Cocoa is the fruit that grows on the cocoa tree ( Theobroma cacao ) and whose beans are wrapped in thick-shelled pods.
It is the essential ingredient with which chocolate is made.
PROPERTIES OF PURE COCOA
Pure cocoa is a powerful natural stimulant given the presence of theobromine in its composition. This is a substance with properties similar to caffeine, an alkaloid also present in minimal quantities in pure cocoa. The two substances contribute to the stimulating action that pure cocoa exerts on the body, that is, cocoa also contains minimal amounts of caffeine.
WHAT IS THEOBROMINE?
In 1841, it was first discovered in cocoa beans by a Russian chemist by the name of Alexander Woskresensky . The term theobromine is derived from Theobroma. In Greek, Theobroma means " food of the gods."
BENEFITS OF THEOBROMINE
- Produces a feeling of well-being
- Acts as a mild diuretic
- Relaxes blood vessels
- Relaxes smooth muscles
- Acts as an aphrodisiac
- It is a mild stimulant of the nervous system
The most common varieties are Forastero, Criollo and Trinitario.
For consumption, the ripe cocoa beans are fermented until a controlled degree of acidity is obtained and their good flavor is achieved, and then they are ground.
From this grinding, cocoa paste or liquor is extracted. If the butter is also extracted, it ends up in cocoa cake to then be pulverized and obtain cocoa powder.
Cocoa in its natural raw or roasted state is also a food in itself, that is, you can obtain Cocoa Nibs, which are part of the wide variety of gourmet preparations.
Currently, due to the improvement in fermentation processes, as well as the alternation in the plantations of cocoa trees in the middle of fruit trees, cocoa obtains the exquisite aromas so preferred by the chocolate industry.
It is also a food that provides a great energy contribution due to its high carbohydrate content without adding extra fat, since the presence of lipids is minimal. Cocoa also has notable anti-inflammatory properties.
As if all these good qualities were not enough, among the properties of pure cocoa we must highlight its antioxidant capacity, highly beneficial for the body when it comes to stopping the action of free radicals. In addition, cocoa promotes the secretion of endorphins, the hormones of happiness. Perhaps this is the reason why chocolate, made from cocoa, is considered a food with aphrodisiac properties .
Among the properties of pure cocoa, we must also emphasize the amounts of group B vitamins, specifically B12 and B6, which it contains and which make it a food with protective properties for the cognitive functions of the brain. To all these good properties we must add the amount of minerals that cocoa provides the body, which give this food a remineralizing capacity to keep bones and muscles in top shape.
BENEFITS OF PURE COCOA
As long as there are no contraindications, in moderate quantities and within a balanced diet, pure cocoa can provide a series of important health benefits, including:
- It is a food with prebiotic effects that takes care of the intestinal flora , promoting the development of 'good' bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and slowing the growth of 'bad' bacteria. Discover what probiotic and prebiotic foods are .
- It is estimated that pure cocoa is good for keeping the immune system in good condition .
- Some studies, the results of which are reported in the Journal of American College of Cardiology, indicate that the flavonoids contained in cocoa would be beneficial for maintaining blood pressure at appropriate levels, thus contributing to cardiovascular health.
- The flavonoids and other antioxidant substances in cocoa promote the good condition of tissues at the cellular level and are also allies of younger skin, with correct hydration and density.
- The pure cocoa present in high quantities in dark chocolate promotes thermogenesis, that is, the increase in body temperature and, with it, the 'burning' of a greater amount of accumulated fat
- Pure cocoa is good for keeping the immune system in good condition .
- As demonstrated by scientists at Harvard Medical School, the consumption of dark chocolate—with at least 60 to 70% cocoa—decreases levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol and increases “good” cholesterol. .
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF PURE COCOA
Pure cocoa is a food full of good properties, which does not present contraindications or unwanted side effects in most cases, as long as its intake is not excessive. Even so, there are some situations in which its consumption must be restricted or directly eliminated.
Pure cocoa is an important source of energy, which reaches the body directly, so, if you suffer from obesity, its consumption is not advisable. It must also be remembered that in large quantities its stimulant effects could overexcite the nervous system , triggering anxiety or even heart rhythm disturbances, something that people who suffer from a nervous or cardiovascular disease should take into account.
It is estimated that ingesting large quantities could cause pure cocoa to end up causing an abnormal increase in urination and also stomach problems , mainly diarrhea.
References
WHERE DOES ANDEAN VALLEY CACAO COME FROM?
This cocoa has been made from the cocoa produced in the VRAEM area (Valleys of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers), benefiting families from remote areas who travel by canoes and boats through the rivers to get their cocoa to market. from the jungle.
The transportation for the verification of organic production demands sacrifices on the part of the inspectors as well as those in charge of the field, then the transportation of the cocoa beans to the industrial collection site is also carried out with considerable difficulty, hence the importance of assessing this product that has been processed under strict quality standards