Cocoa - varieties, benefits of products (butter, powder, cocoa beans), medical use, harm and contraindications, drink recipe. Photo of a chocolate tree and cocoa fruit. What are the vitamins and benefits of cocoa for humans?

Since childhood, everyone has been familiar with the drink made from cocoa powder, which is distinguished by its chocolate taste, richness and benefits for the body. The product is unique, obtained from beans, and can be used in various fields of application - from cosmetology to traditional medicine. Find out what the benefits and harms of chocolate drinking are, how to properly brew it to treat certain diseases.

What is cocoa powder

The cake and raw material obtained after processing the cocoa beans are cooled and crushed in a cake crusher. At the first stage, grinding occurs to a degree large pieces, on the second - to a degree of high dispersion with a particle size of about 16 nm. The mass has Brown color, contains valuable microelements: magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc. A tenth of the volume is occupied by flavonoids. It is rich in caffeine and theobromine - stimulants of the nervous system. The approximate fat content is 15%, but there is a product with reduced fat content – ​​6-8%.

History of appearance

Almost 500 years ago in 1519, Spanish army general Hernan Cortes landed on the coast of Mexico, which at that time was the land of the Aztecs. The Aztec leader Montezuma II arranged a gala reception in honor of the future destroyers of Aztec statehood, at which he treated the Spaniards to a whipped thick dessert of wonderful beans, mixed with various spices, vanilla and pepper. It was served in golden bowls. The Aztecs called the product "chocolatl" (literally - foamy water), the word "chocolate" owes its origin to this name.

Cortez appreciated the drink and when returning to his homeland in 1527, he took with him a supply of beans and a recipe for making “chocolatl.” Enterprising Spaniards immediately recognized the potential. Systematic deliveries of raw materials began from the new colonial possessions of Spain to North America. The preparations were carried out by Jesuit monks, who created on the basis original recipes. Initially, the drink was served chilled, but the Spaniards began heating it to improve solubility and achieved improved taste.

What are they made of?

It is made from chocolate tree bean cake, finely ground after extracting the cocoa butter. The botanical name of the genus of trees on which these beans grow is Theobroma. From Greek this name is translated as “food of the gods”. This name was obtained thanks to taste qualities and the great benefits of products made from plant beans. Today a lot is known about its unique properties.

Kinds

The manufacturing result depends on the area where the beans are grown, the purification of the original raw materials and the quality of processing. Depending on these parameters, the product is conventionally divided into living (processed entirely by hand), organic (processed using industrial methods, but environmentally friendly) and industrial (grown with fertilizers, technical grade). From the consumer's point of view, it is divided into two types:

1. The one that needs to be cooked.
2. A chocolate drink that simply needs to be diluted with water or milk for quick results. This option is popular in fast foods. The advantages are the speed of preparation, aroma and pronounced taste. Often contains artificial additives. The raw materials for preparation are treated with alkali alkalis, which ensures an ideal suspension. It cannot boast of preserving all useful elements and properties.

Chemical composition

Cocoa powder owes its extensive and regularly growing list of beneficial properties to its unique chemical composition. Often, after drinking a cup of thick drink, people notice an increase in vitality and the presence of a therapeutic effect against certain diseases (for example, cough). The described effectiveness is due to the complex effects of the following substances:

1. Theobromine: it can be used in medicine due to the ability of the substance to provide a clinically noticeable effect in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The component included in cocoa powder suppresses the cough reflex well, stimulates the heart muscle and ensures remineralization of tooth enamel.
2. Theophylline: a component classified as a bronchodilator that can reduce the contraction of bronchial smooth muscle, which causes a stimulating and vasodilating effect. Theophylline, which is included in the composition, can eliminate pain in the diaphragm and stabilize the respiratory center. Regular use of the component improves blood circulation in the vessels of the heart, brain and kidneys. With prolonged use, the bile ducts expand and pressure decreases.
3. Phenylethylamine: A natural neurotransmitter compound that promotes mood elevation, mental stimulation, and mental focus. This effect due to the ability of the cocoa powder component to increase the concentration of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
4. Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant. Stimulates the heart, dilates the blood vessels of the brain, kidneys (leads to a diuretic effect), skeletal muscles, reduces platelet aggregation. The most well-known property of caffeine is its ability to suppress drowsiness.
5. Purine bases: purine derivatives involved in energy transfer in the body and metabolism. Important Feature is that purines that enter the body are not converted into uric acid, that is, they do not increase the risk of gout.
6. Polyphenols: antioxidants that protect body cells from free radicals that destroy cell membranes and protein structures. Polyphenols reduce the level of fat in food, reduce the risk of duodenal and gastric ulcers, remove radionuclides, prolong skin elasticity, strengthen blood vessels and counteract the development of atherosclerosis.

Nutritional value and calorie content

Per 100 grams of cocoa powder there are 222.2 kcal, of which fat accounts for 129.6 calories. The glycemic index is 20 units, this is considered a low level, but in combination with sugar it increases to 60. Detailed nutritional value, BJU and calorie content of cocoa in the diet:

What are the benefits of the drink?

Like other products, the benefits and harms of cocoa coexist. The benefits of cocoa powder outweigh the harm in the following factors:

• reduces platelet aggregation – prevents thrombus formation;
• antioxidant properties - exceed those of orange juice or apples, green tea and wine;
• flavonoids – prevent deposits in blood vessels, damage to the walls, have a positive effect on metabolism;
• reduces mortality from cardiovascular diseases by 50%;
• improves blood supply to the brain, reduces blood pressure;
• promotes the normal functioning of the skin, preserves its youth;
• contains melanin, which protects the skin from ultraviolet and infrared radiation and helps avoid overheating;
• to fully provide the body with zinc and iron, you need to drink only two cups per week;
• restores muscles after sports activities or hard work;
• invigorates, lifts the mood;
• stimulates mental activity without exhaustion of the nervous system;
• stimulates lung function;
• activates hemoglobin synthesis due to folic acid;
• cocoa powder prevents tooth decay in children and adults;
• prevents the development of cancer;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• relieves diarrhea, hypotension, useful for lactose allergies;
• the option of skim milk with honey maintains strength on strict diets;
• satisfies hunger without burdening the stomach;
• source of endorphins, does not cause addiction and mood swings.

For the elderly

With age, there is an emotional decline, depression and despondency occur more often. The benefit of cocoa for older people is that it activates blood supply to the brain, improves memory, and prevents the development of atherosclerosis. The product increases the strength of blood vessels and capillaries, and gently relieves depression. After 50 years, it is useful to switch to a tasty drink to maintain creative activity and the health of the nervous system. The elderly are recommended to drink it with milk during the day or evening.

For athletes

For sports fans and professional athletes, cocoa powder is useful because it regenerates and restores muscle fibers and maintains body tone. It contains a lot of protein, it replenishes the supply of vitamins and minerals, and increases endurance. Bodybuilders value cocoa powder for its zinc, which helps produce male sex hormones responsible for gaining weight. muscle mass.

Cocoa powder also acts as an energy product and gives a boost of energy for the whole day. The water version goes well with cheese or boiled eggs, and the milk version goes well with cottage cheese sprinkled with honey. It is advisable to drink the mixture with milk without sugar - in small portions of 20-30 ml every 15 minutes, an hour after training. Caffeine and theobromine stimulate the body, increase cardiac activity and eliminate fluid from the body.

For children and adults

For healthy adults, cocoa powder is beneficial because it strengthens capillaries due to the flavonoids it contains. The drink heals wounds, rejuvenates the skin of the face and body. Men need it to maintain reproductive function - zinc and magnesium actively produce the male hormone testosterone and improve the quality of seminal fluid. For women, the product is useful for hormonal imbalances; it normalizes the emotional state and alleviates premenstrual syndrome.

The product is contraindicated for pregnant women because it slows down the absorption of calcium. If a woman suffers from severe toxicosis in the first trimester, you can drink 50-100 ml of the drink twice a day. This will relieve nausea, cause a surge of strength, and prevent the body from becoming exhausted. During lactation, it is better to refuse the drink, because the baby will have insomnia, and the fetus will have a disruption in calcium metabolism. It is useful for children from the age of three, it is allergic, so it is better to administer it in small portions.

For diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to drink a drink made with milk without sugar. This has a beneficial effect on the pancreas due to its low calorie content and glycemic index. For bronchial asthma, chocolate cooked with milk relieves bronchial spasm and alleviates the patient's condition. It is useful to drink three cups/day. If you have hypertension, you should limit your consumption of the drink to a cup in the morning.

Use in cooking

The use of the product in cooking is popular because it has excellent taste characteristics and combines well with other additives. This base, as can be seen from the photo, is used in the preparation of products:

• chocolate sauces, baked goods;
• icing, creams for cakes;
• butter, yogurt, ice cream;
• chocolate milk, cookies, cakes, muffins;
• sweets, chocolate paste, pies, pancakes;
• hot chocolate, fermented milk drink;
• ready-made desserts.

Use in the treatment of diseases

For anemia, cocoa powder is useful because it saturates the body with iron, maintains normal glucose levels in the blood and maintains the desired concentration of chromium, which is responsible for cravings for sweets. If there is a lack of iron, it is recommended to drink a drink made from the yolk, half a glass of milk, 5 g of dry chocolate sand and a pinch of cinnamon. The mixture is whipped and drunk every day for a month, an hour before breakfast.

Cocoa powder is an excellent remedy for high blood pressure and affects the root causes of hypertension - stress and fatigue. A daily intake of 2 cups of the drink will help normalize blood pressure. It is advisable to combine with dark chocolate (from 70% beans in the composition). Theobromine increases the stability of the heart muscle during pressure surges, additionally reduces the risk of thrombosis, because it prevents platelets from sticking together and lowers the level of high-density lipoproteins.

The sweet drink improves immunity and contains many antioxidants, which is useful for strengthening the heart. Contains serotonin, tryptophan and phenylethylamine soothe nervous system subjected to significant loads. Cocokhil stimulates regenerative properties and helps wound healing. Epicatechin reduces the risk of heart attack, cancer and diabetes. According to research by scientists from Harvard University, a product made from choco beans has the following properties in relation to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases:

• improves the functioning of blood vessels;
• Reduces insulin resistance, blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol.

How to cook for bronchitis and pulmonary diseases

The benefits of cocoa with milk are known to everyone, but a slightly modified recipe will help cope with bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases:

1. Mix 100 g of butter and goat (pork, goose) fat, melt in a water bath.
2. Add a tablespoon of fresh aloe juice, lemon and 50 g cocoa powder.
3. Stir, cool, take a spoon twice a day before meals. You can drink the resulting drug with milk.

Drink recipe for stomach ulcers

Drinking the drink for ulcers can only be done chronically. In case of exacerbation, this is prohibited; it may cause Negative consequences. Mix equal amounts of cocoa powder, butter, honey and chicken yolk. Take a tablespoon of the mixture every three hours for two weeks (at least five servings/day), then repeat after a two-week break if necessary.

To strengthen the immune system

During the cold season, it is easy to catch the disease if the body is weakened. To prevent diseases, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system with a tasty drink. If you drink it at least every other day, you will be able to avoid illness. In addition, the drink will help in the first stage of cough:

• To prepare, mash one ripe banana to a paste and mix with 1.5 teaspoons of cocoa powder.
• Pour the mixture with a glass of hot milk and beat with a blender.
• Cool slightly, drink at least four hours before bedtime.
• You cannot use the mixture at night, the tonic effect is too great.

In cosmetology

The product in dry form is excellent for use in facial and body care at home. It is added to face and hair masks, body scrubs, and softening lip ointments. List of where you can find cocoa powder:

• anti-cellulite wraps;
• anti-aging face masks;
• tanning enhancer in sunscreens;
• healing balms for hands, body, lips;
• masks for strengthening nails;
• tonic massage;
• face and body scrubs;
• moisturizing and nourishing hair masks;
• removal of age spots using procedures that whiten the skin;
• production of soap, shampoos.

Cocoa powder is suitable for all skin types, rich in active substances, but can cause allergic reactions. Several recipes for using the product:

How to choose cocoa powder

In Russian stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg there are different types product. It is optimal to choose a natural one without sugar and preservatives rather than a soluble dry mixture instant cooking. When purchasing, pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Fat content of the product - the amount of fat indicated on the package should not be less than 15%.
2. The traditional composition of the product - it should not contain milk fat or trans fats.
3. Cost - a cheap pack threatens the presence of pesticides, which are a source of allergies.
4. The aroma of chocolate should be bright and clean, without any foreign odors, especially mustiness or dampness. A rancid or unpleasant aftertaste when tested before cooking indicates that the product is unsuitable for use.
5. Homogeneous consistency without lumps is a guarantee of quality. Lumps indicate that the product was stored incorrectly (there was high humidity in the room).
6. Very fine grind - this can be assessed by rubbing the product between your fingers. ABOUT good quality The particles will stick to the skin; if low, they will crumble into dust.
7. Color – should only be brown without impurities.
8. After preparation, the suspension in the liquid should not settle before two minutes.

Where to buy natural cocoa powder

You can purchase a quality product in grocery supermarkets, small coffee and tea departments, or order it in an online store. Prices of popular drink manufacturers:

Harm and contraindications

Like any product, cocoa powder has harm factors and contraindications. The first include:

• caffeine content (0.02%) is low, but this imposes restrictions on use by children;
• unsanitary conditions during cultivation - beans are grown in poor conditions, which affects the quality of the final product;
• cockroaches – these insects live in beans and are difficult to control;
• chemicals – beans are grown using pesticides and fertilizers, which affects the composition;
• radiological treatment – ​​it is used to destroy pests during plantation cultivation of beans;
• allergy - the seeds do not cause allergies, it occurs due to the action of chitin in the shell of the cockroaches used chemical substances for crop processing.

Because of possible harm Cocoa powder has a number of contraindications. This includes children under three years of age, lactation ( breast-feeding), gout and arthritis (contains many purine bases that promote salt deposition). You can drink with caution during pregnancy (only with severe toxicosis), hypertension (may increase blood pressure).

Video

Cocoa, no matter in what form we have to consume it, is not only very tasty, but also a very healthy product. Perhaps this is why we love chocolate so much? Let's learn more about the benefits of cocoa and its content in a variety of foods.

What is cocoa?

As many already know, this is not only a thick, tasty drink, but also beans from a tropical tree, from which a powder with the same name is obtained. Cocoa has a slight tonic effect due to the substance theobromine, which, in addition to beans, is found only in cola nuts and holly crowns. The first European desserts and cocoa drinks were similar to Aztec recipes, seasoned with salt, pepper, vanilla and cinnamon. Quite quickly, medieval doctors discovered positive influence drink on the state of the cardiovascular system, as well as the tendency to improve mood. At the court of the Spanish and later French kings, cocoa had a reputation as a love potion and an aphrodisiac.

Cocoa in medicine

Traditional treatment uses cocoa powder to treat upper respiratory tract infections. colds. In 2006, studies confirmed that consuming cocoa reduces the likelihood of platelets sticking together by 70%, and the substance epicatechin reduces the likelihood of getting the four most common European diseases: getting a heart attack or stroke, preventing cancer and diabetes. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, which helps delay aging and also improve liver health (however, in case of cirrhosis, you should avoid it). Interestingly, the antioxidant content in cocoa is twice that of red wine and almost three times that of green tea. Other advantages include:

• short-term reduction in pressure, but without long-term results;
• free radical binding;
• weak acceleration of metabolism and loss of appetite.

Harm from cocoa

Research on cocoa is often controversial and requires further development. We will present such unconfirmed data below. Believing them or not is a matter of personal choice. So:

• Eating cocoa can cause acne. IN to a greater extent this is of course due to the various additives found in cocoa-rich foods. Among other things, chocolate, drinks, and cakes contain a lot of sugar, trans fats and carbohydrates, which cause skin defects.
• It is addictive, similar to alcohol and tobacco (so-called chocoholics cannot resist consuming cocoa products).
• Mild lead poisoning is possible, which is found in excess in bean shells. It is possible that the product may be contaminated with other substances if industrial safety rules are violated.
• Polyphenols in cocoa reduce the ability of blood to clot.
• Theobromine poisoning of pets: It is not recommended to give treats containing cocoa and coffee to pets, this can lead to serious consequences and even death.

Therefore, the consumption of cocoa and any other food products must be consistent with the “golden mean” rule. Its consumption in moderation will only lead to positive consequences. While excessive passion for any dish will not bring anything good.

Many of us associate the taste of cocoa with childhood; it must be said that we love this drink for good reason, because the cocoa powder from which it is prepared contains minerals and other useful compounds. In this regard, chocolate with a high cocoa content is also highly valued. In addition, cocoa butter is added to various cosmetics.

Composition and properties of cocoa

1. It has been practically proven that a cup of aromatic drink will help you tone up and lift your spirits. This is all thanks to the presence of substances in cocoa powder that stimulate the production of endorphins. These mediators are necessary for normal brain function.
2. Despite the presence of caffeine, cocoa is a drink that is allowed and even recommended for people with hypertension. Cocoa bean powder is a source of polyphenols, compounds that help lower blood pressure.
3. Consuming cocoa is also good for the skin, since the procyanidins it contains give it elasticity and smoothness, and they also make us more resistant to various stresses.
4. A hot drink made with cocoa powder will be very useful for respiratory infections and severe coughs. Theobromine, which cocoa beans contain, helps fight cough. In addition, this compound prevents blood vessels from spasming, helping to improve blood circulation.
5. Another advantage of cocoa over other drinks is high content antioxidants. People who regularly treat themselves to cocoa slow down the aging process in their body.
6. The beneficial properties of cocoa are also due to the fact that cocoa bean powder is very rich in various vitamins and minerals, including tocopherol, B vitamins, folic acid, fluorine, iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.
7. Cocoa also contains tannins, which promote the healing of damage to the mucous membranes. In this regard, drinking cocoa is recommended for people with gastritis or stomach ulcers.

However, cocoa has both beneficial features, as well as contraindications. For example, due to the presence of caffeine, it is not recommended for people with impaired nervous system function, prone to neuroses, etc. You should also consider the presence of caffeine when giving this drink to your child.

Many people are interested in whether cocoa is good for pregnant women. Experts warn that it interferes with the full absorption of calcium, and this is precisely the element that a growing body needs. Therefore, during the period of bearing a child, it is better to refrain from consuming products containing cocoa, but at the stage of pregnancy planning, drinking cocoa is not forbidden, because it is rich in folic acid, which will ensure the normal development of the nervous system. early stages child development.

Some people also wonder whether cocoa is harmful on a diet. It's really needed drink with caution for those who have excess weight or diabetes. One hundred grams of powder contains up to 400 calories, and if you consider that milk and often sugar are also used to prepare the drink, it turns out that there are quite a lot of calories in a cup of cocoa. Thus, it is best to drink it in the morning, then you will get a boost of energy and Have a good mood for the whole day and have time to spend the calories you receive.

People with gout will have to avoid eating products containing cocoa. Cocoa bean powder contains purines, which contribute to the deposition of salts in the joints.

There is little benefit from cocoa powder of dubious quality, and the harm caused to the body can negate all its beneficial properties, so read the composition carefully; there should be no dyes or chemical additives.

For many people, cocoa is a childhood drink that brings back nostalgic memories. The most valuable thing about this drink is its extraordinary taste, as well as its delicate foam. Let's turn to history. Cocoa became famous in Europe only in the Middle Ages, despite the fact that cocoa beans were popular much earlier. The fact is that cocoa beans themselves acquire a characteristic aroma only after technological processing. Cocoa is a specific product. You need to buy it only from trusted suppliers and understand the varieties.

How to choose the right cocoa?

Cocoa is assessed by the condition of the packaging, by appearance, aroma, taste. Traces of caking and lumps in the pack are completely unacceptable. When rubbed with your fingers, the powder should not crumble, there should be no grains, the color should be rich. When purchasing this product, you must ensure that the manufacturer is the country in which the chocolate tree grows, because resellers may violate the processing technology of cocoa beans, thereby depriving them of their beneficial properties. Sometimes they even add prohibited synthetic additives to the finished product, which will not bring any benefit to our body.

What types of cocoa are there?

There are three main types of cocoa commercially available.

The first is industrial cocoa, which is grown using numerous fertilizers.

The second is organic industrial cocoa, it is grown without the use of any fertilizers. This type cocoa is considered much more valuable than the first type.

The third is live cocoa of high quality and value. This species is collected from wild trees by hand. The properties of living cocoa are unique. But it is difficult for a simple unprepared buyer to understand what quality product he is purchasing.

Let's figure out whether the cocoa drink is as safe as it seems at first glance? There are some things that all lovers of this drink need to know.

Cocoa is a fairly nutritious and high-calorie product: 100 grams of cocoa beans account for 400 kcal. A small cup of drink already causes a feeling of satiety, and it is difficult to drink more than two cups of cocoa. The best thing to do is drink 1 cup in the morning.

There are quite often conflicting rumors about cocoa on the Russian market. Many traders claim that low-quality powder is sold to Russians. We cannot judge this because we do not have any evidence. Let's just say that allergies to cocoa products are quite common, and it is no coincidence that this product is excluded from the diet of nursing mothers. This is due to the presence of chitin (a highly allergenic substance) in the composition.

But, despite the disadvantages, the drink contains a large number of pros.

The first one is obvious: after drinking a cup, we notice that our mood improves. The fact is that cocoa contains phenylephylamine, a natural antidepressant. Cocoa can charge us with energy in the morning, even though it contains less caffeine than coffee. Since cocoa is a high-calorie product, it provides great energy for the whole day.

Cocoa contains vitamins, protein, and vitamins, which are necessary during pregnancy.

The benefit of cocoa also lies in the ability to produce endorphin in our body - the “hormone of joy”. Cocoa also contains a pigment - melanin, which protects our skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Cocoa contains a lot of procyanidins, which are responsible for healthy, elastic skin. Cocoa is good for people with hypertension: the drink helps lower blood pressure.

The nutritional benefits of cocoa are appreciated by cosmetologists and cosmetic companies. The properties of cocoa are used in shampoos: they give shine and a healthy look to hair. Creams contain cocoa. SPA salons also offer massages and body wraps.

When discussing the issue of the benefits and harms of cocoa, we can only rely on our taste, as well as the integrity of the producers. If you are a cocoa lover, continue to enjoy the drink and have fun.

Cocoa, the benefits and harm to health after 50 years of which today is increasingly discussed on the Internet and on TV, as well as right choice, preparation and description of the composition of this product are topics for a “weighty” separate article. That’s what Natalya Voytovetskaya, a nutritionist and constant author of a column about the effects of products on the “I’m Healthy” website, decided. I decided and got down to business. Photo, Interesting Facts, theories and tips! Take the milk off the stove - time flies with us!

It is well known that the birthplace of cocoa is the impenetrable forests of the Amazon! The fruits grow on a chocolate tree (the name is like from a fairy tale about the banks of jelly!) and after collection they are widely used both in food industry, and in such areas as cosmetology and medicine. However, cocoa is best known throughout the world as the basis of chocolate, which in local languages ​​literally meant “food of the gods.”

It is known from ancient sources that in ancient times cocoa beans had no less value than gold and they were only allowed to be consumed “ ruling nobility" Residents of the European continent first managed to taste aromatic grains only in the fifteenth century. At the same time, a special technology was developed for extracting oil from beans and processing them into powder. Its author is considered to be Conrad van Heuten.

At the same time, some two hundred years ago, a cup of hot cocoa was a sign of luxury and wealth. Only respectable members of the upper class of society could enjoy a sip of this healthy drink.

Interesting: Did you know that the habit of putting a cup on a saucer is not a sign good manners, but a necessity caused by the high price of cocoa beans? This is how gourmets protected themselves from spilling drops of the precious drink!

To get just a kilogram of cocoa powder, it was necessary to process at least forty fruits, which contained more than a thousand grains! But even today, the principle and technology for preparing popular bean-based products are not too different. To make powder, cocoa beans are pressed at high temperatures to produce butter. After this, the fat-free cake is dried and crushed. That's all. Next, the powder is packaged and sent to factories where granulated sugar, vanilla, butter are added to it and everyone’s favorite chocolate is made.

Fact: The Netherlands is considered the largest importer of cocoa. Residents of this republic consume about 20% of the world's total harvest!

Also, don’t miss the chance to learn a lot of interesting things about another popular product in the article about!

About the benefits of cocoa

Cocoa beans contain the so-called theobromine, which is similar in composition to caffeine. This substance is capable of stimulating the nervous system, dilating coronary vessels and dilating bronchi. Also, chocolate tree grains contain substances beneficial to the body such as:

• essential and tanning oils;
• minerals;
• carbohydrates;
• proteins;
• vitamins.

One of the most famous properties of cocoa is its ability to provoke the production of endorphins, hormones that have a beneficial effect on the thought process, improve brain performance and overall well-being, and also improve mood.

In addition, the product contains polyphenols, which effectively reduce blood pressure (blood pressure). That is why doctors strongly recommend including this drink in the menu for hypertensive patients.

Epicahetin, which is part of the grain composition, is a powerful preventive natural remedy against heart attacks and strokes. Today it is actively used for the prevention of cancer.

Interesting: Scientists believe that the main reason for the longevity of Native Americans is the regular consumption of cocoa beans!

Consuming healthy cocoa after 50 years is useful for reducing the chances of memory loss and the development of atherosclerosis! It is very useful for teenagers to drink the drink against depression. It should be noted that the antioxidants and flavonoids contained in the product will help women preserve the youth and beauty of their skin and hair for a long time! Also, a cup of warm drink can relieve pain caused by problematic menstrual cycles.

In addition, chocolate tree fruit powder can protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and heal wounds. This property of the product is very often used by women to prepare skin masks.

Nutritional and energy value

The nutritional quality of the product is very high, because the drink contains most of the elements for normal physiological and mental state person.

The calorie content of cocoa is 289 calories per hundred grams. Of them:

• 9 grams saturated fatty acids;
• 6 grams of ash substances;
• 8 grams of starch;
• 2 grams of monosaccharides;
• 5 grams of water;
• 4 grams of organic acids;
• more than 35 grams of dietary fiber;
• 10 grams of carbohydrates;
• 15 grams of fat;
• 24 grams of protein.

The vitamin complex of the drink is represented by the following substances:

• vitamin E;
• B vitamins (B9, B6, B5, B2 and B1);
• vitamin A;
• vitamin PP.

In addition to all of the above, cocoa beans contain most of the macro and microelements we need.

IN percentage The calorie content of the product is 15% of daily norm consumption. Of them:

• 14% carbohydrates;
• 47% fat;
• 34% proteins.

Video about the properties of cocoa powder:

Contraindications and harm of cocoa for women

Remember that such a rich composition of a delicious aromatic drink can be harmful to health. Of course, it’s worth mentioning the presence of caffeine in cocoa. It is this indicator that you should familiarize yourself with in more detail when brewing a cup of delicious food for pregnant women and children. In addition, it is better to cross this drink off the menu for people with ailments that may be aggravated by this substance.

Interesting: Since chocolate trees grow in regions with, to put it mildly, not the best sanitary conditions, various living creatures like to live in them. Cockroaches especially like beans. Therefore, plantations of these plants are subject to frequent pesticide treatments. In addition, at the factory, the fruits undergo additional processing using a radiological method. All these facts, despite the objections of manufacturers, do not bring anything good to our body.

The list of people who should exclude cocoa from their diet includes:

• allergy sufferers;
• people with heart disease;
• patients with chronic constipation;
• children under three years of age;
• diabetics;
• people with atherosclerosis and diseases of the nervous system;
• patients with hyperacidity and obesity;
• patients with gout and severe kidney diseases, etc.

This is far from full list those who may experience the negative effects of the product. Therefore, it would not be superfluous to consult this issue with a doctor.

Cocoa in folk medicine

As mentioned earlier, cocoa is widely used not only Food Industry, but also in medicine/cosmetology. Most often it is used at home to prevent and treat colds. And just a cup of aromatic drink on an autumn day can lift your mood and tone! At the same time, the product perfectly thins and removes phlegm. Its use will quickly and deliciously relieve you of the flu, sore throat, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

Take care of yourself or your loved ones by warming your parents up with a cup of cocoa! The health benefits and harms after fifty years of this drink are in your hands. Buy a quality product (for example, Chinese), avoiding flavors and dyes.