Cocoa Powder
I’m sure it hasn’t passed you by that cocoa has a lot of health benefits. But what are they? Let’s look at them, and especially cocoa powder, which is easily accessible for most of us.
Magic beans!
Cocoa, which has been in use for thousands of years, and came to Europe in the 16th century when brought back from Central America by Spanish conquerors. It’s thought to have been first used by the Mayans. We’ll look at health benefits of cocoa in general here, but also specifically cocoa powder, as that is often the easiest form in which a lot of people can access cocoa (for example here in the UK, it is an ingredient you expect to find in the supermarket, whereas cocoa butter and other ingredients are maybe not as common). Also, cocoa powder is so easy to add to your diet in tons of different ways!
The cocoa (or cacao) bean is technically a seed, from the theobroma cacao tree. You can extract cocoa solids and cocoa fats from it. Cocoa beans form the basis of chocolate. Cocoa powder is made by crushing the beans and removing the butter.
Is one of the first words that pop into your head “antioxidants” when you try to think of health benefits for cocoa? Well, you are spot on if so! Polyphenols are antioxidants that you find in vegetables and fruits, but also red wine and cocoa. Yay! They lower your blood pressure, blood sugar level and inflammation, and can help your blood flow. Be aware of what form your cocoa comes in though, as the polyphenol levels (especially the polyphenol flavanol) can be lowered significantly if the cocoa is treated with alkaline to reduce the bitter taste.
There has been significant research done into the connection between dark chocolate (high in cocoa) and heart health. I guess we really, really want to know that this is good for us! But luckily, both the studies, involving thousands of people, and reviews of them, have concluded that there is a clear connection between dark chocolate and lower risks of heart problems, and even stroke!
Cocoa is also good for your brain! The polyphenols help blood flow to your brain, and can improve mental performance. Cocoa and chocolate can also reduce stress and improve your mood - and studies even suggest that if a pregnant mother eats a small amount of dark chocolate regularly, it can positively impact their baby’s mood! Wow! So enjoy, mothers to be!
There’s sooo much on cocoa and health benefits out there, but I’ll leave you with this last little bit I found: cocoa consumption is also good for your tooth, gum and skin health! It can protect against cavities and gum disease, and it improves blood circulation and the texture of your skin, and even contributes towards sun protection!
I love having a slightly bitter hot “chocolate” which is actually just milk and cocoa powder, and maybe a tiny drop of sweetener. Try it! You’ll get used to - and even start loving - that bitterness very quickly. I also have some cocoa powder in a shaker, and drizzle it over my toast with peanut butter and mashed banana for my breakfast. A match made in heaven! You can even drizzle some over your homemade granola, you will be so extra but actually healthy at the same time!
Do you use cocoa powder, or any other form of cocoa? How do you use them in the kitchen? Message me on Instagram @TheFromScratchBody!
