Such a drink as cocoa is undoubtedly familiar to every person since childhood. Many children drink it with pleasure, replacing packaged and fashionable soda. This is an alternative to the whole body.

Cocoa: Health Benefits

The history of the drink dates back to the sixteenth century. Then one Spanish general, after traveling to England, brought a souvenir - unusual beans and a recipe for their preparation. A little later, namely after a couple of centuries, this drink began to be used for medicinal purposes, as the beneficial properties of cocoa became known throughout the world. Since then, nutritionists, cosmetologists and doctors have been talking incessantly about the properties of this product.

What are the benefits of cocoa?

All the benefits of cocoa lie in the substances that make up the beans. The fruits of the cocoa tree contain antioxidants, the benefit of which is that they can minimize the negative effects of free radicals. And this is a big plus for the body. Even a small amount of the drink can replace several glasses of vitamin juice. In addition, regular use of this product helps normalize blood pressure.

Surely many have heard that cocoa contains serotonin and dopamine. But few people know anything about these substances. In fact, they can be compared to antidepressants, only of natural origin. Therefore, it is recommended to eat chocolate or drink cocoa during times of severe stress or anxiety. The benefits for the body will be enormous! In addition, drinking cocoa can help lift your mood.

In addition, cocoa is directly related to the level of cholesterol in human blood. As you know, low-density lipoprotein does not have a very good effect on the body. Cocoa can significantly reduce its level. It also increases high-density lipoprotein levels. As a result of such a complex effect, the level of cholesterol in the blood is normalized, which means that the general condition of the body improves. Thanks to the effects of the components that make up cocoa, the risk of some dangerous diseases, such as cancer, is reduced.

Cocoa is also a good helper for colds. The benefit in this case lies in the general strengthening effect on the body. A cup of such a warm drink will increase immunity, ease the course of the disease, which will significantly speed up the recovery process. In addition, the child will probably like this drink much more than nasty mixtures. Cocoa has a healing effect on colds due to the theobromine it contains. This substance helps with coughs, and also improves heart function. Some claim that theobromine is a poison. This is actually true. But to get poisoned, you need to drink a huge amount of the drink at one time, and no one can do this.

People who are overweight or on diets should not be afraid to consume cocoa. Indeed, such products contain a large percentage of fat, but it is almost impossible to gain weight from cocoa. The fact is that when you use it, you quickly feel full, so you won’t eat or drink a lot of it.

Cocoa is beneficial!

You can achieve the opposite effect only if you start abusing cocoa. The benefits will be obvious if you drink more than two cups of the drink per day. Of course, one is enough to recharge your batteries for several hours. By treating your child to a product that contains cocoa, you can provide his body with the necessary elements for normal functioning. Yes, and an adult will benefit from eating a couple of pieces of dark chocolate.

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 why cocoa is beneficial for humans. It is known that the indigenous Indian tribes who eat it are distinguished by longevity and are also not susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. But this is not the entire list of its good properties.

Useful properties of cocoa powder

Cocoa can improve mood and is a good preventive and therapeutic agent for combating depression. This is explained by the fact that chocolate tree beans contain two special substances: anandamide and tryptophan. They cause 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 are the benefits of cocoa for women?

This product, thanks to flavonoids and natural antioxidants, helps the body fight free radicals, which cause pathological health conditions and cause the body to wear out and age faster. After all, it is important for women to remain young and blooming as long as possible. Also, a drink made from cocoa, when consumed regularly, has a good effect on the menstrual cycle, alleviates the symptoms of PMS, which means it will be useful for women and girls with this kind of problems.

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

What are the benefits of 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 the breakfast of an active, health-conscious adult, and especially a child, cocoa with milk will be an ideal combination, and incredibly tasty, too.

Recent studies have shown how cocoa drink is beneficial for older people. It turns out that it regulates blood pressure levels 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 cocoa beans are made. However, this does not apply to the bitter varieties of this delicacy.

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 the food industry and medicine. The main component of chocolate is still cocoa.

From the language of the ancient Greeks this word is translated as “food of the gods.” In the old days, cocoa beans were valued along with gold. At first, grains were presented as gifts only to kings.

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

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

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

To obtain 1 kilogram of cocoa liquor 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's harvest.

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

To produce chocolate, cocoa butter, vanilla, sugar and other ingredients are added to the powder.

Useful properties of cocoa

The beans contain a substance - theobromine, its composition is similar to caffeine. Theobromine is able to excite the nervous system, dilate the bronchi and coronary vessels.

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

Cocoa has a good property - the ability to produce endorphins (they improve mood, improve overall well-being, improve performance and have a beneficial effect on mental activity).

The product also contains polyphenols that lower blood pressure. For this reason, hypertensive patients should include this drink in their diet.

Epicakhetin, which is found in cocoa beans, is an excellent preventative against strokes and heart attacks, as well as against the occurrence of cancer.

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

This healing drink is a good remedy for depression.

Women who have problems with menstrual cycles are advised to consume 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 is that sugar cannot be used in this case. If necessary, you can add fructose in small quantities.

Cocoa contains a lot of magnesium and iron, and if you add milk to the drink, it will also be enriched with calcium.

Scientists have been able to prove that cocoa is very beneficial for older people. It not only regulates blood pressure, but also has a positive effect on blood circulation in the brain, and this in turn helps to keep the mind clear and memory strong for a long time.

Cocoa has another beneficial quality: it can heal wounds faster and protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

Nutritional value and calorie content

The nutritional value of the product is very high, since it contains ingredients that together are able to satisfy our physiological needs for all 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 acids (saturated) – 9 grams.

Vitamin complex: PP, A, Beta-carotene, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, E, as well as the composition includes micro and macroelements.

The calorie content of the product as a percentage is 14 - 15% of the total daily intake. Of them:

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

Harm and contraindications

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

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

It is worth knowing the fact that cocoa beans grow in those countries where the sanitary situation is at a higher level. And this also affects cocoa fruits. Cockroaches love to live in them, and it is very difficult to get rid of them.

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

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

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

All manufacturers, of course, unanimously insist that their products 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 should not consume cocoa:

• these are children who have not reached 3 years of age;
• 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;
• Under no circumstances should cocoa be drunk if the stomach has high acidity, as it promotes the production of gastric secretions in excess quantities,
• people suffering from constipation should also limit their consumption of this drink;
• the stimulating effect of the product may negatively affect those who have various heart diseases;
• Allergy sufferers should also treat cocoa with great caution.

Methods of use in folk medicine

The medical aspect of the use of cocoa in folk medicine is quite diverse. This product is used with great success to treat colds.

Cocoa is considered great antitussive and expectorant. It is also capable of thinning mucus well.

The effectiveness of using cocoa butter has been proven for bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throat and flu. Prepare the medicinal drink as follows: take cocoa butter and dilute it with hot milk.

This product is also used to lubricate a sore throat.. During epidemics of viral diseases, doctors strongly recommend lubricating the nasal mucosa with this oil for preventive purposes.

In addition, cocoa will help solve problems associated with poor intestinal function. It is taken when you need to remove cholesterol from the blood. For stomach 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 suppositories from the resulting mass. Allow them to harden well and then insert them into the anus for medicinal purposes for one month.

Cocoa butter helps a lot for hemorrhoidal cones.

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

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

Remember, only high-quality beans can be beneficial if they are grown without pesticides and other harmful impurities. Be aware that low-quality raw materials are imported from China.

A quality product is a natural powder. The soluble product contains a lot of dyes and flavors.

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

This unique taste... This brown drink with foam has been familiar to us since childhood: we drank it in kindergarten, at school, and even now we are unlikely to refuse to take a sip. Of course it's cocoa. Since ancient times, a drink made from cocoa powder has been valued for its aroma, extraordinary taste and airy foam. “Divine drink” - that’s what our ancestors called it. “Cocoa - benefits and harms in one bottle” - that’s what they call it now. Yes, it's really about that very drink. Is cocoa healthy? Its benefits and harms were identified by scientists after careful research of the powder. It turns out that the harmless drink from childhood is not at all harmless. So what qualities does this powder have? Let's try to figure it out together.

Cocoa - benefits and harm in one bottle

There really is a benefit and it’s quite serious. For example, a drink can lift your mood and improve your tone. Also, in addition to everything, the hormone of joy, that is, endorphin, is stimulated. Beans include antioxidants. Thanks to them, a person who drinks this drink normalizes blood pressure and viscosity, thereby reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Consuming this miracle powder with the addition of water or skim milk does not increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, since it contains 15% fat, consisting of stearic, oleic and palmitic acids. Due to the content of theobromine and phenylethylamine, the powder has a diuretic effect, and is also an antidepressant and stimulant. Cocoa powder contains serotonin, which helps fight stress. The drink contains manganese, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, vitamins, magnesium, and it also contains small amounts of caffeine. It turns out that this is a liquid that invigorates the body, relieves weakness and fatigue, fights stress, normalizes sleep, stimulates the immune system, heals wounds, helps smooth out wrinkles, but despite all the advantages, this drink also has its opponents.

Everyone knows that Africa is completely unsanitary, and cocoa powder is brought to us from there. Therefore, these products sometimes contain ground insects, but recently manufacturers have begun to take special care in sorting beans. Experts say that the presence of caffeine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine in the drink is not good, because they can cause headaches in people suffering from migraines. Although the powder does not raise cholesterol levels, it can cause excess weight, and this, as a rule, causes problems with the cardiovascular system. And the substance phenylethylamine affects the opiate receptors of the brain and acts like a drug. Copper contained in cocoa powder may be related to the appearance of tumors. Benefit? It’s somehow not enough compared to the minuses, isn’t it? But it is fair to note that all these hypotheses have not been proven, but are the subject of debate among many scientists. Therefore, they should not attract serious attention. What you really need to be wary of are instant powders. Now it's up to you to decide whether to drink cocoa. The benefits and harms of this drink are described above.

No confectionery production can do without cocoa powder; every housewife who loves to prepare cakes, muffins and other pastries has it. Beloved by many children, cocoa and hot chocolate are delicious and healthy drinks that also require this brown powder.

In fact, cocoa powder is waste from the production of grated cocoa and butter, which are used to make good varieties and other confectionery products. The cake remaining after pressing the oil is dried and crushed.

Several hundred years ago, cocoa powder was highly valued all over the world and was more expensive than butter. But when Europe learned to make real dark chocolate and appreciated its taste, the situation changed radically. Prices for this product from different manufacturers can vary greatly, this is primarily due to the quality of the raw materials.

This product is an excellent source of vegetable protein; one tablespoon contains 10% of the total protein that the body should receive daily.

Despite previous processing, cocoa powder is not completely devoid of oil; 100 g of product contains an average of 15-18 g of cocoa butter. The ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in it is approximately the same. The former are a source of energy for the body, and the latter perform a number of functions that ensure normal fat (including cholesterol) metabolism. 100 g of cocoa powder contains approximately 285 kcal.

There are very few carbohydrates in it, which cannot be said about. As a result of processing, all the fiber that is in cocoa beans remains almost completely in powder.

Beneficial features

If you delve into the chemical composition of this product, you will find out that it contains much more microelements than cocoa butter and many other products.

A drink based on cocoa powder is a real find for those who care about the condition of their cardiovascular system. A couple of tablespoons of powder will contain the amount of and that can provide a quarter of the daily requirement of an adult.

This product is no less useful for the musculoskeletal system; it is rich in phosphorus and “builders” of bone and joint tissue. Perhaps this is why cocoa is one of the drinks that has “settled” on the menu of kindergartens and schools since Soviet times.

Drinks and dishes with cocoa powder can be recommended as it is very rich in iron. This product is also one of the record holders for the content of copper, manganese, molybdenum and some other valuable microelements. Cocoa powder contains almost all B vitamins, which ensure the functioning of the nervous system. Due to its high dietary fiber content, cocoa powder can also be classified as a product that improves digestion.

Benefits for bronchial asthma

Due to the high content of theobromine, cocoa drink is useful for other diseases of the respiratory system. This substance has a number of effects necessary to improve the condition of diseases: dilates the bronchi, thins sputum, prevents the development of allergic reactions, improves the contractility of the pectoral muscles and stimulates the respiratory center in the brain.

Benefits for athletes

A drink made from cocoa with milk is good for health.

Cocoa is one of the favorite drinks of athletes not only due to its high protein content. This product helps replenish vitamins, minerals and increase the body's stamina. Particular attention in bodybuilding is paid to such a substance as, which is quite abundant in cocoa powder. This trace element is necessary for the production of male sex hormones, which are responsible for gaining muscle mass. The powder is not only diluted in milk, but also added to protein shakes.

Cocoa is a natural energy drink

It's best to drink hot chocolate or cocoa in the morning or throughout the day because it contains caffeine and theobromine, and cocoa powder contains even more of them than dark chocolate. These substances are very similar in properties and have a stimulating effect on the body.

Cocoa powder stimulates the nervous system, enhances cardiac activity, has a vasodilating effect and reduces blood viscosity, enhances the removal of fluid from the body. That's why a cup of cocoa will be useful for headaches, for relieving fatigue and drowsiness, increasing efficiency and brain activity. From this point of view, drinking any drinks with cocoa powder at night is not advisable.

Harm of cocoa powder

Allergies to cocoa products are quite common, so not everyone can enjoy hot chocolate and cocoa drinks.

Abuse of this product can lead to digestive disorders, cause excess weight gain and other disorders of fat metabolism.

Channel One, program “Examination of Things. OTK" on the topic "Cocoa powder":

TV channel “TV 6”, program “Household Economics”, episode on the topic “Cocoa”: