The Benefits of Cocoa for Health and Beauty

Did you know that cocoa is richer in antioxidants than green tea? It can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases, as well as cellular aging. To do this, take it on an empty stomach.

Cocoa is a food that’s rich in minerals, vitamins and fiber. Consuming it as a seed, powder or as pure chocolate will bring us numerous health benefits and we can also enjoy its delicious taste. In this article, we won’t only show you these benefits of cocoa, but also some ideas to apply it as a beauty product. Keep reading!

Main characteristics of cocoa

Did you know that cocoa is good for the heart, depression, asthma, dry skin, muscle aches, fluid retention, and diabetes? We’re going to explain all about the properties of theobroma, of Mexican origin, which was known as the food of the gods, along with some beauty tips prepared with cocoa butter.

First of all, it’s important to differentiate it from chocolate, which may contain a higher or lower percentage of cocoa. The more cocoa it contains, the more we’ll enjoy the healthy benefits of cocoa.

It’s also important to note that this is a stimulant, although less than coffee, and so you shouldn’t overdo it. People who suffer from their nerves and insomnia should avoid eating too much of it, as well as children, especially those who suffer from nervousness or hyperactivity.

Nutritional benefits of cocoa

Antioxidants

Cocoa has more antioxidants than green tea. Antioxidants help prevent aging and the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. To enhance its antioxidant properties take it on an empty stomach.

Magnesium

This food is rich in magnesium, a mineral that nourishes our nervous system and our muscles. If we have magnesium deficiency we can prepare a decoction of the peel sweetened with honey or stevia, or eat some seeds on an empty stomach.

Calcium

Thanks to the calcium it contains, this food helps to strengthen bones and teeth, among other properties. To enjoy its benefits, it’s important to consume the cocoa without sugar, as white sugar worsens the assimilation of calcium in our body.

Vitamin C

It contains vitamin C, a vitamin that helps to improve our defenses and prevent many diseases, as well as nourishing our bones, teeth, and skin.

Fiber

Being a food of vegetable origin, cocoa contains fiber, so it helps to eliminate toxic substances from the body and regulate the levels of glucose and fatty acids in the blood.

Tryptophan

Cocoa contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that leads to a nerve signal that produces happiness. That’s why it can be used to improve states of anxiety, irritability, depression, etc.

Therapeutic properties

Thanks to these excellent nutritional values, this food can have many benefits for those of us who are suffering from the following conditions and diseases:

• Consuming its seeds can be very beneficial for arrhythmias and to enhance memory and concentration. The seeds are diuretic, so they help us to eliminate liquids from our bodies.
• The oil extracted from the seed is used to treat skin problems, burns, wounds, and rashes.
• The tender leaves of the plant can be used to disinfect wounds.
• Cocoa flour or cocoa powder can help in cases of arteriosclerosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, etc. In cases of exhaustion and weakness mix it with honey and take a spoonful every morning.
• The infusion of seeds and/or leaves, which gives us the benefits of cocoa while avoiding its fat content, is very beneficial for asthma, tooth decay, and diarrhea.
• Cocoa butter, which is one of the main ingredients of lip balm, can be used for cracks in the lips or breasts, as well as on hemorrhoids and dry skin. We can also apply it directly to the skin in the case of muscular pains.

Cacao and beauty

Ingredients

• 25 g of cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 yogurt

Procedure

• Mix the ingredients well and apply the paste on your face for 20 to 30 minutes, once a week.

Homemade lipstick

Ingredients:

• 20 g (around an ounce) of beeswax
• 20 g cocoa butter
• 20 g of olive or almond oil
• Beetroot powder to give it a reddish color.

Procedure

• First, we put everything in a bain-marie (except the essential oils, which we’ll add when we turn off the heat) and let them melt.
• Then, mix it well and put it in molds, jars, or empty lipstick containers.
• Finally, once it has cooled, it’ll harden and will be ready to use.

Images courtesy of IITA Image Library and SimonQ