Cocoa powder and its superb health benefits for us
Posted on: 28/Aug/2018 4:02:53 PM
We all love eating chocolates but how many of us really know what it contains.
After cocoa butter is extracted from the cocoa beans there are some remaining substances and the mixture of these remaining substances are known as cocoa solids. It is also called as cocoa powder or cocoa when sold as the end product. These cocoa solids make their presence felt in chocolate syrups, chocolates, chocolate confections etc. The cocoa power has minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus and potassium in it.
Some of the amazing benefits of consuming cocoa powder are
Lowers high blood pressure:
Lowering of BP and improving the elasticity of blood vessels are done by the flavonoids rich cocoa powder. Blood vessels are kept relaxed by the antioxidants in cocoa powder and these antioxidants help in the production of nitric oxide that relaxes the vessels.
Brain health gets improved:
Healthy brain is maintained due to the flavanol present in cocoa powder. Blood flow to the brain gets enhanced.
Balances cholesterol levels in us:
This is also one important health benefit of cocoa powder. Bad cholesterol or LDL levels are reduced and good cholesterol or HDL are increased in our body.
Diabetes is treated:
One major issue that is affecting many is diabetes issue. Improving insulin resistance and glucose metabolism is got by intake of cocoa powder. The sugar levels in us get regulated. Diabetes sometimes causes cataract formation and this cataract could be inhibited by the proanthocyanidins derived from the cocoa powder.
Bronchial asthma gets relieved:
Relaxing bronchial spasms plus opening constricted bronchial tubes is got by cocoa beans having xanthine and theophylline. Allergies like asthma and shortness of breath gets cured. Relief from bronchial asthma is achieved.
Healing is speeded:
The therapeutic and wound healing properties of cocoa powder are superb. Many infections in us are prevented by the cocoa extracts.
Prevents dental cavities in us:
It is said that cocoa powder has properties that enhances anti-enzymatic, antibacterial immune systems and these are beneficial for the oral health. Removal of bacteria from the teeth and making the teeth healthy is also made possible by cocoa powder intake.
