Cocoa is the seed of a plant that is commonly used to produce chocolate. Cocoa contains nutrients that are beneficial to health, which may be used to treat or prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. The fat from the cocoa bean may also be used to protect the skin from wrinkles and stretch marks. However, despite its many benefits, consumers should consume cocoa in moderation to prevent possible side effects.
Benefits of Cocoa
It is believed that consuming cocoa may be beneficial in many ways. This is because cocoa contains calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and various minerals. That are necessary for the growth of the body, such as potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, etc., as well as many other substances such as antioxidants flavonoids, epicatechin, catechin, procyanidin, etc.
However, the important substances in cocoa have some positive effects on the body. Therefore, some research has investigated the benefits of cocoa as follows:
Treat heart disease
Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, etc. These health problems can be life-threatening.
One human study found that consuming cocoa products may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Similarly, several human trials have also suggested that regular consumption of cocoa-based foods. Which are rich in flavonoids, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, and improve blood vessel function.
While these studies suggest benefits of cocoa. ยูฟ่าเบท Consumers should wait for larger trials to determine the optimal dose and form of cocoa that is most effective therapeutically.
Reduce blood pressure
High blood pressure is a condition in which there is higher than normal pressure in the arteries over a long period of time, which can lead to health problems such as heart disease if not treated properly.
Since the flavonoids found in cocoa may increase the body’s production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, some studies have found that cocoa-based foods may cause healthy adults to have a small, short-term lower blood pressure. Additionally, several human studies suggest that cocoa consumption may improve the function of blood vessel walls, lowering blood pressure in people at risk for high blood pressure, as well as in people with coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
However, consumers should wait for more long-term research to confirm cocoa’s ability to lower blood pressure. If you want to consume cocoa for medical purposes, you should consult your doctor about appropriate consumption guidelines.
Reduce cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is in the bloodstream. Although the human body needs cholesterol to help in various processes, too much cholesterol in the body can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, a study was conducted in which 42 volunteers drank milk mixed with cocoa powder for 4 weeks. The experiment found that consuming cocoa can help reduce blood fat levels, which may increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol that reacts with certain substances to form free radicals, especially in patients with a high risk of coronary heart disease.
In addition to taking care of yourself to stay away from high cholesterol, such as exercising regularly or avoiding foods high in fat, eating cocoa may be one way to help lower cholesterol levels. However, this experiment is only a small experiment. Therefore, there should be more research on the effectiveness of cocoa in the future.
Treat diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the pancreas not being able to produce enough insulin or not being able to produce it efficiently. This results in high blood sugar levels that damage various organs, especially blood vessels and nerves.
Human research from 8 European countries has found that foods rich in flavonoids such as cocoa may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Another study also indicated that consuming cocoa products in people who have controlled their diet and blood sugar levels may also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, these studies are only a collection of questionnaire responses and trials in specific samples. Therefore, we must wait for more research or evidence in the future to support the results of the research more.
Anti-asthma
Asthma is a disease in which the bronchial tubes contract and narrow due to chronic inflammation, making the bronchial tubes more sensitive to stimuli entering the body than normal people. Patients may have difficulty breathing, cough, wheezing while breathing, and shortness of breath. Although asthma is not a serious health problem for some people, if the symptoms of the disease become severe, it can be life-threatening.
It is reported that unsweetened natural cocoa powder is rich in anti-asthmatic compounds such as theobromine and theophylline. Therefore, a study was conducted on mice. The results showed that consuming cocoa powder in this form may help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. When consumed in the same amount as used in the experiment. However, further studies in humans are needed to confirm this property before conclusions can be drawn, as this research was only conducted on animals.
Have good mental health
In addition to the effects of cocoa on physical health, it also affects mental health. Mental health means having a happy state of mind, which can help us cope. With stress in life, work effectively, and be able to live in society.
From the experimental study in the group of men. With similar socioeconomic characteristics, it was found that the elderly who like cocoa may have better health. Be more optimistic, and have better mental health than those who like other types of snacks. However, these studies only collected data through questionnaires, making the results insufficient to confirm the effectiveness of cocoa. Therefore, further research should be conducted.
lose weight
Weight loss can be caused by voluntary actions such as diet or exercise. And by conditions we don’t want to happen, such as cancer or chronic inflammation. In general, weight loss is the result of a decrease in body fat. But if weight loss is severe, the body can lose protein and other essential nutrients.
An 18-week animal study found that consuming a cocoa supplement may reduce the rate of weight gain. And increase the amount of fat excreted in the feces in mice fed a high-fat diet. However, those who want to consume cocoa for this purpose should always consult a doctor first. Since this research was conducted on animals. It cannot be confirmed that it can be used for weight loss safely. However, weight loss can be done in many ways, such as changing eating habits, exercising, and getting enough sleep. It should be done within the limits of moderation to avoid negative effects on health later on.
Beneficial to the skin
Our skin changes as we age, and may develop wrinkles, age spots, or dryness. If the skin becomes more fragile and the fat on the face decreases, it can also cause the skin to become uneven and sag.
As for the benefits of cocoa for the skin, a study in 10 healthy women was conducted, in which they consumed cocoa beverages with high and low flavonoid content. It was found that the cocoa beverage. With high flavonoid content may improve blood flow under the skin and oxygen concentration in the blood. Similarly, another study in two groups of women revealed that eating foods containing cocoa flavonoids may help protect the skin from the sun. Improve blood flow under the skin, and promote the outer layer of the skin to look beautiful and maintain moisture.
However, the benefits of cocoa for skin have not been clearly confirmed because these research studies are only small sample groups. Therefore, further research in this area is needed.