Cocoa Powder Benefits: Avocado & Cocoa Recipe

Many people simply love chocolate but avoid it because they think they will get fat. But, cocoa powder, is highly nutritious, has loads of health benefits and numerous uses. Whenever buying cocoa powder make sure you read the label. If it’s mentioned “dutch or alkalized cacao” the powder has lost over 90 % of its benefits by the processing phase. Choose the raw, nonalkalized version.



How is Cocoa Powder Made?

The cacao tree produces fruits that contain seeds or beans used for extracting cocoa. The seeds went through the process of fermentation, drying, roasting and transformed into a paste. After cocoa butter ( the fatty component) is extracted from the beans of cacao, the dry, unsweetened cocoa powder remains. In contrast, the fatty component of chocolate is cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is 50% to 57% from the cocoa bean and is the one that gives chocolate melting characteristics.

What Does Cocoa Contain?

One tablespoon of cocoa powder has 12 calories, 1 gram of protein, 1.8 grams of fiber,0.7 gr fat.This is 5 percent of the daily intake of men and 7 for women.Natural cocoa powder is light brown and has a pH ranged from 5.3 to 5.8. The processed cocoa powder is darker as brownish-red to black, with a pH varied from 6.8 to 8.1.The beverage producers have an advantage with the alkalization since it reduces bitterness and solubility.

1.Flavonoids

Cocoa powder is full of phenolic acid or the so-called flavonoids. The quality and quantity depend on the processing period. Mostly 10% of the cocoa’s powder weight are flavonoids. Flavonoids are of two types: epicatechin and catechin. Natural cocoa powder has 196 milligrams of epicatechin at 100 gr, unsweetened chocolate has 142 milligrams, dark chocolate has 84 milligrams.The sweeter it is, the fewer flavonoids it has. The flavonoids act as antioxidants that prevent inflammation. Epicatechin has the function to relax the muscles in blood vessels, improve blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

2.Minerals

Cocoa powder contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Cocoa powder is richer in minerals than cocoa butter or cocoa liquorJust 1 tablespoon contains 3 to 9 percent of the daily intake of iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc.  Iron helps with the production of red blood cells and helps our immune system. Manganese is essential for protecting our cartilage and bones and having an antioxidative power. Magnesium helps to maintain an average heart rate. Zinc produces new cells and improves our immune system.

Cocoa Benefits

Recently it has been discovered that cocoa may lower LDL cholesterol, reduces high blood pressure, and boost cognitive performance.Here are some important benefits of cocoa powder:

1. Antidepressant Effects

Cocoa contains a substance called phenethylamine, a neurotransmitter which plays an antidepressant role.Cocoa can increase the level of endorphins, which act as mood elevators making us happy and balanced. It can also boost serotonin levels that are responsible for excitement and relaxation.

2.Antioxidant

Cocoa also contains many flavonoids. Flavonoids are in fact healthy antioxidants known as polyphenols. So whenever drinking hot cocoa remember it contains more antioxidants per cup than red wine or even tea! Drinking cocoa may help fight cancer, heart disease, and aging.What is very important in what regards usage of good cocoa is the alkalized process which reduces the effect of antioxidants. So, be sure you buy high-quality cocoa powder.

How safe Is It to Use?

Cocoa and cacao powders may contain a toxic heavy metal called cadmium. The European Union has established a limit for cadmium at 0.6 µg per gram but, United states of America have no limits established. Cocoa also contains caffeine, which has adverse effects like insomnia , headaches and heart beats. If you are a caffeine-sensitive individual, you have to be aware of the amount of cocoa ingested. Cocoa also contains oxalates that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

Serving Tips

You can enrich your salads by adding a vinaigrette made from vinegar, olive oil, and cocoa powder. You can use mixed cocoa powder with chili powder, cayenne pepper or garlic on meat like beef, chicken or fish. Mexican sauce (cocoa powder, onion, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and broth) is wonderful served over chicken, pork and enchiladas. Use unsweetened cocoa powder in espressos , protein shakes and hot cereal.

Ingredients for avocado & cocoa shake
Put the ingredients in the mixer and add milk, yogurt or whipped cream if wanted. Serve hot during the Winter or add ice cream and ice during summer.It will take no more than 10 minutes and less than 200 calories per serving to do this delicious beverage.

Conclusion

 Whenever drinking a hot cup of cocoa take care, you stay relaxed and enjoy everything. Cocoa will make you feel happier and boost your energy levels to the peak. So, Christmas or not , try a cup every day! Just be sure you drink the high-quality ones. Choose a beautiful, comfortable spot and wait for the benefits to arrive…

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