benefits of eating cocoa

10 benefits of eating cocoa

Although chocolate is the best known product made with cocoa, consuming it in other forms can be more beneficial for your health and beauty Not for nothing is known as the food of the gods, since the Aztecs and Mayas paid tribute for its great nutritional properties and of course, its flavor.

Three substances can be extracted from the cocoa seed: cocoa liquor, cocoa butter and cocoa powder. All of them are used to make different products, both edible and beauty; coverage of chocolate, chocolate desserts, bread, mole, soaps, creams, shampoo, among others.

According to nutritionist Yareri Sandoval, nutrition coordinator of the Mexican Diabetes Federation, and dermatologist Rosa María Ponce, this food has several benefits:

Nutritional properties

1. Cocoa tops the list of foods with the highest antioxidant content, almost similar to green tea and red wine.
2. It contains 50% fat in the form of lard, between 11 and 12% of proteins, 7 and 8% of starch, and the rest is constituted by water, fiber, essential organic acids and in smaller quantities it has sugar, theobromine, caffeine , and 300 more substances.
3. The highest magnesium content is found mainly in its raw form.
   To your health
4. The power of its antioxidants is associated with a protective action in the prevention and development of different pathologies due to oxidative stress, such as; cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, liver, gastric, colon, and diabetes.
5. Relieves stress thanks to theobromine, which stimulates the central nervous system, is softer than caffeine, and its effect is longer.
6. Consumption of dark chocolate with 60 or 70% cocoa can lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good (HDL).
7. Excellent for sexual performance. Its chemicals such as phenylethylamine, anandamide, and serotonin, are neurotransmitters responsible for stimulating endorphins in the brain responsible for feelings of well-being, pleasure, euphoria and excitement.
   For your beauty
8. Not ingested, but in the form of topical products, it has benefits of hydration for the hair and the reduction of cellulite.
9. A great antioxidant for the skin thanks to its flavonoids that protect against cellular damage exerted by free radicals.
10. It is a natural photoprotector, so it can help to prevent skin cancer.The best way to eat it According to a study done in New York, it has been shown that a cup of soluble cocoa is the drink that contains the highest concentration of antioxidants. "So the best way to take advantage of its properties is in a soluble form, that is, dissolved in milk or water, and hot," says nutritionist Yareri.

• Tip of the experts: Consume 2 to 3 times a week 1 to 2 ounces of dark or bitter chocolate with the highest content of cocoa and less sugar and saturated fats.

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