Cocoa benefit or harm to human health. Everyone's favorite cocoa powder: we will tell you all about its health benefits and harms

When it comes to talking about this drink, most people go back to their childhood for a few seconds. We are talking about the favorite drink of all children - cocoa. It is believed that if you drink a cup of this fragrant treat every day, you can strengthen your immune system and prolong your life. The benefits and harms of cocoa directly depend on its quality.

Origin story

Cocoa powder is a product that is formed as a result of processing the fruits of the chocolate tree. After receiving the oil, cake remains, it is ground into powder, which is the basis for the drink loved by everyone. The scientific name for the chocolate tree is Theobroma, which means "food of the gods" in Greek.

The history of this drink has more than 2 thousand years. The ancient Maya Indians are considered to be its discoverers, as evidenced by the evidence found by archaeologists in the form of drawings. For the Maya, cocoa was sacred, and cultists used it during their rituals, marriages and other solemn ceremonies.

In Europe, a drink made from chocolate tree beans appeared thanks to a general from Spain. In the 16th century, traveling through Mexico, he visited one of the leaders of the tribe of Aztec warriors. The leader treated him to a drink, which the general liked so much that, returning to his homeland, he took with him both the beans themselves and the cooking recipe.

Gradually, the recipe for making the drink began to change, they stopped adding chili peppers to it, but included sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. In addition, it began to be consumed hot, and not cold, as the Aztecs did. To date, there are different data on the health benefits and harms of cocoa powder, but nevertheless, it continues to remain one of the most popular delicacies for many inhabitants of the Earth.

Product quality

There are two types of cocoa powder: natural and instant. In order to determine the quality of cocoa, useful properties and contraindications, you need to know how it was made.

Natural cocoa is made from pure cake without the addition of preservatives and dyes. The main quality criteria are:

• pronounced smell of chocolate;
• the absence of lumps and pieces in the powder;
• very fine grind.

You can check the quality of the product only by opening the package. The powder must be brown, and when rubbed between the fingers, stick to them, and not crumble like dust. The dry matter should not taste rancid, but only bitter and without foreign odors.

Not only because of its great taste, cocoa is so popular. Its composition is saturated with proteins, carbohydrates, aromatic substances and is rich in:

Cocoa powder also brings benefits due to the huge amount of minerals that make up its composition. It contains calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, chlorine, copper, sodium, sulfur, manganese, potassium, iron, fluorine, molybdenum.

Thanks to the unique composition, it becomes clear how cocoa is useful for the human body:

• Caffeine contributes to the natural excitation of the nervous system, and theobromine protects the brain and heart vessels from spasms.
• Endorphins, or the "hormone of happiness", improve the general condition of the body, increase efficiency and cheer up.
• Due to polyphenols, moderate consumption of the drink has a beneficial effect on blood pressure. Experts recommend that people suffering from hypertension should definitely include it in their diet.
• A high level of epicatechin reduces the risk of such terrible diseases of our time as stroke, cancer, diabetes and heart attack.

A cocoa powder drink is quite high in calories and can serve as one of the meals for people who want to lose weight, especially if they have a desire to eat something at night. Just remember that in this case it is impossible to add sugar, otherwise all efforts will go down the drain.

If you make a drink with milk, and instead of sugar add fructose to a cup, then, in addition to magnesium and iron, the amount of calcium will increase in it. Therefore, in order to improve memory and brain clarity, older people are advised to cook it in this way. In addition, it warms and invigorates well.

Benefits for women

At any age, a woman wants to look beautiful. There are many ways to maintain natural beauty and preserve youth for a long time. But at the same time, you can also get pleasure from the taste only thanks to this divine drink. Its daily use helps to smooth fine wrinkles, protects the skin from infrared radiation. Skin cells begin to function more intensively, helping it to remain elastic, soft and velvety for a long time.

The nicotinic acid contained in it has a beneficial effect on the hair.. It awakens the hair follicles, which leads to the strengthening and growth of curls. By the way, to use it to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, you need not only to eat, but also use it to prepare various masks.

Antioxidants and flavonoids promote the removal of harmful enzymes and protect cells from wilting and wear. Doctors recommend drinking cocoa for women suffering from pain during menstruation.

A cup of warm cocoa with milk calms the nerves and makes it easier to endure age-related changes.

Man's health

Men are more useful not for a drink, but for dark chocolate made from cocoa beans. Due to its unique composition, it reduces the possibility of suffering from a heart attack or stroke and supports the work of the heart and blood vessels in general. It is the blockage of blood vessels that leads to impotence and the inability to lead a healthy sex life.

Zinc comes to the rescue, which is very abundant in chocolate. It favors an increase in libido and enhances potency. And this chemical element also helps to increase testosterone, has a beneficial effect on sperm and increases the number of motile spermatozoa. All together is an excellent prevention in the treatment of male infertility.

Harm and contraindications

Despite its unique composition and great taste, "food of the gods" can harm the body. Cocoa belongs to the group of foods that cause allergies. For people suffering from various allergic diseases, it is at the top of the list of prohibited foods. Moreover, it is harmful for them to use it not only for food, but also to do various cosmetic procedures with it.

At risk are patients suffering from obesity, diarrhea, sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis.

You can harm the body by excessive passion for a drink made from beans, or products that contain them. This is due to their high caffeine content. This warning applies especially to expectant mothers and young children.

It is forbidden to use products from cocoa beans for heart diseases and people suffering from irritability and nervous disorders. The reason for this is also the high content of caffeine. It can provoke cardiac arrhythmia, frequent urination and insomnia.

Traditional medicine recipes

The widespread use of cocoa in medicine is due to its unique composition. A hot drink copes well with the treatment of colds, sore throats, flu, pneumonia. Cooked with milk, it is an excellent expectorant.

In addition to the powder in folk medicine, cocoa butter is often used. It is recommended to use:

• For sore throat and treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
• To prevent viral diseases, lubricate the nasal mucosa with oil.
• Candles made from oil and propolis are effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids. You can make them yourself by mixing 10 parts of oil with one part of propolis.

With severe hair loss, it is useful to make a mask of cocoa powder twice a week. To prepare it, you need to mix 100 g of warm milk, 2 tablespoons of cocoa and a teaspoon of cognac. The mixture is first applied to the roots, and then evenly distributed over the entire length of the hair. For a greater therapeutic effect, the head must first be covered with a plastic bag, and then wrapped with a terry towel. Wash off with warm water after 30-40 minutes.

For this miracle powder, there was also an application in cosmetology. It is added to various creams, scrubs and masks. You can prepare a mask that will help solve the problem of dry skin at home. To do this, combine 2 tablespoons of cocoa, 1 tablespoon of milk and a teaspoon of olive oil. Stir everything to make a paste-like mixture and apply on the face and neck for 20-30 minutes. After this time, the mask is first removed with a cotton pad, and then with warm water. After such a procedure, the skin stops peeling, becomes soft and velvety.

It should be remembered that even very healthy foods can become harmful if they are abused. Therefore, in order to enjoy the taste and not harm the body, it is enough to drink 2-3 cups of this divine drink per day.

cocoa powder and drinking from it evokes nostalgic memories of childhood for most of us. The product is a powdered paste made from the fruit of the cocoa tree, which is pre-dried and then ground.

The history of cocoa powder is very long and interesting. They say that he appeared in Europe thanks to the famous Christopher Columbus, who tried it with the Aztecs. The indigenous people of modern Mexico have grown cocoa trees since ancient times and fully used their fruits for cooking. The drink was especially favored, giving the soldiers energy, strength and vigor. In addition, they prepared a product that today can be considered the prototype of chocolate, so beloved by most of the population of the whole world. The word "chocolate" itself comes from the name of the very drink that impressed the famous traveler - "chocolatl".

Europeans quickly adopted ancient traditions and even began to create their own recipes for "chocolatl". Moreover, the Swiss, British and French were especially successful in this.

How do they do it?

How is cocoa powder made? Technology has not changed since the Aztecs. Unless they do it with the help of modern equipment. Although at home the fruits are still harvested by hand and produce a very high quality product:

• the procedure begins with the collection of ripe fruits, for which a very sharp knife is used (it is important to keep precious inflorescences and unripe fruits intact);
• the fruits are opened as soon as possible and the seeds are extracted, which are fermented;
• seeds are placed in baskets or boxes lined with banana leaves and burlap for up to 1 week;
• in the process, an increase in the temperature of the mass to 50 degrees is noted, due to which the death of the embryos occurs: the tart taste disappears, but an excellent chocolate aroma and unique taste appear;
• after that, the contents of the boxes are scattered on a flat surface under the sun and left to dry, and then polished (by the way, the tradition of polishing the fruits with their feet in the process of the so-called “cocoa dance” is still preserved);
• at the last stage, there is a thorough sorting from low-quality, defective seeds and all kinds of impurities; beans are ground in a conventional mill, oil is extracted from the powder, and the powder itself is used to make drinks, chocolate and other things.

Types of cocoa powder

As a result of these manipulations, several types of cocoa powder are obtained. They differ in the quality of processing and subsequent cleaning, as well as the area in which the beans are grown. In this sense, cocoa can be conditionally divided into industrial (technical product grown on fertilizers), organic (environmentally friendly, processed by industrial methods) and live (obtained by hand).

In stores today you can find such a variety of cocoa products that it is very easy to get confused. This is surprising, because one source substance is used to obtain cocoa, and the technologies differ slightly. It would be most correct to divide the product into two types:

• directly cocoa powder, which is brewed to produce a delicious drink;
• cocoa drink, prepared by the usual dilution of the product with boiling water or milk.

It should be understood that there is a completely natural product that contains a huge amount of nutrients and has excellent properties and benefits for the human body. But there is also a modern version, so in demand in the age of "fast food". Such drinks (instant) can only boast of taste and aromatic qualities. Raw materials for them are obtained by processing with alkaline compounds "alkali" (from the Arabic name), so today we have the "pleasure" to buy alkalized instant cocoa powder. You just don’t need to boil it: just pour it with water or milk, and it will dissolve even in a cold liquid. But to preserve the nutritional value, various synthetic additives are most often added to it.

How to choose?

Another question arises - How to choose high-quality natural cocoa powder? For this, experts give detailed recommendations:

Even if you are lucky enough to get real high-quality cocoa powder, you need to create optimal conditions for its storage. For this you will need a dry, dark place with good ventilation and no foreign odors. Temperature (15-20 degrees) and humidity (up to 75%) standards must also be observed. Under such conditions, storage in metal and original sealed packages is one year. If the packaging is different, then the time is reduced by 2 times.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of cocoa powder are very diverse, and every year new information appears. Let's start with the fact that it all depends on the chemical composition of the product, and it is really amazing:

• vegetable proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• fats;
• alimentary fiber;
• organic compounds;
• aromatic components;
• minerals;
• tanning and coloring compounds;
• caffeine;
• terbromin.

The presence of all these components determines the taste characteristics of cocoa powder and its effect on the human body. For example, the well-known caffeine has a strong effect on the activity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, stimulating them. Theobromine is great for the treatment of chronic cough, because it copes well with the suppression of the cough reflex. It is enough to drink a cup of hot drink to get relief. But the composition of cocoa powder also includes extremely useful vitamins and elements that expand the list of useful properties of the product at times:

• Saturated fatty acids deserve the gratitude of cosmetologists, because. have a beneficial effect on the skin and hair. Cocoa is actively used in home and salon procedures for external use.
• Antioxidants are components that prevent the aging process and the destruction of body cells. It is well known that one cup of cocoa contains 5 times more antioxidants than black tea and 2 times more than green or a glass of red wine. The iron that is part of cocoa is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, due to which a small piece of chocolate will only benefit.
• Zinc is an active element that manages to manifest itself in protein synthesis, the formation of enzymes, the normalization of cell function and the creation of nucleic acids. That is why during pregnancy you should not deny yourself a drink, naturally, in moderate doses.
• Melanin is a protective filter against ultraviolet and infrared radiation. It protects against overheating and sunburn. Try to eat a couple of pieces of chocolate before going to the beach on a bright sunny day. A a daily cup of cocoa will save you from having to apply sunscreen every day(naturally, when taking long sunbathing, this method is not particularly effective).
• Phenylethylamine is a famous natural antidepressant that perfectly improves mood in the morning due to the activation of the production of the happy hormone “endorphin”. It provides an excellent opportunity to cheer up without additional doping, and no worse than traditional coffee.
• Folic acid is an essential compound during pregnancy.

To get involved in the product, even despite such a set of useful properties, is still not worth it. After all, cocoa powder has a high nutritional value - 300 kcal per 100 grams of the product. That's why it is better to limit your diet to one morning cup of drink especially for people who are watching their weight. The purchase of fat-free cocoa will not save the situation, because the composition contains a large amount of carbohydrates. And the removal of fats only indicates the processing of raw materials and the loss of their value. Such a calorie content of cocoa still contributes to rapid satiety. Remember how in kindergarten we were always given it for an afternoon snack to add energy to the "furnace" of a children's active organism.

Cocoa powder can cause allergic reactions, which led to the appearance of rumors that in our country only a low-quality, low-grade product can be consumed. In fact, the product contains a strong allergen chitin, because of which cocoa is excluded from the menu of pregnant women, as well as severe allergies.

The use of cocoa beans is not limited to their nutritional value. Useful properties of the product are successfully used in pharmaceutical and perfume industries.

Use in cooking

The use of cocoa in cooking is very popular, because it is characterized by unique taste characteristics. The powder goes well with many products, but basically, its sphere of "influence" extends to confectionery and baking. Also, the production of dairy products beloved by children, such as yoghurts, ice cream, chocolate milk and butter, is indispensable without it.

The taste of cocoa itself is very pleasant and unique. The product has a slight oily aftertaste (this depends on the degree of processing in the initial stages of pressing) and a chocolate aroma. It is used as a natural dye, giving a characteristic brown color (depending on the degree of saturation, it will vary from dark brown to beige). It is these indicators that determine its use in the manufacture:

• icing, creams for cakes;
• cookies, cakes, muffins;
• pies, pancakes;
• sweets;
• chocolate paste;
• drinks (hot chocolate, cocoa with milk), desserts;
• bar chocolate.

In Latin America, in the homeland of cocoa beans, the powder is actively added to meat sauce, combining it with chili sauce. The product goes well with sugar, vanillin, nuts and fruits., so the number of dishes can be very diverse.

The most common use of cocoa for making a delicious drink and chocolate.

How to make cocoa from cocoa powder?

There are several ways to make cocoa from powder, but the traditional version with milk is the most popular. This is how the taste is the softest.

To prepare one cup, you need 2 tablespoons of the product, a glass of milk and sugar to taste. Mix all the ingredients, grind the lumps that have appeared and beat with a whisk, cook over low heat, preferably without boiling.

A daily portion will perfectly replenish energy reserves, and when working with mental activity, cocoa is almost indispensable, because it is a real storehouse of vitamins. If you care about the figure, just refuse to add sugar.

Another delicacy that has been made from cocoa since ancient times is chocolate. Today, sweet bars are available to almost everyone, but even 300 years ago, chocolate was considered exclusively the “food of the gods” and the privilege of the highest nobility.

Chocolate is prepared from derivatives of cocoa beans - powder and butter. It is they that give the delicacy a unique taste and aroma (by the way, white chocolate is the same product created without the addition of brown powder). The more cocoa, the darker the sweetness. And the benefits of a high content of cocoa products are much greater. That's why bitter dark chocolate (from 60%) is considered the most useful. In addition, its fat content is much less, due to which the calorie content is reduced. But all this is just as long as you buy a quality product, because today so often precious cocoa components are replaced with vegetable analogues - palm and coconut oil, strong carcinogens and trans fats. If you find a product prepared in accordance with GOST, consider that you are incredibly lucky, because most often manufacturers prefer to adhere to TU standards and keep silent about substitution.

Benefits of cocoa powder and treatment

The health benefits of cocoa powder have long been proven. Even the Aztec tribes skillfully used the product to improve their physical condition. For example, it has been noticed that a cup of hot drink becomes a real elixir during a cold: the vitamin-rich composition of the product helps to restore strength. In addition, they can easily replace all fashionable energy drinks, which in passing cause great harm to the body.

How can cocoa powder be useful for your health? The list of properties of the most delicious medicine is very wide:

Cocoa powder is included in the composition of various dietary supplements as an extremely active ingredient. At home, you can use the product for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Severe cough, chronic bronchitis. Mix 100 g of butter and goat fat (it can be replaced with pork or goose) and send to drown in a water bath, add 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe juice, lemon and 50 grams of cocoa powder. Mix everything well, cool and take a spoonful 2 times a day before meals. You can drink the medicine with milk.

stomach ulcer. Mix in equal proportions cocoa, butter, honey and add chicken yolk to the mass. For two weeks, consume 1 tablespoon every 3 hours (there should be at least 5 servings per day). After 2 weeks, the course of treatment can be repeated if necessary.

Haemorrhoids. All inflammatory and painful sensations in the rectum are treated with the introduction of self-prepared suppositories into it. To do this, you just need to mix 2 grams of cocoa and 0.2 g of natural propolis and inject the suspension at night for a month. The course can be repeated periodically.

Application in cosmetology

The use of cocoa in cosmetology brings not only great benefits to our appearance, but also incredible pleasure during procedures, thanks to its delicious aroma. Products based on this product have a wide spectrum of action, contributing to the preservation and restoration of our natural beauty. A "comprehensive" approach with external use and eating will give just great results.

• anti-cellulite wraps;
• anti-aging face masks;
• tan enhancer when added to sunscreens;
• healing balms and ointments for the body;
• strengthening nails;
• massage;
• delicate scrubs for body and face;
• moisturizing and nourishing hair masks;
• whitening procedures, removal of age spots;
• production of soaps and shampoos for care.

There is even an entire industry based on cocoa therapy, offering chocolate massages, baths and wraps, after which the skin becomes incredibly soft and supple.

The advantage of the product is that it is suitable for all skin types, its action is very multifaceted due to the rich set of active substances in its composition. But can cause allergic reactions due to individual intolerance, which, by the way, is not uncommon.

Harm of cocoa powder and contraindications

The harmful effect of cocoa on the human body still exists, which is very sad in the presence of so many useful properties. Due to the fact that a low-quality product is a strong allergen, experts prefer to prevent trouble in advance and introduce some restrictions on its use. These include:

• gout and kidney problems, which can be exacerbated by the action of purine;
• children under 3 years old, so as not to overexcite their nervous system;
• chronic constipation;
• diabetes;
• atherosclerosis;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding period.

Allergy is caused by the substance chitin, which gets into the powder during processing, provided that it is carried out in unsanitary conditions, as well as due to the residues of chemicals that clean the raw materials. Cocoa itself of natural origin does not contain a single "compromising" substance in its composition.

Cocoa powder, which is most available in our latitudes in this form, is obtained from the fruits of the Theobroma cacao tree, which means “food of the gods”. Indeed, cocoa is a product with a unique, inimitable composition.

Let's try to understand how cocoa is useful for a person. It is known that the indigenous tribes of the Indians who eat it are distinguished by longevity, and are also not susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. But this is not the whole list of its good properties.

Useful properties of cocoa powder

Cocoa is able to improve mood and is a good preventive and therapeutic tool to combat depression. This is due to the fact that chocolate tree beans contain two special substances: anandamide and tryptophan. They cause an increased production of the hormones endorphin and serotonin, causing a feeling of euphoria and satisfaction.

Theobromine found in cocoa is the closest relative of the well-known caffeine. Therefore, traditional coffee in the morning can be safely replaced with a cup of hot cocoa, the effect will be the same.

What is useful cocoa for women?

This product, thanks to flavonoids and natural antioxidants, helps the body fight free radicals that cause pathological health conditions and cause the body to wear out and age faster. After all, it is important for women to stay young and blooming as long as possible. Also, a cocoa drink with its regular use has a good effect on the menstrual cycle, relieves the symptoms of PMS, which means it will be useful for women and girls with such problems.

For dieters, this delicious drink will be a real lifesaver. Its calorie content is low, but it will provide cheerfulness and good mood. The only “but”: do not use sugar, in extreme cases, cocoa can be sweetened.

What is useful cocoa with milk?

Answering this question, it is worth noting that cocoa has a fairly high level of magnesium and iron, and milk adds calories to the drink and is also rich in calcium. Therefore, for breakfast of an active, health-conscious adult, and even more so a child, cocoa with milk will be the perfect combination, and it is also incredibly tasty.

Recent studies have shown how a cocoa drink is good for older people. It turns out that it regulates the level of blood pressure, and also has a good effect on blood circulation in the brain, helping to maintain mental clarity for a long time.

Unfortunately, almost all of these beneficial properties are lost when made from cocoa beans. However, this does not apply to the bitter varieties of this delicacy.

The cocoa tree is one of the most cultivated trees in the world. Therefore, by now, the health benefits and harms of cocoa, mainly in the form of powder, have been studied in detail by scientists.

Compound

The calorie content of sugar-free cocoa powder per 1 tablespoon (approximately 5 grams) is 12 kcal.

This product contains:

• 1.7 grams of vegetable fiber (this is about 7% of the daily requirement);
• 10% of the daily dose of manganese and copper;
• 7% magnesium;
• 4% phosphorus and iron.

It may seem that the chemical composition of cocoa does not include anything particularly important. This is wrong.

The beneficial properties of cocoa are determined not by the main nutritional compounds, but by those components that are present in it in small quantities, but have significant biological activity. Mostly it is antioxidants.

Raw cocoa powder contains over 300 biologically active compounds. The activity of its antioxidants is at least 4 times higher than that of the highest quality dark bitter chocolate. And 20 times more than blueberries. The antioxidant properties of cocoa are greater than those of green or black tea, as well as red wine.

And since the destruction of free radicals is necessary for the prevention of almost all serious ailments, it can be said with confidence that the natural one without sugar is a truly healing food product.

Beneficial features

The medicinal properties of cocoa are mainly associated with the presence in its composition:

• flavanols, which eliminate free radicals, increase the production of nitric oxide (NO) and slow down the absorption of carbohydrates;
• epicatechine and catechin, which cross the blood-brain barrier and protect the brain from oxidative stress, enhancing cognitive function (a special benefit of cocoa for the elderly is associated with a similar effect).

The table summarizes the main medicinal properties of the product.

Normalization of blood pressure.	Prevention of blood clots.
Protection against neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing memory and cognitive functions.	Improving mood, fighting mental fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Strengthening intestinal motility, fighting constipation.	Normalization of blood lipid profile, reducing the risk of cardiovascular accidents.
Prevention of oncological diseases.	Fighting insulin resistance.
Preservation of youthfulness of the skin (maintaining a high level of hydration, elasticity), UV protection.	Strengthening of tooth enamel.
Normalization of the heart rhythm.	Improvement of blood microcirculation.

How does it work for weight loss?

Exceptionally positive.

Cocoa for weight loss is useful because:

• reduces the rate of formation of body fat, especially visceral fat in the abdomen;
• slows down the absorption of fats that enter the body with food;
• fights insulin resistance;
• reduces the level of chronic sluggish inflammation;
• prolongs the feeling of satiety;
• energizes.

When reading about the benefits of cocoa for weight loss, you need to understand that we are talking only about natural powder without sugar, milk, etc. Crushed cocoa beans (nibs, or feathers) are even more useful. But in highly processed soluble cocoa powder, there is no benefit. And if this instant powder is also supplemented with sugar, then it only harms the body. It promotes weight gain and does nothing to help you lose weight.

How to use correctly?

Is it allowed to drink during pregnancy?

Yes, natural cocoa during pregnancy is allowed and even indicated. Since it has a lot of useful properties that are important for women who are carrying a child.

However, the product should not be abused, as it is a rather strong allergen. And during pregnancy, an allergy can develop even to those foods for which it was not there before.

Is it possible to cocoa while breastfeeding?

And again, this product is quite often allergic. Therefore, a nursing mother should introduce it into her diet with caution, observing the reaction of the baby.

If the child tolerates cocoa normally, it can be consumed on an ongoing basis during lactation. But it shouldn't be abused.

Can hypertensive patients drink?

Many people cannot understand in any way whether cocoa raises or lowers blood pressure.

The correct answer is that it is included in .

Of course, a cup of chocolate drink does not have a really strong hypotensive effect. Therefore, hypotensive patients have absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Just due to the fact that this type of bean contains a lot of flavonoids, they increase the production of NO, which is necessary for the expansion of blood vessels, and which is always lacking in the body of those who suffer from hypertension.

But what about the caffeine product?

The amount of this compound in cocoa is small. One tablespoon of the powder contains 12 mg of caffeine. On the day of an adult, even prone to hypertension, you can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine. That is over 33 tablespoons of powder, which is obviously just not possible.

Is it wise to drink at night?

Yes. As just mentioned, the amounts of caffeine in cocoa powder are negligible. And they can not lead to increased arousal and insomnia.

The exception is people who have an individual hypersensitivity to caffeine. Here they are not recommended to drink this drink at night.

Is it allowed to use with gastritis and pancreatitis?

With chronic inflammation of the pancreas and / or stomach, the use of cocoa in moderation is allowed.

In the acute phases of these diseases, it is better to refuse the drink.

From what age to give the baby?

You can start giving cocoa to a child no earlier than a year. Since the product is allergenic, it is necessary to introduce a little bit into the diet, adding the powder to milk.

And it is very important to remember that only natural cocoa bean powder, which is bitter, has healing qualities. And the kids don't like it. But as soon as you add sugar to cocoa, it turns from a healthy product into a harmful one.

And no enrichment with vitamins and other advertising tricks of manufacturers of children's sweet instant drinks do not change the situation - there is no benefit in such a product. Therefore, there is no need to strive to introduce it into the baby's diet.

Contraindications

The main contraindication for the use of cocoa is an allergy to it and individual intolerance. Otherwise, this product is safe when used in adequate amounts.

Memo-caution

Only natural cocoa powder or crushed grains (nibs) have useful properties.

All instant powders, and even sugar, do not carry any benefit. Like all other sweet products of deep industrial processing, they cause harm to the body. So cocoa in the form of nibs is good for weight loss and can act as a healthy snack on a weight loss diet.

But a cup of sugary drink made with instant powder leads to weight gain and other health problems.

What is healthier than coffee or cocoa?

As is usually the case with these kinds of questions, there is no single answer to them. Better for whom? In what situation?

Coffee is more stimulating, exciting. Cocoa is more relaxing. It can only excite people who are hypersensitive to caffeine, for whom coffee is contraindicated.

Both products have a large amount of antioxidants that have a positive effect on health, including the process of losing weight.

And both drinks are useful only when they are consumed in their natural bitter form, without sugar and the use of instant powders.

If someone wants to compare the calorie content of cocoa and coffee, then it is again difficult to do this. First of all, because it is impossible to estimate the calorie content of your portion of the drink in absentia. How much sugar did you put in it, how much milk did you pour in, etc.?

If we compare the number of calories in a cup of cocoa and coffee brewed from a natural product, then it is approximately the same and negligible.

What is alkalized cocoa powder?

The color of the natural product is light reddish brown. To make the powder darker (chocolate) it is treated with a potassium carbonate solution which slightly raises its pH, causing it to become more brown.

Such cocoa is called alkalized, or Dutch. It is commonly used in baked goods and other chocolate desserts, which are darker and therefore more appetizing, according to many people.

Sometimes the powder is alkalized even more. And it turns completely black.

It is with this fragrant drink that those who do not like coffee begin the morning. Everyone can name the benefits of cocoa, in contrast to its harm. It "treats" depression and gives a positive charge for the whole day. It is believed that it has almost no caffeine, so cocoa is absolutely safe. Is this true, and does it really have only one healing property?

The mission of cocoa is pleasure and good health!

To get 1 kg of grated cocoa, you need 1200 beans! They grow on chocolate trees. Seeds are fermented, dried, roasted, ground. And cocoa begins its journey to the store shelves.

The medicinal properties of an instant drink should not be considered. Thanks to dyes and flavor enhancers, it only imitates natural cocoa liquor, the health benefits and harms of which are due to the unique combination of natural ingredients.

It contains a treasure trove of minerals. The most valuable of these substances are selenium, zinc, iron and calcium, sodium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Cocoa can be called a multivitamin. It has K, PP and an almost complete set of B-vitamins.

Benefits of cocoa for human health:

• Invigorates, raises vitality (due to caffeine), but does not cause dependence.
• Promotes the production of endorphins - substances that positively affect overall well-being, emotional state, increase efficiency, improve intellectual capabilities.
• It has antioxidant abilities, neutralizes free radicals and removes them from the body. According to some scientists, cocoa even surpasses green tea, apples and red wine in such properties. By drinking this drink, a person can protect himself from oncology.
• Promotes the production of melanin, therefore it is a preventive measure for skin cancer.
• Lowers blood pressure and improves cerebral circulation, increases the strength and elasticity of blood vessels.
• Reduces the risk of blood clots by 70%.
• Reduces the risk of heart disease by 50% (due to the presence of magnesium).
• Normalizes metabolic processes, suppresses the cough reflex.
• Improves the condition of patients with cirrhosis and liver fibrosis.
• Accelerates recovery after illness.
• Soothes muscle pain after intense workouts and physical exertion.
• Participates in cell regeneration, has a rejuvenating effect.
• For women, cocoa relieves premenstrual tension and helps preserve beauty, as it is part of many cosmetic products and hair care products.
• Cocoa protects men from the development of diseases of the genital organs (as it contains zinc), and it also stimulates the production of testosterone, increases potency.

A couple of cups is good, more is bad. How to drink cocoa and who better not to do it?

Cocoa beans contain up to 300 different components. It is clear that they act differently on the body, so both benefit and harm are possible from cocoa. No matter what they say, but it contains 0.2% caffeine. Scientists are still arguing about the properties of this substance, putting forward arguments for and against. But since its safety has not been proven, it is better to exclude such a product from the menu of children under 3 years old.

Negative qualities of chocolate drink:

• Stimulates the formation of gastric juice. This does not harm those who have low acidity, but with increased acidity, as well as with a cocoa ulcer, it is extremely dangerous.
• It worsens the condition in kidney diseases, gout and other pathologies associated with impaired uric acid metabolism (purines are to blame for everything).
• May cause allergies. This usually happens when using a low-quality product containing chemical additives and chitin (it turns out to be in powder due to insects that live inside the beans).
• It has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, can cause insomnia. In this regard, it is recommended to drink cocoa in the morning (it is better to do this at breakfast).
• Strengthens the stool, so it is not recommended for constipation.

Important! Although cocoa improves mood, it is contraindicated for expectant mothers, as it prevents the absorption of calcium in the body of a pregnant woman and a baby, contains caffeine, which increases the tone of the uterus, and is an allergenic product.

If the benefits of cocoa are related to the composition, then its harm is most often related to growing conditions. The trees from which such fruits are harvested are generously treated with pesticides. And at the enterprises where the beans are brought, they are subjected to radiation exposure in order to destroy pests. Although manufacturers insist that cocoa powder is thoroughly refined, it is still impossible to completely eliminate the harm from chemicals and radiation exposure.

What is the use of cocoa for those who decide to part with those extra pounds? Thanks to polyphenols, it dulls hunger for a long time. It has very little fat: 100 g of powder contains only 15 g. And there are even fewer carbohydrates, which are so afraid of losing weight.

The main part of the composition of cocoa falls on protein and dietary fiber. All this indicates a great dietary potential of the product. There is even a diet that allows you to use fat-free cocoa powder (below 12%), but not more than 1 tsp. per day.

But still, cocoa is not very suitable for the role of a product for weight loss. It should not be included in the diet of overweight people, and those who want to stay in shape are advised to limit themselves to small portions. 100 g of powder contains 290 kcal.

Although it takes 2 teaspoons to prepare a cup of drink - this is 48 Kcal, additional ingredients significantly affect this indicator. Milk or cream will raise it to 168 kcal. When adding 2 tsp. sugar energy value will increase to 200 kcal.