Cocoa powder, extracted and prepared from cocoa beans, has a wide range of amazing health benefits.
Cocoa was reportedly first cultivated in South America. Some Spanish Conquistadors, during exploration, introduced cocoa powder to European countries. Since the 1850s, steam-powered machines were employed to prepare cocoa powder. Can you imagine how much cocoa is consumed annually worldwide? The amount is as high as 4.5-5 million tons. Cocoa powder contains a good amount of iron, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. Go through this article to know about some exciting health benefits of cocoa powder.
Cocoa powder improves cognition:
It is scientifically proven that cocoa powder can improve your cognition. It increases your attention and memory. It can be beneficial for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease too. To restore cognitive performance ata younger age, you can consume cocoa powder.
Cocoa powder improves the immune system:
Due to the abundance of zinc, iron, and selenium, cocoa powder is extremely beneficial for your immunity. It boosts your immunity and prevents various diseases from happening.
The cocoa powder reduces the side effects of radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy is applied to a patient suffering from cancer. This helps in the selective killing of cancer cells. However, radiotherapy has severe side effects like loss of hair, lethargy, lack of energy, and so on. Consumption of cocoa powder helps in preventing those side effects. Selenium obtained from cocoa powder helps in this process.
Cocoa powder improves muscle and nerve functioning:
Magnesium obtained from cocoa powder help extensively in muscle contraction. It also improves nerve functioning. This helps in reducing the risks of neurological disorders. Any type of muscle requires magnesium for proper functioning. Sufficient magnesium helps in the better functioning of heart muscles.
Cocoa powder enhances the wound healing process:
Zinc obtained from cocoa powder improves the wound healing process. If there is any major external injury, the cocoa powder helps in quick recovery.
Cocoa powder lowers the risks of heart ailments:
A healthy heart is characterized by proper muscle functioning, good blood circulation, and proper blood pressure. All these things can be obtained by the consumption of cocoa powder. Flavonols, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals improve the functioning of the heart. They also prevent cell damage. Due to the fat-lowering effect, the heart remains healthy.
The cocoa powder reduces inflammation:
Cocoa powder is enriched with theobromine. This reduces inflammation. This helps in protecting the human body from any inflammatory disease like cancer.
Cocoa powder helps in the weight loss process:
Phytonutrients obtained from cocoa help in the reduction of body cholesterol. They also promote better metabolism. These two aspects help in a weight loss program. However, excess consumption may lead to weight gain.
So, the consumption of cocoa powder is safe and associated with numerous health benefits.
