Cocoa powder is widely used in cooking. Various desserts: cakes and pastries, sweets and chocolate drinks contain one or another amount of this substance. However, these delicacies not only spoil the figure when consumed excessively. In moderation, cocoa powder is good for the body.
Benefits of eating cocoa powder
After a chocolate treat or a cup of hot cocoa, many people feel better and fatigued. Such positive changes are possible not only due to the pleasant taste and wonderful aroma of treats containing cocoa powder. Cocoa beans contain a lot of nutrients. These are tonic ingredients - caffeine, theobromine, antidepressant phenylefinamil, and flavonoids. It is thanks to the presence of phenylefinamil, which stimulates the production of endorphins, that cocoa powder is able to have a relaxing effect, increase vitality, and give a feeling of joy.
Drinking cocoa in large quantities has a similar effect to coffee. Not surprisingly, caffeine is present in both drinks. Cocoa stimulates the nervous system, stimulates mental activity, allows you to cheer up, overcome fatigue and focus on your occupation.
It is not recommended for children under three years old to drink cocoa in order to protect their central nervous system from excessive excitement.
Theobromine is very effective for coughs and sore throats. Once cold, brew a cup of hot cocoa. Drinking such a medicine is not only useful, it also has a very pleasant taste.
Flavonoids have antioxidant properties. They slow down the aging process, protect cells, preventing them from being reborn into malignant ones. Flavonoids also strengthen blood vessels and have a beneficial effect on the entire circulatory system.
According to the latest research, cocoa contains more antioxidants than green tea.
Cocoa contains many trace elements necessary for the human body. These are iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium, manganese and zinc. Cocoa beans contain vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, A, C, E.
Cocoa powder in cosmetology
Cocoa powder is widely used in cosmetology. It contains oleic, stearic, palmitic, linoleic and lauric acids. These substances have a softening, toning, rejuvenating, moisturizing and regenerating effect on the skin. In particular, products made with cocoa are useful in winter, when the skin flakes and reddens under the influence of cold and requires special care.
Cocoa powder also helps in the fight against such a common female nuisance as cellulite. A very popular procedure is called "chocolate wrap". Cocoa butter or cocoa powder, mixed with honey and applied to the skin, not only stimulates the disappearance of the "orange peel", but also has a regenerating effect.
