - 35 g;
- water - 5 g;
- vitamins B1, B2, E, PP;
- mineral salts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc;
- organic acids;
- essential oils;
- theobromine;
- caffeine etc.
Cocoa is a good antidepressant that gives a boost of energy and vitality.
It contains alkaloids - theobromine and caffeine. Tannins give color and a bitter taste, while essential oils give a specific aroma.
Cocoa: the health benefits of women and men
Cocoa is a real gift of nature, not without reason its taste is so attractive to people of all ages. This product has a rich set of valuable substances, it is equally useful for men and women.
The properties of cocoa are due to its composition:
- Vitamin PP cleanses the blood of bad cholesterol, removes its excess. He participates in redox processes, turning fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy necessary for life.
- For the synthesis of sex hormones and red blood cells, vitamin B2 is needed, there is a lot of it in cocoa. Drinking cocoa increases the potency of men and the attractiveness of women.
- Zinc is involved in protein synthesis, ensures the normal functioning of cells, is necessary for the health of the skin, hair and nails. Iron increases the level of hemoglobin, participates in the formation of blood cells, and prevents the development of anemia. There are more of these elements in cocoa than in other products.
- The alkaloids caffeine and theobromine tone up, increase efficiency, dilate blood vessels and stimulate the central nervous system.
As in ancient times, cocoa is considered a drink that increases strength, improves mood and brain function.
Useful properties of cocoa for pregnant women
Large amounts of cocoa are not recommended for pregnant women. You can drink a cup of aromatic drink with milk in the morning and before dinner. In the evening, it is better to abstain from it, this can lead to overexcitation and poor sleep.
Cocoa benefits for pregnant women is that the drink contains the natural antidepressant phenylethylamine.
It helps to cope with depression, strengthens the immune system, gives a feeling of cheerfulness. Cocoa has healthy vitamins and minerals.
How to use a drink for health
Cocoa is best drunk in the morning at breakfast. A day is recommended to consume no more than 2 cups of the drink.
There are three basic cocoa recipes:
- Melt a bar of dark chocolate in hot milk, and beat in foam.
- Boil dry cocoa powder with sugar and vanilla in milk.
- Dilute soluble cocoa powder in water or milk.
To prepare a drink, fresh milk is taken, which does not clot when heated.
Selection of quality cocoa powder
When choosing cocoa powder, you need to give preference to a product that does not contain food additives, it is healthier and tastier. To determine the quality of the powder, it is rubbed between the fingers, it should be rubbed, and not crumble like sand.
In addition to the shelf life, when choosing cocoa powder, pay attention to information about what kind of cocoa beans it is made of and the production technology.
Three main types of cocoa beans are on sale:
- Criollo;
- Forastero;
- Trinitario
The first variety of Criollo is considered to be elite, has a pleasant aroma. From it make the highest quality cocoa powder and chocolate. “Forastero” has a bitter taste. This is a common species, it accounts for more than 80% of the chocolate tree harvest. The quality of cocoa powder made from most varieties of this variety is lower than that of other groups. "Trinitario" is a hybrid variety, it is also used for the preparation of elite varieties of cocoa and chocolate.
By quality, cocoa is divided into aromatic (noble) and mass (consumer). The first category includes Criollo and Trinitario. The second group includes Forastero varieties, except Nacional, grown in Ecuador.
According to the production technology, cocoa powder can be prepared and not prepared. Prepared cocoa, which is produced under the brand names "Golden Anchor" and "Extra", tastes better, it does not form a precipitate. Unprepared grades include Prima, Our Brand, and Golden Label.
Cocoa Butter: Properties and Applications in Cosmetology
In the manufacture of cosmetics, the beneficial effect of cocoa on human skin and hair is used. It is added to shampoos, cream, face masks and soap.
Massage salons make wraps with cocoa butter, therapeutic massages with its use. The oil actively nourishes the skin, softens, prevents its aging. It is suitable for any type of skin, but is especially useful for women after 35 years.
Useful properties of the product are due to the presence of fatty acids, antioxidants, phytosterols, vitamins and mineral salts.
Thanks to the use of cocoa butter in the composition of masks, complexion improves, and regeneration of damaged skin cells occurs.Such masks relieve inflammation, smooth small wrinkles, eliminate hyperpigmentation, and help cure the effects of furunculosis and acne.
For home use, you can buy cocoa butter in specialized stores.
Simple nourishing mask for the night
Clean and steam the skin before applying the mask. Apply oil on the face with light circular movements in the direction of the massage lines. After 20 minutes, wipe your face with a cotton swab dipped in warm milk and pat it dry with a napkin.
Such a procedure is done daily in the summer for 10 days, then a break of 7 days, and the course is repeated. In winter, winter and autumn, a nourishing mask with cocoa butter can be done every day.
Contraindications and possible harm
The negative effects of cocoa can be caused by a small amount of caffeine in its composition. It has a stimulating effect, and can cause problems with falling asleep if you drink a drink before bedtime.
There are other contraindications:
- The composition of cocoa beans includes purines. With excessive intake of the body, they contribute to the accumulation of uric acid, the deposition of salts in the joints, diseases of the kidneys and bladder.
- You can not drink cocoa to people suffering from cirrhosis, gout and atherosclerosis.
- Sweet chocolate and drinks containing sugar are contraindicated for those with diabetes.
- Cocoa is not recommended for people with overweight. Those who suffer from constipation, it is undesirable to drink a drink due to the high content of tannins in it.
The health benefits of cocoa far outweigh the potential harm. Moderate consumption of the product prolongs life and makes it rich and joyful.
