Benefits of Natural cocoa powder

As people are moving towards fitness, they tend to avoid chocolates even if they are craving for it, because they have a mentality that it’s fattening and unhealthy. Although a lot of chocolate products are unhealthy and calories dense, it is due to the addition of dutch chocolate substances such as sugar and not to the cocoa itself. In fact natural cocoa powder has so many health benefits. Dutch chocolates are also healthy as they contain natural cocoa powder. Here are some benefits of natural cocoa powder:

Antidepressant

According to Elson Hass in his book “Staying Healthy with Nutrition,” cocoa may provide antidepressant benefits. He explains that cocoa contains the substance phenethylamine, which is a neurotransmitter and is found in the brain that acts as a mood elevator and natural antidepressant.Cocoa may also have the ability to boost endorphins, which act as natural “happy” opiates and are responsible for the highs that are often felt after exercising, laughing, having sex or winning the lottery.

Antioxidant

Cocoa also contains approximately 43.6 mg of flavonoids per gram. Flavonoids are part of a powerful group of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Cocoa is one of the highest polyphenol-containing foods. In addition, hot cocoa contains more antioxidants per cup than a serving of red wine or tea, and Science Daily explains it may even be the healthiest choice of the three.Cocoa may help to fight cancer, heart disease and aging through its antioxidant boosting effect.

Additional benefits

In addition to the above possible health benefits of cocoa powder, UMIM says that cocoa may lower LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots, increase blood flow to the arteries, lower high blood pressure, boost cognitive performance and provide essential minerals such as calcium and potassium.

Despite all of the possible benefits, University of Michigan Health System warns that cocoa contains caffeine, which may have negative effects, such as insomnia, on caffeine-sensitive individuals. It also contains oxalates, and increased oxalate levels can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

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