How many cups of cocoa can you drink. What is alkalized cocoa powder? Improvement of the heart and blood vessels

Did you know that the Amazon forests are considered the birthplace of cocoa. Cocoa fruits grow on the chocolate tree and are widely used in Food Industry and medicine. The main ingredient in chocolate is cocoa.

From the language of the ancient Greeks, this word is translated as "food of the gods." Cocoa beans in the old days were valued along with gold. At first, grain was presented as a gift only to kings.

For a long time hot chocolate remained the prerogative of the nobility. Residents of the European continent tried for the first time amazing taste these grains in the 15th century. And the technology by which powder and oil were extracted from beans was invented by the Dutchman Konrad van Hoyten.

Even 200 years ago, hot chocolate was a sign of wealth and luxury, only respectable people could afford a cup. fragrant drink.

Where do you think the tradition came from, when serving hot drinks, to put a cup on a saucer? Today we consider it a sign good manners, and in the 18th century, thus, they paid tribute to thrift. Since chocolate was very expensive, they drank it, substituting a saucer under the cup, thereby saving every drop of the precious liquid.

For 1 kilogram grated cocoa you will need 40 fruits (or about 1200 beans).

The largest importer of cocoa among all countries is the Netherlands. The population of this republic consumes more than 18% of the world crop.

The process of making cocoa powder is simple: take the beans and press them using the hot method, thus making cocoa butter. Then they take fat-free cake, grind and get a powder, which is used to make a healthy and tasty drink.

For the production of chocolate, cocoa butter, vanilla, sugar and other ingredients are added to the powder.

Useful properties of cocoa

Beans contain theobromine, which is similar in composition to caffeine. Theobromine is able to lead to an excited state nervous system, expand the bronchi and coronary vessels.

Legumes contain many useful substances, such as: proteins, carbons, minerals, tannins and aromatic components.

Does cocoa have good property- the ability to produce endorphins (they increase mood, improve general well-being, improve performance and have a beneficial effect on mental activity).

The product also contains polyphenols that reduce arterial pressure. For this reason, this drink should be included in your diet for hypertensive patients.

Epicaketine, which is part of cocoa beans, is an excellent prophylactic against strokes and heart attacks, as well as against the occurrence of oncological neoplasms.

Known fact: the indigenous people of America - the Indians are considered long-livers, and the reason for this is rather banal: regular use eating cocoa.

This healing drink is a good remedy from depression.

Women who have problems with menstrual cycles are shown to use cocoa. This helps to cope with adverse symptoms.

This drink is a real salvation for those who are on a diet. It has a low calorie content, the only thing in this case sugar cannot be used. If necessary, you can add fructose in a small amount.

Cocoa has a lot of magnesium and iron, and if milk is added to the drink, it will also be enriched with calcium.

Scientists managed to prove that cocoa is very useful for the elderly. It not only regulates pressure, but also provides positive influence on blood circulation in the brain, and this, in turn, helps to keep the mind clear for a long time, and the memory solid.

Cocoa has another useful quality: it is able to heal wounds faster and protect the skin from harmful effects ultraviolet rays.

Nutritional value and calories

The nutritional value product is very high, since it contains ingredients that together are able to satisfy our physiological needs for all the necessary substances and energy.

100 grams of cocoa contains 289 kcal. Of them:

• proteins - 24.3 grams;
• fats - 15 grams;
• carbohydrates - 10 grams;
• dietary fiber - 35.5 grams;
• organic acids - 4.0 grams;
• water 5 grams;
• monosaccharides - 2 grams;
• starch - 8.2 grams;
• ash - 6.3 grams;
• fatty acid(saturated) - 9 grams.

Vitamin complex: PP, A, Beta-carotene, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, E, as well as micro and macro elements.

The calorie content of the product percentage is 14 - 15% of the total daily allowance consumption. Of them:

• 34% (97.2 kcal) - proteins;
• 47% (135kcal) - fats;
• 14% (40.8 kcal) - carbohydrates.

Harm and contraindications

Cocoa, in addition to benefits, can harm human health. And this is explained by the presence of caffeine in its composition (about 0.2%). This indicator must be considered before giving a drink to young children or pregnant women.

There is a lot of different information about caffeine, including conflicting ones. Therefore, cocoa should be treated very carefully by those people who have contraindications to the use of caffeine.

It is worth knowing the fact that cocoa beans grow in those countries where the sanitary situation wants to be at a higher level. And this affects the fruits of cocoa. Cockroaches like to settle in them, which are very difficult to get rid of.

Do not forget that the plantations where the trees grow are treated with pesticides in large quantities.

Be aware that this crop is subjected to chemical treatments much more intensively than any other fruit plantings.

In industry, beans are also treated against pests by the radiological method. As you understand, this cannot but have a negative impact on our health.

All manufacturers, of course, unanimously repeat that it is their products that undergo thorough and at the same time gentle processing. But, unfortunately, it is not always possible to verify the veracity of their statements that cocoa powder is prepared in compliance with all necessary safety standards.

There are a number of people who do not want to consume cocoa:

• these are children who have not reached the age of 3;
• people who have been diagnosed with diseases such as atherosclerosis;
• in the presence of various ailments of the nervous system;
• due to the presence of purine compounds in the product, it should not be included in your diet for people with and with. Oversaturation of the body with purines will lead to the accumulation of uric acid and excessive deposition of salts in the bones;
• cocoa should never be drunk hyperacidity stomach, as it contributes to the production of gastric secretions in excess,
• people suffering from constipation should also limit the use of this drink;
• the stimulating effect of the product may adversely affect those who have various heart diseases;
• Allergy sufferers should also be very careful with cocoa.

Methods of application in traditional medicine

The medical aspect of the use of cocoa in traditional medicine quite varied. This product With great success used to treat colds.

Cocoa is considered great antitussive and expectorant. It is also good at liquefying mucus.

Proven effective use of cocoa butter with bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis and influenza. health drink prepare as follows: take cocoa butter and dilute it with hot milk.

This product is also lubricated with a sore throat. During epidemics viral diseases doctors strongly recommend preventive purposes lubricate the nasal mucosa with this oil.

In addition, cocoa will help solve problems associated with poor bowel function. It is taken when it is necessary to remove cholesterol from the blood. With gastric ailments, cholecystitis.

you can use candles made from cocoa butter and propolis(proportion 10:1). To prepare hemorrhoidal suppositories, you need to mix the ingredients and form small candles from the resulting mass. Let them harden well and then insert into the anus in medicinal purposes over the course of one month.

Cocoa butter is good with hemorrhoids.

Can be cured with cocoa, butter, honey and chicken yolks. To prepare the medicine, all components must be taken in equal proportions. We mix the components and take 2 weeks 1 each dessert spoon 6 - 7 times a day.

Remedy for tuberculosis: we take aloe juice (the plant must be older than 3 years) - 15 ml, 100 grams butter and 100 grams of cocoa powder, mix everything and add it all to a glass warm milk. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Remember, only beans can benefit. High Quality if they are grown without pesticides and other harmful impurities. Be aware that low-quality raw materials are brought from China.

A quality product is a natural powder. IN instant product many colors and flavors.

We also invite you to watch a video on the topic of the article:

Expectant mothers so want to sometimes (or often) treat themselves to some yummy. But the question immediately arises: “Can I do it now?”. So it is with a delicious drink of childhood - cocoa. If a woman loved this drink to an interesting position, now doubts arise beyond her will. So, let's try to figure out the benefits and harms of cocoa in general and during pregnancy.

Why is cocoa useful during pregnancy?

Cocoa is a tree from the tropical zones of America. Nowadays, it is cultivated all over the world in order to obtain seeds that have found their application in cooking and medicine. Cocoa is a part of medicines, cosmetics, dietary supplements.

Science has proven that this product has more nutrients than green tea or green tea. The first beneficial properties of cocoa were noticed by the ancient Indians. They used it to fight diseases. Cocoa beans contain a lot of antioxidants, which made cocoa a preventive measure against many diseases, including human aging. The beans of this tree are useful for the brain, as a stimulant of creative activity, which is often used by people in creative professions. A piece of chocolate in the morning - and the brains are charged with creativity, and the body is saturated with joy, because the product contains the hormone of joy endorphin. Cocoa also lowers the amount of cholesterol. It contains many vitamins and minerals (zinc, iron), it has antibacterial properties. Doctors advise drinking cocoa as a prophylactic for the development of malignant neoplasms.

Cocoa also contains the antidepressant phenylephylamine. That is why after drinking a portion of the drink, the soul becomes warmer.

As for pregnancy, cocoa also contains folic acid, needed by expectant mothers, and protein, necessary for the formation of the child's body.

A cup of this drink is invigorating. It can slightly increase blood pressure, which is usually low in pregnant women. The drink helps maintain skin elasticity, which is especially important before childbirth to prevent perineal tears.

Can you drink cocoa during pregnancy?

Many expectant mothers consumed cocoa before pregnancy and continue to do so with the birth of a new life in their womb. Doctors cannot give a definite answer to the question of whether it is possible to drink cocoa during pregnancy. Of course you can, if in moderation. After all, restrictions normal diet or a categorical ban on products that a woman loved before will not bring any benefit. Measure and only measure! And a lot depends on individual tolerance.

Contraindications for use and risks

The main reason why doctors are wary of the use of cocoa by pregnant women is allergies. cocoa is strong allergen. Given that pregnancy increases the sensitivity of the body to certain foods and substances, there may be an allergic reaction to cocoa. And this drink is able to wash out of the body. The use of caffeine in the composition of coffee, chocolate, cocoa by expectant mothers can constrict the vessels of the uterus and thus lead to a decrease in fetal nutrition, lack of oxygen. Caffeine also improves the tone of the uterus. And these are the risks of miscarriage.

This drink is also contraindicated for high blood pressure in pregnant women. Cocoa interferes with the absorption of calcium in the body future mother in the right amount. In such cases, the fetus draws calcium from the mother's body, which for her is fraught with a deterioration in the condition of her teeth and bones. That's why to this useful product during pregnancy should be treated with caution.

So, to drink or not to drink cocoa? So you can not put the question to a pregnant woman. If you really want to, then a cup of drink or half a cup a day will not lead to all the risks mentioned at once. Don't drink too much cocoa and listen to your body. And then everything will be fine!

Especially for Elena TOLOCHIK

06.07.17

Cocoa powder is obtained from the finely ground pomace of the chocolate tree beans after the oil has been extracted from them. It serves as the basis for the preparation of a fragrant chocolate drink.

The Maya was considered a sacred drink by the Indians. It was drunk during important rituals. For example, when you get married. scientific name beans - Theobroma, which means "food of the gods" in Greek.

Is there any benefit in eating cocoa, what is useful for different categories of people? Let's discuss in our article!

How to choose a good product and check its quality

In stores you can find cocoa of two types:

• powder to be boiled;
• dry mix for quick preparation.

Natural powder is healthier. It does not contain sugar or preservatives.

When choosing, evaluate the fat content(on the package): it must be at least 15% in the product , best before date.

The rest of the quality criteria can be assessed already from the purchased product. These include:

• The smell of chocolate. It should be strong and clean, without foreign inclusions.
• There should be no lumps. Their presence indicates improper storage.
• Grinding He is supposed to be very small. To assess the quality, you can rub the powder between your fingers. good cocoa should stick to the skin, and not crumble into dust.
• The color can only be brown.

Before cooking, it is advisable to taste a little of the product. A rancid or other unpleasant aftertaste indicates unsuitability for food.

REFERENCE! After preparing the drink, the suspension in the liquid should not settle before two minutes.

Composition and calories

IN chemical composition product - more than 300 organic substances.

The most significant among them:

• theobromine, sensational happiness and euphoria, but without addiction.

  INTERESTING! Theobromine is added to a new generation of toothpastes, as it prevents the destruction of enamel and the development of caries.

• Theophylline, relaxing smooth muscles, normalizing respiratory function.
• Phenylethylamine relating to antidepressants.
• Caffeine, mentally stimulating and physical activity. It belongs to psychostimulants, but the powder is contained in an amount not exceeding 2%.
• purine bases, involved in the synthesis of essential amino acids.
• Polyphenols acting as antioxidants.

Calorie content is about 300 kcal / 100 g of product.

Nutritional value and glycemic index

Sugar-free cocoa powder is a product with a low glycemic index, equal to 20. This makes it suitable for the diet of patients and obese.

Useful properties of the drink on water and milk

The product renders restorative action on the body. It invigorates, uplifts, stimulates mental activity without exhausting the nervous system.

Fragrant hot drink useful to drink in the cold season because it has a warming effect.

The product is capable of:

• stimulate the work of the lungs;
• activate the synthesis of hemoglobin due to the content;
• prevent caries;
• neutralize the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation due to the natural melanin pigment included in the composition;
• prevent the development of cancer;
• normalize blood pressure;

It has antioxidant properties, surpassing and.

Cocoa boiled in water tastes like dark chocolate. It is recommended to drink it to people:

• prone to diarrhea
• hypotensive patients;
• allergic to lactose.

French nutritionist Madeleine Gesta recommends drinking a drink made with skimmed milk with the addition of honey. It maintains strength even during strict diets due to a balanced combination of trace elements and vitamins contained in the ingredients of the drink.

cocoa on regular milk with or without added sugar is useful for people engaged in mental work. It satisfies hunger without burdening the stomach, stimulating the brain.

Effect on the body

The product is a source of endorphins, hormones of happiness. It acts gently, does not cause addiction and mood swings.

What is useful for adult men and women

In adults, with moderate constant use, it strengthens capillaries due to its flavonoids. Promotes healing of wounds, rejuvenation of the skin of the face and body.

It is useful for men to maintain reproductive function in good shape. and contained in the drink encourage the body to actively produce the male hormone - testosterone, improve the quality of the seminal fluid.

For women, cocoa is especially useful for hormonal disruptions. It balances emotional condition softens premenstrual syndrome.

Pregnant and lactating

Women in expectation of a child, doctors do not recommend the use of cocoa in any form., as it makes it difficult for the body to absorb the trace element calcium. But with severe toxicosis in the first trimester, drinking a drink in small quantities is allowed - twice a day, 50-100 ml. It relieves nausea, causes a surge of strength, preventing exhaustion.

During lactation, the product must be decisively abandoned. in order to avoid sleepless nights and violations of calcium metabolism in the baby.

Is it harmful for children

Children can drink cocoa from the age of three. It is better to teach the child to natural product With the minimum amount Sahara. It is necessary to introduce the drink into the diet carefully, in small portions because it can cause allergies.

Especially useful delicious drink children after illness, during examinations to improve the general tone and mood.

For the elderly

With the onset of age-related changes in the human body, restructuring begins, which is accompanied by an emotional decline, despondency and depression.

Cocoa may support the elderly:

• activating the blood supply to the brain;
• improving memory;
• preventing the development of atherosclerosis;
• increasing the strength of the walls of blood vessels and capillaries;
• gently pulling me out of depression.

Special categories

They note the benefits of the product for those who suffer bronchial asthma . It relieves bronchospasm, making the patient feel better.

Potential danger and contraindications

Cocoa is one of the products that can provoke allergic reactions . The main contraindication is individual intolerance.

The product must also not be used:

REFERENCE! Despite the tonic effect, cocoa helps to normalize blood pressure to all those suffering from its fluctuations. It is desirable for hypotensive patients to drink it on the basis of water, and for hypertensive patients - milk.

The main suppliers of cocoa beans for powder production are African countries, Where chocolate trees treated with pesticides and insecticides. All toxic substances are removed during the processing of beans at the stage of oil extraction.

But improper storage of raw materials before processing can do harm. Therefore, it is better to purchase the product in large supermarkets from manufacturers worthy of your trust.

Since cocoa has energy properties, it is better to drink it in the morning to get a boost of energy for the whole day. A drink on water is combined with cheese or boiled, and on milk - with honey. Elderly and debilitated people can drink cocoa with milk during the day or early evening.

It is useful for athletes to drink cocoa in milk without sugar in small portions., 20-30 ml with an interval of 15 minutes, starting an hour after training. You can prepare a drink in advance and pour it into a thermos.

Safe daily dose drink - two cups of 200-250 ml. To prepare one serving, take 2 tsp. product.

ATTENTION! It is advisable for hypertensive patients to limit themselves to one cup of aromatic drink in the morning. Patients with bronchial asthma - on the contrary, you can drink 3 cups per day.

In cooking

Used for cooking chocolate sauces, baking, icing, etc.

pancake sauce

Ingredients:

You will need

• - cocoa powder;
• - milk or cream;
• - sugar or honey;
• - vanillin;
• - cinnamon;
• - whipped cream;
• - liquor;
• - marshmallows;
• - grated chocolate.

Instruction

There are many recipes for making cocoa. You can cook diet on water or cook very high-calorie cocoa on fat milk. Children are treated to a dessert with whipped cream and marshmallows, while adults can treat themselves to a drink with the addition of. Choose the option that's right for you. Please note that do not drink cocoa immediately before bedtime - it is, and there is a chance that you simply will not be able to fall asleep.

Must try classic cocoa on milk. A properly brewed drink has nothing to do with the liquid that is poured into kindergarten from large pots. Prepare a small saucepan with a handle or a coffee pot. Pour 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into it, add 3 teaspoons of sugar. In a separate bowl, heat a glass with a fat content of at least 3.5%. If you like more calorie option you can use cream instead of milk. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of hot milk into cocoa and rub thoroughly so that no lumps remain. Add the rest of the milk, stir and bring the mixture to a boil.

After the milk boils, reduce the heat and cook the cocoa for no more than 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The finished drink should thicken slightly and become completely homogeneous. Pour cocoa into pre-warmed mugs and serve with shortbread cookies or homemade biscuits.

Children love cocoa with whipped cream. Pour the drink brewed according to the main recipe into a tall mug, without adding 2-3 centimeters to the edge. Squeeze whipped cream from a can on top, sprinkle with grated or ground nuts. The top of the dessert can be decorated with marshmallows - this is a type of marshmallow. Serve with a teaspoon and paper towel.

Adults should try at least delicious option with added alcohol. Prepare cocoa, pour it into a tall glass with a handle. Add a tablespoon of Cointreau or Baileys to each glass. Serve after dinner with dry biscuits and a straw.

Do you like milk and sugar? Boil cocoa in water and flavor it or go without sweetener at all. The piquancy of unsweetened cocoa will add grated dark chocolate added to ready drink. Instead of chocolate, you can try cinnamon - cocoa will get a new, very original taste. Well, for those who cannot consume lactose, it is worth preparing cocoa for soy milk. The product will turn out to be absolutely dietary. Such cocoa should be served for breakfast - it will charge you with energy for the whole day.

The birthplace of cocoa is modern Mexico. There, cocoa beans were grown by the Aztecs. From it they cooked excellent drink, which not only gave strength and energy, it made a person more cheerful and happier. This, as the ancient inhabitants of these lands believed, was the main benefit of cocoa. When America was discovered by Europeans, cocoa beans were brought to Europe. This product has gained incredible popularity in our country. And whether cocoa is good for health, you will learn from our article.

Useful properties of cocoa

When thinking about the benefits of cocoa, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is its strong anti-depressant properties. A cup of hot cocoa is really able to overcome despondency and sadness. The fact is that cocoa powder contains a special substance called phenylefils, which improves mood and fights depression.

Cocoa

Cocoa invigorates the body due to the theobromine contained in it. The drink activates the work respiratory system, has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular system and does not affect the nervous system. Therefore, drinking cocoa is shown to people who are forbidden from coffee or strong tea.

Useful substances of cocoa:

• Vitamin PP;
• B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin);
• Macronutrients (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur);
• Trace elements (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, cobalt).

Cocoa powder is also useful in order to prevent hypertension. A large number of protein in its composition and fatty acids, help regulate blood cholesterol levels.

The body is saturated with cocoa useful substances: zinc, iron, fiber and various vitamins.

Because of high content natural melanin, cocoa has become an excellent sunscreen. The drink neutralizes the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the body, provides cancer prevention.

The high amount of flavonoids in cocoa makes it a powerful antioxidant. These substances fight free radicals.

By speeding up the body's metabolism, cocoa helps fight overweight. The benefits of such a drink are much higher than its calorie content.

Cocoa is contraindicated:

1. Children under 2 years old;
2. People with congenital intolerance to the drink;
3. People with increased secretion of gastric juice;
4. With increased excitability of the cardiovascular and nervous systems;
5. With sleep disorders and insomnia;
6. People prone to migraines.

How much cocoa can you drink per day

cocoa is energy drink. It is best to consume it for breakfast. During the day, it will also give vigor. Is cocoa good for the night? Not recommended, because a cup of cocoa contains at least 5 mg of caffeine, which will prevent you from getting enough sleep. Thus, you should not drink more than two cups of a nutritious drink per day.

How to choose cocoa

When choosing cocoa powder, pay attention to the structure and flavor of the powder. If lumps have formed, this indicates a violation of the rules for storing the product or the expiration date.

The color of cocoa should be only brown.

The smell of the powder should resemble chocolate.

The mass fraction of fat in cocoa must exceed 15%.

If a drink that is not pleasant to taste is obtained from the purchased powder, do not use it in baking.

Recipes for healthy dishes with cocoa

Classic cocoa

Pour about 1 teaspoon of cocoa into a cup.

Add 2 teaspoons of sugar to it.

Mix everything with the addition of a small amount of water.

Mix the resulting mass with milk and bring to a boil.

cocoa flip

One egg yolk beat with 2 tablespoons of sugar until the mass is light.

Heat half a liter of milk.

Mix cocoa with 1 tablespoon of sugar, add a little milk. Pour well-mixed mixture into hot milk.

Bring the drink to a boil and remove from heat.

Yolk mass, previously mixed with a small amount milk, pour into a hot drink and beat with a whisk until foam appears.

Sprinkle the drink poured into mugs with grated chocolate.

mocha ice cream

In a saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of cocoa, the same amount instant coffee, 5 tablespoons of sugar, brandy to taste and 4 egg yolks.

Heat everything over low heat, stirring for about three minutes. Do not bring the mixture to a boil.

Beat 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt and sugar. It is important to add sugar gradually so that the foam does not fall.

The amount of sugar is determined according to the preferences in the sweetness of the dish.

Combine whipped proteins and coffee-chocolate mixture.

Whip 500 grams of cream, add protein mass, beat again and freeze.

You can decorate with grated chocolate.

Bon appetit!