Cocoa beans are the main raw materials for the production of cocoa powder and chocolate, the almond seeds of which grow in tropical regions of the world. Until the nineteenth century, cocoa beans were used as small change money for the Indians, which is why they were even counterfeited. The beans of the chocolate tree are rich in chemical composition and have beneficial properties.
The evergreen cocoa tree belongs to the Strekuliev family and the Theobroma genus. Currently cultivated in tropical climates. Cocoa beans are located in the pulp of the fruit, thirty to fifty pieces, have an almond shape. Each bean is about three centimeters long. The pod consists of a hard core, which is formed by two cotyledons, a hard shell and an embryo. Freshly harvested fruits do not have the aroma and flavor characteristics of cocoa powder and chocolate. They are pale in color and have a bitter taste. To improve aroma and taste, the beans are fermented on plantations and dried.
The main semi-finished products are obtained from cocoa beans in the process of technological processing: cocoa butter, cocoa mass, cocoa cake. Cocoa butter and cocoa liquor are used to make chocolate; cocoa powder is obtained from the cake.
Cocoa beans composition
The chemical composition of cocoa beans contains a large amount of useful natural substances. Until now, scientists continue to study the biological active substances that are contained in the fruits of the tree. Among them are valuable and irreplaceable for the human body: magnesium, serotonin, tyramine, histamine and others. In addition, cocoa beans contain caffeine, saccharides, tannins, organic acids, cellulose, polysaccharides. It is in the mineral and vitamin complex that the exceptional benefits of cocoa beans for the human body lie.
Useful properties of cocoa beans
Tryptophan, which is found in cocoa beans, has antidepressant and sedative effects. It's not for nothing that they say that chocolate contains the hormone of joy. This product (cocoa beans), when consumed regularly, is able to prevent diabetes, stroke, myocardial infarction, and the occurrence of cancerous tumors. Such a range of possibilities was obtained thanks to the epicatechin contained in the beans. Cocohil, found in cocoa beans, promotes the restoration and growth of damaged skin cells. Cocoa bean drink contains three times more antioxidants than green tea, five times more than black tea.
The unique fruits in their raw form are incredibly healthy for the body. They restore hormonal and energy balance, improve vision, raise tone, increase efficiency, and have an antidepressant effect. The beneficial substances of cocoa beans increase the protective functions of the body. Drinking cocoa normalizes the menstrual cycle, eliminates apathy and rejuvenates.
