Cocoa, recognized as the Food of the Gods, is used in the development of several cosmetics known for its moisturizing properties. It aids in weight loss by helping to reduce cholesterol levels through its antioxidant activity. Since cocoa powder is typically consumed with hot milk to achieve its maximum benefits, it is best to avoid indulgent foods like chips, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages. For maximising health benefits you can opt for pure, unprocessed cocoa powder without sweeteners. Let’s find out more about the cocoa powder benefits.
Top 5 Advantages of Cocoa Powder
1) Cocoa Powder for Weight Loss
Cocoa powder is helpful in losing weight. The best weight loss method is by consuming a healthy diet and getting workout done everyday.
2) Supplies Anti-Aging Benefits
Cocoa powder is composed of phenolic acids and flavonoids are the two classes of antioxidants that are best and are free radicals terminators. Also, this promotes concealing wrinkles and fine lines.
3) Cures Hyperpigmentation
Applying a cocoa powder face mask with milk and honey will offer an amazing solution for dun tanning. Due to the presence of skin-tightening and rejuvenating traits of cocoa, you will be able to achieve brighter and supple skin.
4) Reduces Acne And Boils
Cocoa powder aid in reducing pimples, acne. Cocoa powder that is combined with aloe vera gel and tea tree oil is a perfect remedy for soothing acne outbursts and reducing the appearance of scars, and dark spots on skin.
5) Prevents Hair Fall
Having formative amino acids like lysine and methionine, consuming cocoa powder in a diet as well as when applied on a scalp will help in the growth of hair follicles and it will also renew texture of tresses. This helps in controlling hair fall and slows down premature balding and greying.
6) Anti-Dandruff Solution
Cocoa powder possesses innumerable essential amino acids and carotenoids that confer useful hair growth and the presence of anti-microbial characteristics when applied as an herbal paste to dandruff-prone scalp. Furthermore, it soothes the hair follicles thereby repairing damaged scalp as well as brittle hair besides guaranteeing relief from incessant itching.
Where Does Cocoa Come From?
Several European explorers brought it to the continent in the 16th century. Furthermore, this fruit pulp is used in sorbets and ice-creams. Cocoa, the source of chocolate, comes from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, also known as the cacao tree. While native to the Amazon region of South America, the majority of cocoa is now grown in tropical areas of Africa, particularly in West Africa.
How Cocoa Beans Are Processed
Let’s get into the brief of this process that is:
- Fermentation: Cocoa beans are put into the bins that are covered for some of the days on which microbes are fed on the pulp. Moreover, this will start to develop the aroma and distinctive chocolate flavor.
- Roasting: The dried beans are then roasted till the desired raw product is obtained. Once roasting fully develops the chocolate flavour adds sweetness to it. Moreover, the percentage of cocoa and dark chocolate on a candy bar will let you know how much butter and cocoa powder are present.
Is Cocoa Healthy?
Natural cocoa is one of the healthiest foods. As per the research, the high source of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids will mainly be catechins that will exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Raw cocoa offers a wide array of benefits like better blood sugar control and protection against oxidative stress.
Is Drinking Coffee with Cocoa Healthy?
The combination of cocoa and coffee is attaining popularity in both health circles and among coffee lovers, developing a drink that will combine the qualities of nutrients. Caffeine from coffee has a calming effect that creates a well-balanced effect of stimulation without an excessive nervous system. Furthermore, it is critical to reduce stress and to be mindful of the limitations related to excess caffeine.
Is Drinking Cocoa at Night Beneficial?
Cocoa is high in the compounds like tryptophan as the presence of Serotonin is responsible for the feelings of calmness. Moreover just like coffee, cocoa has only a small amount of caffeine which makes it safer for evening drinks for most people, although those who are sensitive to the bromine may feel slightly stimulated.
Cocoa Powder Uses For Skin And Hair:
Besides just adding richness to several pastries and bakery products and supplying a wide range of health benefits when it is consumed internally then cocoa powder is ideal for the topical application. Ultimately the fine powdery consistency of cocoa powder will make it a perfect exfoliating agent that will totally remove the dead cells from the face, scalp, and body providing a refreshing look. Also, this is majorly owing to its amazing high amino acid content and potent antioxidants.
Benefits of Cocoa Powder with Milk
By considering the popularity of cocoa powder in milk, one may think that why cocoa do not immediately dissolve when it is mixed with the milk. The secret that lies within the natural composition of cocoa powder which is well-known as a hydrophobic substance as cocoa powder resists that mixing with water and with milk has a significant percentage of water.
Wrapping It Up
Cocoa powder is undeniably a nourishing food that is loaded with a plethora of nutrients that confer marvelous advantages for a healthy heart, skin, digestion, and bones. There are various advantages of a heart, digestion, skin, and hair. You can keep it in unsweetened form sans added sugars and boosts both mental and physical well-being. You should keep in mind to ingest only measured portions as the regular diet.
