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Cocoa powder is a key ingredient in chocolate, decadent sweets, coffee, and a myriad of other baked goods that we consume on a daily basis. This natural superfood boasts a rich and complex flavor profile along with plenty of nutritional components that keep you healthy, energetic, and fit.
“Pure cocoa powder is a nutrient-packed substance with the power to boost both your physical and mental health.”, says the founder of Geohoney and the CEO of B A Barry Group, Mr Basem Barry.
But how can this delicious and savory ingredient improve your well-being? This is what this blog is all about. Here you will discover some surprising health benefits of pure cocoa powder that will definitely make you appreciate the special powers of this magical powder, so keep on reading till the end.
A Little About Pure Cocoa Powder
Nutritional Profile of Cocoa Powder
Health Benefits of Pure Cocoa Powder
Helps in Weight Management
Powerful Antioxidant
Improves Diabetes 2 Symptoms
Improves Brain Function
Regulates Blood Pressure
Enhances Immunity
Lowers the Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases
Mood Enhancing Effects
Can Alleviate Asthma Symptoms
Keeps Nerves and Muscles Healthy
Cocoa powder is derived from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao. The term Theobroma translates to “the food of the Gods”, while the word cacao has the literal meaning of “bitter water,” and nothing could describe this natural wonder better than that.
First cultivated in ancient South America, cocoa powder is now a key commodity in most households. Cocoa powder was introduced in Europe by Spanish conquistadors during the age of exploration.
Currently, the regions of the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), Ghana, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Brazil are the top producers of cocoa beans.
To make this powder, first, the cocoa beans are roasted, and then the shells are removed to obtain cocoa nibs. These nibs are milled in a nonalcoholic liquor. This liquor is then pressed to remove cocoa butter, and the leftover solid mass is broken down to get pure cocoa powder.
Cocoa powder is a powerhouse of nutrients. Natural and pure cocoa powder is minimally processed, which allows it to retain most of its minerals, fibers, and antioxidants that lead to its surprising health benefits.
A 2-tablespoon serving, or about 10 grams of cocoa powder, gives you
40 calories
2 grams of protein
3 grams of fat
2 grams of fiber
1.4mg of iron
50mg of magnesium
200mg of potassium
12mg of caffeine
200mg of Theobromine
Apart from that, cocoa powder is also a rich source of antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids as well as B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B7) and trace amounts of vitamins E and D.
The following are some key health benefits of pure cocoa powder that make it a perfect addition to your daily diet.
Moderate cocoa powder intake in coffee or baked goods has been found effective in weight management. Cocoa regulates energy consumption in your body and increases fat oxidation.
Moreover, cocoa is rich in phytonutrients but very low in unhealthy fats and sugars. It regulates your metabolism and enhances the feeling of fullness. Thus, by curbing appetite and reducing cravings, it ensures your weight loss efforts yield quicker and longer-lasting results.
Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids, which play a key role in managing the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, inflammation, and heart disease.
Since cocoa is a rich source of antioxidants, its regular use can help you fight free radicals, slow down ageing, enhance immunity, and help you attain a healthier and glowing skin.
Consumption of pure and unsweetened cocoa powder in moderate amounts has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. The presence of polyphenols or flavanols in cocoa powder regulates your blood sugar levels, which lowers the risks and complications associated with type 2 diabetes.
Cocoa powder contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which enhance blood flow to your brain. This reduces the risks of neurodegenerative diseases and enhances your cognitive and brain functions.
Regular use of cocoa powder helps you fight mental fatigue and improve memory and focus, which further enhances your brain health.
Another surprising healthy benefit of pure cocoa powder is that it can actually lower blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide dilates your blood vessels, leading to better blood flow and reduced strain on your heart.
Thus, by regularly consuming cocoa powder, you can reduce high blood pressure and its associated complications to a great degree.
Cocoa powder is rich in vitamins B, A, and E. It also contains plenty of minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, to name just a few. The combined effects of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in cocoa powder lead to much better bodily functions and enhanced immunity.
Cocoa powder is a rich source of epicatechin, which improves blood flow in the vessels, reduces LDL cholesterol, and increases HDL cholesterol. This way, it can not only reduce the symptoms of chronic heart diseases but also prevent future complications.
By raising nitric oxide levels in your body, the flavanol-rich cocoa powder reduces the risks of seizures, strokes, and heart attacks, leading to a much better performance of your cardiovascular system.
Pure cocoa powder has several bioactive compounds that stimulate endorphin production and boost serotonin levels. Regular use of cocoa powder is also associated with dopamine triggering, which instantly boosts your mood, reduces anxiety, lowers depression, relaxes your body, and enhances productivity.
Cocoa contains compounds like theobromine and theophylline, which have anti-asthmatic properties. These compounds reduce the inflammation or obstruction of your airways, which can be life-saving for people who suffer from chronic asthma.
Lastly, regular use of pure cocoa powder can keep your nerves and muscles in the best shape. The magnesium content of cocoa powder regulates muscle movements and protects nerve cells, thus reducing the risks of neurological disorders.
This way, it ensures your nervous system keeps functioning properly and your every muscle gets the right nutrition.
Pure cocoa powder is a lot more than a simple ingredient that you put in your coffee, baking items, or chocolate. It is a nutrient-packed and healthy commodity with incredible benefits for your fitness, health, and well-being.
Regular use of pure cocoa powder will enhance your immunity, improve cognitive abilities, enhance heart health, and prevent weight gain. This natural superfood keeps you fit both physically and mentally, and this is precisely why you need to make it a part of your active lifestyle.
Just make sure to source your cocoa powder from a reputable supplier and always consume it in moderation to experience its maximum health benefits for yourself.
Visit B A Barry Group today to check out our wide range of pure monofloral honey and other organic products to get the best value for your money.
