When we think about consuming cocoa, the first thing that comes to mind is chocolate, which is perfectly normal since it is one of the most consumed sweets on the entire planet. However , pure cocoa, without sweeteners or emulsifiers, is a food with beneficial properties for our health, both physical and mental.
One of the best properties of pure cocoa is its high antioxidant content, even surpassing green tea , which is widely consumed for this reason. This makes it an ally when it comes to preventing cardiovascular diseases and slowing down the aging of our body's cells. But in addition to being a source of antioxidants, pure cocoa provides us with fiber, minerals and vitamins. All this makes it recommended for the heart, skin or fluid retention among other health problems.
Pure cocoa has a high nutritional value. In addition to antioxidants, fiber and vitamins, it provides us with calcium, which helps take care of our bones, and magnesium, which benefits the muscular and nervous systems. All these components mean that so many benefits are obtained from the consumption of cocoa.
Beyond the physical benefits, pure cocoa gives us a feeling of well-being . This is because it activates our nervous system by acting as a stimulant. An energetic food that at the same time favors the production of endorphins, causing our mood to improve.
Pure cocoa has so many positive properties that it is even used in the production of cosmetic products: from lip balms made with cocoa butter to reducing creams. Pure cocoa extract is good for the skin and helps reduce cellulite.
Depending on the way in which we consume it, we will obtain different benefits. It is consumed in seed form for its diuretic properties that help eliminate fluids from the body . The oil extracted from these seeds is used for skin problems such as burns or rashes.
But without a doubt the most pleasant way to consume it is to eat it. To avoid adding too many calories to our diet, it is advisable to consume it in powder form , or even in its natural seed form . We can also take it in the form of chocolate, but avoiding those in which it is mixed with milk . Nowadays we can easily find chocolate bars with more than 80% cocoa , which allows us to enjoy this delicious dessert without losing the benefits that cocoa brings to our health.