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Superfood and the Powers of Cocoa

SuperfoodsBeneftis

Superfood And the Powers of Cocoa

Adding a bit of cocoa to your diet has several benefits. Many classify cocoa as an Amazonian superfood. It’s derived from the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) beans and contains antioxidants, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and mood-boosting neurotransmitters.

For centuries, the Aztecs and Mayans knew about the tree’s health properties, whose name translates to “food of the Gods” in their language, using the bitter fruit as medicine.

Why Eat Superfoods?

There are several superfoods, some more readily available than others. They get their name from their tremendous quantities of anti-aging, disease-fighting, and health-boosting elements like antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Superfoods like blueberries, broccoli, red wine, prunes, raisins, and potatoes are easy to source. You can even grow some of them in your garden. Others, like cocoa, come from rainforests in several tropical regions.

Superfood and the Powers of Cocoa Unlock the powers of cocoa, the Amazonian superfood, and discover its numerous health benefits. From antioxidants to mood enhancement, explore why adding cocoa to your diet can be a game-changer. Learn how to incorporate this superfood into your daily routine for a healthier lifestyle. 1

Cocoa remains the ultimate superfood because it contains more antioxidants per gram than all other superfoods. Chocolate is a real treat for the soul, and when eaten moderately, it elevates your mood since it triggers dopamine, phenylethylamine, and serotonin.

If you are looking for a plant-based source of iron, you’ll be happy to know that cocoa has 13.9mg/100g, the same as beef. That beats every other source. Even though you aren’t likely to eat 100g of chocolate in one go, it will boost your intake. Remember, cocoa is plant-based iron or non-heme, meaning you get maximum benefits when combined with vitamin C intake.

Finally, cocoa has higher calcium levels than cow’s milk, and it’s so full of magnesium that it can improve your focus.

Still, the processing of chocolate means that the products contain far less cocoa than your body needs and far more sugar and dairy. However, cocoa never ceases to inspire, meaning you can experiment with cocoa powder, turning it into deliciously healthy ways to enjoy it. Dark chocolate is also beneficial.

Discovering the Powers of Cocoa

Here are some potential health benefits that the high concentration of vitamins and minerals can provide:

Rich in Antioxidants

Cocoa is rich in flavonols, a type of flavonoid, which are potent antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants are essential in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. As a superfood, coca is also very high in polyphenols, another antioxidant that helps fight inflammation, enhances blood flow, and lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Heart Health

High blood pressure and cholesterol are two leading causes of heart problems. Interestingly, studies continue to show that cocoa consumption can have cardiovascular benefits thanks to the flavanols it contains. Researchers found that cocoa intake positively affected blood flow and slightly lowered blood pressure, decreasing the risk for heart disease.

Flavanols in cocoa increase the nitric oxide in the blood, dilating blood vessels and arteries and assisting with the blood flow.

The research proves what many have known for quite a while – cocoa-drinking Central Americans had lower blood pressure than those who did not drink it. Furthermore, cocoa has another significant element that helps your heart’s health. It helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and improves good cholesterol levels (HDL).

Ongoing studies show that a small daily serving of chocolate may protect from heart attacks, heart failures, and strokes.

Improved Mood

Cocoa contains compounds that are known for their mood-enhancing effects. Consuming cocoa stimulates endorphin production, which is associated with creating a feeling of happiness and well-being. Additionally, cocoa contains serotonin precursors, which could contribute to mood regulation and feelings of psychological well-being.

Brain Health

The flavonoids in cocoa may have neuroprotective effects. These seem to include improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Research is ongoing, with numerous studies concentrating on the polyphenols present in cocoa and how their effect on blood flow and brain function may help lower the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders.

Type 2 Diabetes

Of course, diabetics cannot eat chocolate, but cocoa, thanks to its anti-diabetic properties, can play an integral role in regulating blood sugar.

Studies have shown that cocoa flavanols prevent carbohydrate digestion and absorption, help increase insulin production, and accelerate sugar transport to the muscle. They also decrease inflammation. Additionally, other studies show that increasing flavanol intake appears to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. It may also improve blood sugar management and insulin sensitivity. Evidence on polyphenols and diabetes is as crucial as their benefit to the heart.

While cocoa may have health benefits, it is essential to note that many commercial chocolate products have a high sugar and fat content that can negate these advantages. The higher the chocolate content, like in dark chocolate, the healthier the option because it contains less added sugars and fats.

Other Benefits

Surprisingly, these are not the only benefits of cocoa. As paradoxical as it may seem, researchers have found that cocoa consumption can also help promote weight loss by enhancing feelings of fullness utilizing fat oxidation.

Researchers doing test-tube trials have found that the antioxidant components in cocoa have cancer-protective properties, including preventing cell spread, restricting cell development, and even triggering the death of cancer cells. Animal trials have also shown promising results on several cancers where the diet contained cocoa extracts or cocoa-rich intake. Flavanol-rich diets show lower cancer risks in human studies, but studies are ongoing.

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory illness, can sometimes be fatal because it leads to airway blockage. Thanks to its anti-asthmatic chemicals, like theobromine for relieving chronic coughs and theophylline for widening the airways, cocoa is suitable for people with asthma.

Cocoa also has several other properties. These include antibacterial, anti-enzymatic, and immune-stimulating chemicals that may benefit your skin and dental health. Cocoa inhibits the bacteria that cause dental cavities. Meanwhile,  polyphenols provide improved UV protection and pump moisture to the skin. They also improve blood circulation and encourage smoothness. Therefore, cocoa cannot cause acne. However, it’s wise to prefer chocolate with lower dairy and sugar content because these ingredients can contribute to acne.

Best Ways to Include a Superfood Like Cocoa In Your Diet

There are so many ways that you can enjoy superfoods. Luckily, cocoa is very versatile, meaning you can have it in several ways:

  • Eat a square or two of dark chocolate of at least 70% cocoa daily.
  • Add some cocoa powder to your smoothies for a chocolate flavor and to take advantage of the benefits of this superfood.
  • Add cocoa powder to your rice or chai puddings to ensure you enjoy its best properties for breakfast.
  • Hot or cold cocoa beverages with dairy or non-dairy ingredients are a great way to add it to your diet.
  • Sprinkle over fruits or cereals.
  • Use healthy ingredients like avocado, almond milk, dates, and cocoa powder to create a delicious chocolate mousse that will have everyone returning for refills.
  • Make a flourless cocoa fridge cake.
  • Add cocoa powder to any granola bar or energy ball recipe.
  • Cocoa can deepen the flavor of a pot of chili.

The healthy benefits of cocoa mean you can eat it daily, as long as it’s in moderation, since it does contain caffeine that can cause sleeplessness, agitation, and a rapid heartbeat.