Cocoa Powder

Health Benefits

Cocoa Powder

Why should you add it to your diet

Cocoa Powder might be a great addition to your diet to improve your health. Cocoa contains polyphenols, which are naturally occurring antioxidants. Cocoa also contains flavanols, and data shows that flavanols can reduce inflammation.

Improves Heart Health
Enhances Brain Function
Supports Mood and Mental Health
May Improve Insulin Sensitivity
Supports Skin Health
Boosts Exercise Recovery
May Enhance Gut Health

Theobromine

And other Anti-oxidants

Theobromine found in cocoa is a natural alkaloid. Similar to caffeine’s affect on adenosine to make us feel more awake and alert, theobromine works similarly without the jitters or stimulating affects of caffeine. Theobromine provides neuroprotection against age-related cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In regards to weight loss, theobromine enhances fat breakdown and contributes to weight reduction. The benefits of theobromine include:

Cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function
Improve Cognitive function and prevent decline -related diseases
Heart Health and can lower cholesterol
Reduced inflammation
Weight management by promoting fat metabolism.

Summary of benefits

Take the first step to your healthiest self.

Cocoa powder offers numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, it helps combat oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. It supports cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing cholesterol levels. Cocoa powder also contains minerals such as magnesium, iron, and potassium, which support muscle function, oxygen transport, and electrolyte balance. Additionally, it may boost mood and cognitive function due to compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can promote feelings of well-being and mental clarity. Its low calorie and fat content, especially in unsweetened varieties, makes it a versatile ingredient for healthy recipes.

Best way to eat cocoa Power?

eat delicious while burning extra fat

Cocoa powder should be at least 75% cocoa. However, data suggests a higher percentage promotes better health outcomes. You can add cocoa powder to smoothies, cereals, oatmeal, baked goods, pancakes, coffee, yogurt, mix with peanut butter or add to fruit.

References

Journal Article A Hahn, Joshua A Virk, Hafeez Ul Hassan A Wang, Zhen A Tang, Wai Hong WA Krittanawong, Chayakrit
T Abstract 14006: Cardiovascular Health Benefits of Theobromine in Cacao and Chocolate D 2021 J Circulation P A14006-A14006 V 144 N Suppl_1 R doi:10.1161/circ.144.suppl_1.14006 U https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/circ.144.suppl_1.14006
Mengjuan Zhang, Haifeng Zhang, Lu Jia, Yi Zhang, Runwen Qin, Shihua Xu, Yingwu Mei,
Health benefits and mechanisms of theobromine,
Journal of Functional Foods,
Volume 115, 2024, 106126,
ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2024106126.
Martínez-Pinilla E, Oñatibia-Astibia A, Franco R. The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption. Front Pharmacol. 2015 Feb 20;6:30. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00030. PMID: 25750625; PMCID: PMC4335269.
Fusar-Poli L, Gabbiadini A, Ciancio A, Vozza L, Signorelli MS, Aguglia E. The effect of cocoa-rich products on depression, anxiety, and mood: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(28):7905-7916. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1920570. Epub 2021 May 10. PMID: 33970709.
Jackson SE, Smith L, Firth J, Grabovac I, Soysal P, Koyanagi A, Hu L, Stubbs B, Demurtas J, Veronese N, Zhu X, Yang L. Is there a relationship between chocolate consumption and symptoms of depression? A cross-sectional survey of 13,626 US adults. Depress Anxiety. 2019 Oct;36(10):987-995. doi: 10.1002/da.22950. Epub 2019 Jul 29. PMID: 31356717.
Ludovici V, Barthelmes J, Nägele MP, Enseleit F, Ferri C, Flammer AJ, Ruschitzka F, Sudano I. Cocoa, Blood Pressure, and Vascular Function. Front Nutr. 2017 Aug 2;4:36. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2017.00036. PMID: 28824916; PMCID: PMC5539137.
Lin X, Zhang I, Li A, Manson JE, Sesso HD, Wang L, Liu S. Cocoa Flavanol Intake and Biomarkers for Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Nutr. 2016 Nov;146(11):2325-2333. doi: 10.3945/jn.116.237644. Epub 2016 Sep 28. PMID: 27683874; PMCID: PMC5086796.
De Araujo QR, Gattward JN, Almoosawi S, Silva Md, Dantas PA, De Araujo Júnior QR. Cocoa and Human Health: From Head to Foot–A Review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016;56(1):1-12. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2012.657921. PMID: 24915376.
De Araujo QR, Gattward JN, Almoosawi S, Silva Md, Dantas PA, De Araujo Júnior QR. Cocoa and Human Health: From Head to Foot–A Review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016;56(1):1-12. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2012.657921. PMID: 24915376.
Zhao B, Gan L, Yu K, Männistö S, Huang J, Albanes D. Relationship between chocolate consumption and overall and cause-specific mortality, systematic review and updated meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2022 Apr;37(4):321-333. doi: 10.1007/s10654-022-00858-5. Epub 2022 Apr 23. PMID: 35460393; PMCID: PMC11329947.
Ried K, Fakler P, Stocks NP. Effect of cocoa on blood pressure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 25;4(4):CD008893. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008893.pub3. PMID: 28439881; PMCID: PMC6478304.

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Cocoa Powder

Cocoa Powder

Why should you add it to your diet

Theobromine

And other Anti-oxidants

Summary of benefits

Take the first step to your healthiest self.

Best way to eat cocoa Power?

eat delicious while burning extra fat

Cocoa powder should be at least 75% cocoa. However, data suggests a higher percentage promotes better health outcomes. You can add cocoa powder to smoothies, cereals, oatmeal, baked goods, pancakes, coffee, yogurt, mix with peanut butter or add to fruit.

References

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