For centuries, the Cocoa bean has been used as a base for chocolate making, providing a culinary delight.
Cocoa Beans are extremely rich in nutrients as well as bioactive compounds that are highly beneficial for the health of the human body. Care should be taken to select high-quality cocoa beans and consume them in balanced amounts. Incorporating cocoa beans into a healthy diet and active lifestyle like health benefits of giving up alcohol can provide health benefits, such as;
1. Maintaining Brain Health
Consuming cocoa beans with bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, proteins and theoblins can improve cognitive functions such as attention, focus and memory. Antioxidants such as flavonoids are instrumental in increasing blood flow to the brain, which improves brain function and protects neurons from damage. Antioxidants play an anti-aging role as they fight oxidative stress and free radical damage. This protects the brain from age-related cognitive decline. Antioxidants are helpful for maintaining healthy cognition.
The health benefits of cocoa beans consumed reasonable amounts can reduce symptoms of depression and improve mood with its ingredients (phenylethylamine and anandamine) through the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that contribute to feelings of happiness and relaxation.
2. Maintains Heart Health
The risk of heart disease can be prevented by consuming antioxidants in reasonable amounts. Antioxidants such as flavonoids can be found in Cocoa beans.
These compounds play a role in protecting the heart from free radical damage, flavonoids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function.
Not to forget that bioactive compounds in cocoa beans such as flavonols help lower blood pressure to prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of stroke.
Epicatechin compounds in cocoa beans also reduce LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) to maintain heart health.
Epicatechin increases blood flow to the heart and brain, optimizing their function. This prevents heart disease while improving cognitive function. Consuming cocoa beans can reduce the risk of blood clots so that heart attacks and strokes can be avoided.
3. Anti-Inflammatory And Antioxidant
The anti-inflammatory effects of the health benefits of chocolate covered coffee beans can reduce inflammation in the body and this reduces the risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
In addition, the powerful antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, epicatechins and procyanidins found in cocoa beans help protect cells from oxidative damage and free radicals. This again helps the body avoid chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Metabolic Health
The most important thing in metabolism is to maintain weight and also regulate blood sugar so as to improve metabolism. Consuming cocoa beans regularly can help you maintain your weight.
The fiber content in them provides a longer feeling of satiety, reduces the desire to eat excessively and controls appetite so that the body weight becomes healthier.
People with type 2 diabetes are advised to consume cocoa beans because it can help our body regulate blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity. When blood sugar weight can be controlled so that metabolism is increased, it will help burn fat and energy more efficiently.
5. Skin Health
The role of antioxidants is not only to maintain a healthy body but also to protect the skin from sun damage and reduce skin inflammation. Consuming cacao beans with their strong antioxidant content can improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging.
6. Increase Stamina
Cocoa Beans are a good source of calories. Calories are essential for the body to increase stamina and energy to perform various types of activities. Consuming cocoa beans provides a significant energy boost and extra stamina. Cocoa beans also contain caffeine, a natural stimulant that helps us stay awake and focused.
7. Maintains Bone and Dental Health
Mineral nutrients (calcium, magnesium and phosphorus) as well as flavonoids with their anti-inflammatory properties can maintain healthy bones and teeth.
It’s no secret that calcium and phosphorus are instrumental in maintaining healthy bones and teeth while magnesium plays a role in forming bones. Flavonoids, which are antioxidants, play a role in increasing bone density, reducing bone fragility and protecting bones from oxidative damage.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cocoa beans help reduce inflammation in the body, including in bone tissue and gums.
8. Boosts Immunity
Cocoa Beans are a good source of energy and are also high in minerals and antioxidants. These compounds are very helpful in increasing the body’s resistance and protecting against various types of diseases.
Consuming the high antioxidants in cocoa beans can protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress and inflammation in the body are caused by free radicals and these conditions can compromise the immune system.
Flavonoids in cocoa beans contribute to increased blood flow, allowing for more efficient distribution of oxygen and other essential nutrients to body cells including immune cells. This can improve immune response and strengthen the immune system.
Minerals such as iron in cocoa beans contribute to the production of red blood cells, which function as oxygen distributors throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to the risk of anemia, which causes fatigue and decreased endurance.
As a good source of energy, consuming cocoa beans can increase endurance and make you more prepared to deal with stress and daily activities
Cocoa Bean Nutrients
Various nutrients contained in Cocoa beans are ,
- Flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties and protect the body from free radical damage.
- Procyanidin, one type of flavonoid that definitely has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This compound can maintain heart health and also protect body cells from oxidative damage.
- Epicatechin, a type of flavonoid that can certainly improve heart health, cognitive function and protect the body from UV rays.
- Manganese, a mineral that acts as a coenzyme in the body’s biochemical reactions and helps metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
- Magnesium, a mineral that has many roles in body functions including bone health, electrolyte balance and muscle function.
- Copper, an essential oil present in Cocoa beans helps produce red blood cells, boosts the immune system and healthy nerve function.
- Iron, of course, is instrumental in the formation of red blood cells and the distribution of oxygen throughout the body.
Consumption of Cocoa Beans
Consuming cocoa beans is very easy. Cocoa Beans can be made into food and drinks to make it more efficient without reducing the benefits of the content contained in it.
- Dark chocolate, the health benefits of bittersweet chocolate as dark chocolate variant, contains at least 70% high cocoa content. Be sure to choose chocolate that is low in sugar and does not contain unhealthy chemicals or vegetable oils.
- Cocoa drinks, can be made using natural Cocoa powder without added sugar but substituted with low-fat or plant-based milk so as not to lose the deliciousness and nutrients.
- Cocoa powder for cooking, such as the health benefits of chocolate muffins for alternative variety of food and beverage recipes other than smoothies, oatmeal and cakes. Be sure to choose Cocoa powder without sugar or preservatives.