Healthy Cocoa Powder
Cocoa is responsible for one of the most popular confectionaries in the world, chocolate. Most processed chocolate found in stores can be criticised for having high quantities of fats & sugars. But raw, crushed cocoa beans can be turned into considerably healthy cocoa powder.
High consumption of processed chocolate is linked to several health risks like diabetes & high blood pressure. But research has suggested that cocoa powder with little refinement is packed with healthy flavonoids & antioxidants.
Let’s take a look in more detail.
What is healthy cocoa powder?
Cocoa (or chocolate) is prepared from cocoa beans, which are technically seeds. Cocoa beans are found on a Cacao Tree, formally named Theobroma cacao. The fruit has almost 300 components.
They are cultivated from a large yellow coloured fruit that contains the beans inside. These beans are dark brown in colour & generally extracted as solids such as cocoa powder or cocoa butter, which is fat.
Researchers have found evidence of the cacao tree & cultivation of cocoa by humans to be over 5000 years. Historically it had grown in popularity for its sweet pulp & perceived psychoactive effects.
Cocoa powder has plenty of modern research that suggests it may have enticing health benefits. When consumed in moderation, some studies have concluded that it may benefit ageing, oxidative stress & blood pressure regulation.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION & STUDIES LINKED IN THIS ARTICLE SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR AS SUGGESTED TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR CLEAR DIRECTION ON TREATMENT FOR ANY ILLNESS OR HEALTH DISCOMFORT.
EATING MORE CHOCOLATE BARS WILL NOT PREVENT ILLNESS.
Where is Cocoa from?
It is perceived to originate from Amazonian & equatorial regions of South America & Central America over 5000 years ago. In the 15th century it was then discovered by Spanish explorers in Mexico, leading to its rise in European popularity.
Today farming & production is mostly in West Africa, primarily Ghana & Côte d'Ivoire who are the worlds largest exporters. These two countries alone account for more than 60% of global production.
Uses
Cocoa powder is obviously known for its’ ability to be reformed into delicious, sweet tasting chocolate. From dark chocolate to white chocolate, to hot chocolate, it comes in many forms.
But outside of chocolate, it had also been used as a natural medicine, cosmetics (such as facial creams), alcohol production & even conditioner for soil!
Before we continue... fancy a free pouch or a discount?
Sign up below & try your luck with our wheel our fortune. Win a free pouch, up to 25% discount & free nutrition & health advice with our weekly newsletter!
Hint: You can't lose!
What are the benefits of healthy cocoa powder?
Popular research has found that it contains powerful antioxidants & healthy bioactive compounds that may have a positive effect on human health. Some of the most common reported benefits are:
- Improving blood flow to your heart & brain
- Cognitive function & mood balance
One of the most popular benefits researched for cocoa is the cardiovascular impact on blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of death in the world. Studies suggest that the high quantity of healthy flavonoids & antioxidants in cocoa may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health by improving oxidation.
Many studies have been carried out to monitor the effect of cocoa & chocolate on the brain. Whilst firm scientific conclusions have not yet been made, there have been positive findings that link cocoa with mood balancing hormones like serotonin.
One study of elderly men found that consumption of chocolate had been linked to improved psychological wellbeing. Who doesn’t love chocolate, right?
Nutritional properties of healthy cocoa powder
Cocoa is not noticeably high in any vitamin, although B vitamins are the most common. Although raw, unsweetened cocoa powder has a high concentration of some key minerals instead:
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
Copper & Iron are essential for red blood cell production. Red blood cells help maintain healthy blood flow, bones & immune function.
Healthy doses of magnesium can be highly beneficial for battling fatigue & improving sleep related illnesses like insomnia.
Zinc is important for keeping your immune system healthy to battle against invasive & harmful bacteria.
Phosphorus commonly works closely with calcium & is vital for the growth of healthy teeth & bones.
Cocoa in every-day life
Although cocoa is often linked to many forms of chocolate, some high in sugars & fats. If it is consumed in moderation & limited processing, it may have a vital role to play in daily wellbeing. Its flavour is an added bonus!
To make this a little easier, we’ve added Cocoa as the primary component & flavouring to our Calming Cocoa.
Why not try adding it to:
- Coffee to make a mocha
- Hot milk for a healthy hot chocolate
- Oatmeal
- Hot water, if milk is a bit too heavy
- Protein shakes
- Smoothies
- Baking such as cakes, cookies, brownies.
The possibilities are endless!
Join the Nutrifize community
Want exclusive access to more Knowledge with Nutrifize? Subscribe to our weekly Newsletter using the signup form below for exclusive member discounts, giveaways, recipes, health tips, nutrition tips & more!
Do you have any questions? Feel free to send us your queries via the contact page & we'll aim to get back to you with 48 hours. Alternatively check out our FAQ's, we may have answered your question already!
