Chocolate has health benefits that are well known facts to many people. But how about looking deeper into the main ingredient used in making chocolate like cocoa? What do we know about cocoa, especially cocoa powder, an important ingredient that can be processed into many kinds of food? Want to know how healthy cocoa powder is? Let’s go and see it in this article from Hello Doctor.
Nutrients in Cocoa Powder
Cocoa is made from the seeds of the Cacao plant, a plant native to South America. It is an important raw material for making chocolate. A famous dessert menu that is popular all over the UFABET world. cocoa beans It needs to be processed in order to be able to use it in a variety of ways. One of them is cocoa powder. 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder gives
1 gram of protein, 13.7 grams of total fat, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of net carbohydrates, and rich in nutrients that are beneficial to the body, including magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper. Benefits of cocoa powder
If anyone is a big fan of Cocoa, they probably already know that the Hot Cocoa and Iced Cocoa menus are so delicious that they can’t resist. But in addition to the unforgettable deliciousness, cocoa also provides more benefits than that.
- help against cancer
Cocoa powder helps fight cancer because it is rich in antioxidants in higher amounts than conventional foods, whether it is green tea, black tea or red wine. The key antioxidants in cocoa are polyphenols. s (Polyphenols), Flavonoids (Flavonoids), Niacin (Niacin), which these important nutrients Experts agree that it helps Protect cells from being attacked by bacteria. Helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells Prevent existing cancer cells from spreading Stimulates cancer cell death
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
Flavonoids (Flavonoids) in cocoa powder are important to reduce the risk of heart disease. because it has properties in preventing blood clots And reduce the blockage of blood flow, which is beneficial to heart health. In addition, cocoa contains monounsaturated fat, saturated fat and oleic acid (Oleic acid) that helps keep heart healthy.
- reduce blood pressure
Flavonoids are still the protagonists in cocoa and cocoa powder. Studies have shown that those who regularly eat cocoa The expansion of blood vessels, which allows the blood to flow well. It also helps reduce stress that is another cause of high blood pressure as well.
Reduce insulin resistance
polyphenols (Polyphenols) in cocoa and cocoa powder. Help slow down the digestion process. Helps to absorb carbohydrates and sugar well. and polyphenols (Polyphenols) also contribute to the breakdown of glucose. to maintain a balanced blood sugar level and increase insulin resistance.
prevent dementia
polyphenols (Polyphenols) and flavonoids (Flavonoids) in cocoa have been found to stimulate brain function. Helps the blood to circulate to the brain well. It also helps prevent degenerative diseases of the nervous system. (Neurodegenerative) such as dementia (Dementia) Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s Disease)
Promotes good mood, reduces depression
Whenever you feel exhausted, depressed, sad, let Coco be your best friend. Nutrients in cocoa or cocoa powder Including chocolate made from cocoa, it helps to reduce lethargy. rejuvenate
help in weight loss
Are you another person who is looking for a weight loss aid? Eat and make you feel full for longer. Prevent fat accumulation and also increase fat burning as well. with research findings that people who eat cocoa Or eat foods that contain cocoa, such as chocolate, can lose weight faster than those who do not eat chocolate at all. But I recommend only dark chocolate.
Helps to balance mineral salts in the blood.
The problem of mineral salt in the blood is not balanced. Because the body does not have enough nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and sodium. which eating cocoa It will help the body get the nutrients in its entirety.
Cocoa is good for dental health
Eating cocoa regularly contributes to healthy oral health. Because in cocoa there is a substance called Theobromine (Theobromine) that helps to fight bacteria. and strengthen teeth But the important thing is that sugar should not be added to cocoa.
Side effects to watch out for
Although cocoa is an aid in good health. however Still, there are some recommendations and precautions for eating cocoa:
- people with anxiety Be careful eating cocoa. because of the caffeine in cocoa may result in irregular heartbeat
- People with diabetes should not eat large amounts of cocoa. as it can affect blood sugar levels
- People with acid reflux disease , eating cocoa powder May make existing symptoms worse.
- glaucoma Cocoa should be careful. Because the caffeine in cocoa can affect the pressure on the eyes.
- people with high blood pressure If eating cocoa can cause blood pressure to rise than it already is.
Eating cocoa, although not directly harmful to health. but those who already have health symptoms Should seek advice from a doctor and a specialist whether it can be eaten or not. And how much will not affect health The important thing is to know how to avoid sugar in eating cocoa powder for maximum health benefits.