Benefits of cocoa, a very battered superfood

If we compare the many benefits of cocoa with the good things that other superfoods bring to our body, it is easy to see that it wins by a landslide. The fruit of the cacao tree has been used as a natural remedy since ancient times. And not just the seeds: The cocoa bark, butter and flowers have also been used since ancient times to treat various diseases. Include a small portion of dark chocolate with no added sugars and add flavor and health to your diet.

The 9 main benefits of cocoa

1. Improves cardiovascular health

Most of the benefits of cocoa are due to the fact that it is high in flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and help protect cell damage while strengthening the heart. It prevents the formation of fatal blood clots, which can lead to stroke or heart failure.

2. Relieves asthma

A study published in 2014 in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology suggests that unsweetened cocoa powder has anti-asthmatic properties as it contains theobromine, xanthine and theophylline, which help to relax bronchial spasms and open the bronchial tubes. This facilitates easy air flow and helps improve asthma and allergies.

3. Lowers blood pressure

Another benefit of cocoa is that it helps reduce blood pressure levels. Research shows positive changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and helps maintain a healthy circulatory system. This is due to the presence of antioxidants that stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which helps to keep the blood vessels relaxed and improves their elasticity.

4. Helps prevent cancer

Cocoa has shown beneficial effects by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells without affecting the growth of normal healthy cells. Flavanols and procyanidins have chemopreventive and antiproliferative qualities and have proven extremely valuable in the treatment of various types of cancer, including colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Beneficios del cacao

5. Regulates cholesterol levels

A 2004 study shows that another benefit of cocoa is that it has hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties that lower glucose and cholesterol levels, respectively. Therefore, cocoa helps reduce the levels of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body and provides a marked increase in the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in the body.

6. Relieves constipation

The consumption of cocoa exerts therapeutic effects in the treatment of chronic constipation and diseases of the intestinal function. Being rich in fiber, regular consumption of cocoa improves intestinal function. This is because it improves intestinal transit, increases the frequency of bowel movements and softens the consistency of the stool without inducing any other side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort.

7. Helps maintain a stable weight

Certain studies have shown the potential benefits of cocoa in preventing obesity induced by a high-fat diet. Its intake helps to modulate lipid metabolism and reduce the synthesis and transport of fatty acids. It also improves thermogenesis, which is the mechanism of heat production in white adipose tissues and the liver.

8. Reduces chronic fatigue syndrome

Cocoa powder also acts as a pain reliever for people with chronic fatigue. Its mitigating effects are attributed to the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, anandamide, and phenylethylamine in the brain that exert protective effects on neuronal cells and help fight chronic fatigue syndrome.

9. Improves mood

The consumption of cocoa powder has shown antidepressant effects on certain physiological processes. Its flavanols help improve mood, fight depression and improve concentration during intense mental effort. The presence of the neurochemical phenylethylamine in it also helps to enhance feelings of satisfaction and can act as an aphrodisiac.

10. It is good for the skin

The consumption of cocoa, rich in flavanols, helps reduce the effects of erythema induced by ultraviolet rays and reduce roughness and flaking of the skin. It also helps improve elasticity, and increases the hydration and density of the skin. In addition to taking it, you can also use it to prepare various skin care products.