Discover the health benefits of cocoa and some of the scientific studies that prove the advantages of incorporating it into a daily diet.
When we talk about a healthy diet, cocoa (Theobroma cacao) emerges as one of the most important foods, with numerous scientific studies that put it on the list of the so-called superfoods. First, however, it is imperative to specify that beneficial cocoa is pure bitter or chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
Rich in proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, B vitamins, serotonin, tyramine, caffeine, theobromine and phenylethylamine, cocoa is an ally of the heart and brain, thanks to its antioxidant and antidepressant action.
Antioxidants in cocoa help to combat the action of free radicals, while theobromine and caffeine help to maintain levels of concentration. Serotonin (the “substance” of happiness and relaxation) and tyramine are beneficial against depression and anxiety disorders. In order to fully benefit from the properties of cocoa, it is necessary to consume it bitter, which can be used in various recipes, or good quality dark chocolate.
One of the reasons cocoa is a beneficial and healthy food is due to its high magnesium content. As we know, magnesium is an essential mineral, not only for physical well-being, but also for the balance of the nervous system.
Cocoa is also an excellent ally for a fit body. Recent findings have shown that consuming 20 grams per day of cocoa or dark chocolate can help you lose weight more quickly. The credit goes to the perfect combination of caffeine, theobromine and catechins, both fat burners and metabolism boosters. Finally, cocoa helps to lower blood sugar spikes as it reduces the absorption of glucose into the blood.
Cocoa has a real benefit, especially for those with high cholesterol, as it protects circulation and heart health. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that dark chocolate has surprising effects in reducing bad blood cholesterol and stabilizing blood pressure. This is thanks to polyphenols, natural antioxidants richly present in dark chocolate. Also, in this case, the indication is to consume 20 grams of per day.
Cocoa is an anti-aging food, as it neutralizes the production of free radicals in the body. The credit, once again, is for the high presence of polyphenols (very powerful antioxidants).
In order to keep your body and brain in shape, it may be sufficient to add a spoon of cocoa (strictly bitter) to milk (cow or vegetable drink) in the morning. Or consume two pieces of dark chocolate a day, perhaps together with a good cup of green tea (thus multiplying the anti-aging effect).
01 – Protege o sistema cardiovascular
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21875885/
02 – Aumenta a vasodilatação
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16418281/
03 – Baixa a pressão sanguínea
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20584271/
04 – Melhora o fluxo de sangue no cérebro
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16794461/
05 – Melhora a função vascular coronariana
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17984375/
06 – Desenvolve atividade neuro-protetiva
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2017.00019/full
07 – Reduz a inflamação
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18806104/
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Discover the health benefits of cocoa and some of the scientific studies that prove the advantages of incorporating it into a daily diet. When we talk about a healthy diet, cocoa (Theobroma cacao) emerges as one of the most important foods, with numerous scientific studies that put it on the list of the so-called superfoods. […]
more