Not easy to pick up for a child healthy food which he would enjoy eating. Cocoa will solve the problem, but only if the drink is brewed from natural grated cocoa beans.

Composition and calories

Cocoa - a storehouse useful substances and elements, but with a caveat. The benefit will be only from the powder from natural cocoa beans, and not from the soluble analogue, "enriched" with chemicals, dyes and flavors.

Chemical composition:

• selenium;
• potassium and phosphorus;
• magnesium and calcium;
• sodium and iron;
• manganese and zinc;
• vitamins of group B, PP, K.

The composition includes the alkaloid theobromine, which has a milder effect on the body than caffeine. Therefore, doctors allow children cocoa, unlike chocolate. Chocolate is made from the oil pressed from cocoa beans. The powder is made from the leftover cake, so it has less fat than butter. For a figure, cocoa is safer.

Calorie 100 gr. powder - 289 kcal. A mug of a drink on water without sugar - 68.8 kcal, of which fat - 0.3 g. will bring the figure more harm than cocoa. But don't get carried away with the drink either. 1-2 cups in the morning - the maximum dose per day.

The rich composition of beans is responsible for the health effects.

Helps the heart

In 100 gr. beans contain 1524 mg of potassium, which is half of daily allowance. Beans are also rich in magnesium: the elements are necessary for the normal contraction of the muscles of the heart. A lack of potassium leads to convulsions, irregular muscle movements and, as a result, to arrhythmias.

The benefits of cocoa are due to polyphenol substances, which have a wide spectrum of action. Where polyphenols appear, cholesterol plaques and blood clots disappear, and because of this, the vessels become cleaner.

Lowers blood pressure

Hypertension is a disease that many patients do not treat and do not consider it a pathology. At the first sign of high blood pressure, adjust your diet and include a cup of cocoa in the morning. The ability to reduce pressure is due to the aforementioned polyphenols.

Strengthens bones

AT kindergarten a mug of cocoa is included in the list of mandatory products, as the product is rich in calcium. Calcium is essential for bone cell division and strong bones. Teeth, immune and muscular systems suffer from its lack. In 100 gr. cocoa does not contain enough calcium to meet the daily requirement, so it is useful to consume cocoa with milk.

Prolongs youth

Cocoa leaves behind coffee and green tea according to the content of antioxidants: black tea contains 3313 units per 100 grams, green tea contains 520 units. And in cocoa 55653 units. And the drink is inferior to a few products: rose hips and vanilla.

The importance of antioxidants for humans increases with age, as more cells are destroyed by the action of waste products with age. Antioxidants do not allow decay products to “walk around”, neutralizing them.

Improves brain function

You can “charge” your brains with a mug of cocoa. The properties of the drink to act on the brain are explained by the presence of the antioxidant flavonol in the beans, which improves blood circulation. If there is good blood circulation in the brain, then the person does not suffer from absent-mindedness and inhibited thinking. Poor blood supply to the brain can cause vegetative-vascular dystonia, so the use of cocoa is a preventive measure against pathology and will help in the treatment of an existing disease.

Protects from sunburn

Cocoa trees are the children of hot countries, so they adapted to the burning sun and transferred the ability to fruits. The composition of the beans includes the pigment melanin, which neutralizes the negative effects of sunlight. A mug of drink will help to avoid sunstroke, overheating and burning. The benefits to the skin will appear even if the sunburn has already happened. Kokofil heals wounds, smoothes wrinkles and restores the epithelium.

uplifting

Cocoa is a group of antidepressant products. It cheers up and this is due to phenylephylamine. The chemical compound is secreted by the brain and gives a person a state of satisfaction, happiness and love. If a person is in love and feels sympathy, it means that phenylephylamine has “worked”. In its pure form, the compound refers to a drug, and in small quantities as part of the beans causes positive emotions. The properties of cocoa powder to influence the mood are also due to serotonin, which is similar in action to phenylephylamine.

Harm and contraindications of cocoa

Cacao trees grow in West Africa, Brazil and the Amazon forests - and there the requirements for sanitation are different from European ones. Infections, insects and pathogenic bacteria are present in 99% of fruits. The only way to clean the fruits is to treat them with poisons and chemicals.

Cocoa is a drink that everyone knows, but not everyone knows about it. useful properties Oh. Drinking a cup of cocoa every day promotes health and prolongs life.

The composition of cocoa beans includes proteins, carbohydrates, tannic, coloring, organic, aromatic, mineral substances, as well as caffeine and theobromine. Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, and theobromine reduces spasms of the brain and heart vessels. Cocoa is a drink-record holder for the content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in it. The beneficial properties of cocoa have been known for a long time. Cocoa powder contains proteins, valuable fatty acids that normalize blood cholesterol levels. It also contains a lot of fiber, vitamins, and most importantly, folic acid.

Cocoa has the ability to increase vitality and improve mood, due to its positive effect on the production of endorphin - the “hormone of joy”. Scientists have found that this product contains biologically active substances that increase efficiency and stimulate mental activity. Cocoa beans contain the antioxidant flavanol, which improves blood circulation in the brain and lowers blood pressure. Therefore, cocoa is recommended for people suffering from hypertension. A sufficient amount of flavanol is also found in dark chocolate. Scientists have found that excessive consumption of cocoa and chocolate adversely affects the body, so it is better not to abuse useful products. Even if a cup of cocoa a day prolongs life and maintains health, you should not drink more than two cups of a nutritious drink.

Many believe that cocoa, like chocolate, can harm the figure. However, this is not true. Weight gain is not due to the presence of cocoa in chocolate, but due to saturated fats, of which 100 grams of chocolate contains 20 grams, while one cup of cocoa contains only 0.3 grams. Yes, cocoa is a high-calorie product, but you should not be afraid of obesity, because it is impossible to abuse a cocoa drink, since even a small portion of it already causes a feeling of fullness. It is useful for people engaged in active mental activity to consume cocoa daily, preferably in the morning, since cocoa drink is considered an energy product. It will give energy during the day, but you should not drink it at night, since a cup of cocoa contains 5 mg of caffeine, which can lead to insomnia.

The mineral composition of cocoa is rich and varied. It contains a lot of iron, zinc, and it also contains the natural pigment melanin, which has the ability to absorb heat rays. Melanin protects the skin from UV rays, which can cause sunburn and sunstroke.

Cocoa is a valuable raw material for confectionery factories, has tonic and healing properties. It has found its application in the pharmaceutical, perfume and cosmetic industries. The composition of cocoa includes procyanidin, which helps in relieving stress, improves skin tone and elasticity, and also protects it from premature aging. A cocoa mask helps with peeling and tightness of the skin. For this, it is necessary to take a large number of cocoa and dilute it with milk to make a kind of paste, then add a little vegetable oil. Apply the paste on the face and neck for 20 minutes, remove with a cotton pad and then with water. After such a mask, the skin becomes very soft and tender.

Cocoa is one of the most popular drinks in the world. He is loved by both children and adults. It is saturated with vitamins and charges everyone with cheerfulness and good mood.

The history of the drink

Chocolate originated with the Aztecs, who lived in what is now Mexico. Growing cocoa trees, the Aztecs made powder from their fruits. The drink, which was prepared from this powder, gave strength, energy and vigor. He was especially popular among men.

The Spanish conquerors appreciated the delicious drink and brought cocoa fruits home to Europe, teaching their compatriots how to make chocolate. It was a drink very reminiscent of modern chocolate, to which sugar and vanilla are generously added. chocolate in a short time spread throughout Europe, and the Europeans managed to learn how to make chocolate. In France, Switzerland and England, they were especially successful in this. And nowadays the high quality of their drinks is known. But Russia did not lag behind European countries: at the beginning of the last century, Russian chocolate was highly valued on the world market.

The benefits of the drink

Cocoa beans grow on a chocolate tree that reaches 10 meters in height. 30-40 beans are hidden in the pulp of its fruit. They contain almost 300 substances that have different effects on the human body. The variety of components can bring health not only benefits, but also harm. How useful is cocoa? It contains many useful trace elements. These are vegetable protein, carbohydrates, organic acids, dietary fiber, fats, sugar, saturated fatty acids, starch. This drink is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as folic acid.

Cocoa will help restore lost strength to people who have had a cold. Also, scientists came to the conclusion that this drink contributes to longevity, because the beneficial properties of cocoa beans - antioxidants - help to delay the aging of the body.

Therefore, fashionable energy drinks that are unsafe for human health should be replaced delicious cocoa. What is the benefit of cocoa? It will give energy and will nourish the cells of the body without harming the body.

calories

100 grams of cocoa powder contains 200 - 400 kilocalories. There are less fats and carbohydrates in one cup than in a slice of chocolate. Drink remarkably saturates the body. Those who wish to lose weight may not avoid cocoa. Of course, you need to have a sense of proportion. It is preferable to drink a drink in the morning to recharge your batteries for the whole day.

For the cardiovascular system

Chocolate, containing more than 70% cocoa, has such beneficial properties as bioactive components. They can block the adhesion of platelets. What cocoa is useful for is its antioxidant properties, which are many times greater than those of orange juice, apples, black and even green tea. Flavanols have a good effect on metabolic phenomena in the body and prevent damage to blood vessels. Regular consumption of this drink contributes to more productive brain function. What are the benefits of cocoa powder? Flavanol, an antioxidant found in cocoa beans, will help improve cerebral circulation and normalize blood pressure. Therefore, this drink, like chocolate, is useful for those who have poor blood flow in the vessels of the brain.

Patients suffering from heart failure, this drink can help, as it contains a lot of potassium.

For muscles

If you use high-quality, not subjected heat treatment product, you can maximize the process of muscle recovery after heavy loads.

For the general condition of the body

The drink contains endorphins - substances that stimulate the production of hormones of joy. Therefore, after a person drinks it, his mood improves and the person feels cheerful and energetic.

Another useful property of cocoa is the substance epicatechin, which helps reduce the risk of the onset and development of diseases such as diabetes, stroke, stomach ulcers, cancer, heart attack. Also, scientists have found that wounds heal faster from this drink, and the skin rejuvenates. And all this thanks to procyanidin - a substance responsible for the health and elasticity of the skin. The natural pigment melanin is another benefit of cocoa. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays.

The polyphenols contained in cocoa beans do not allow free radicals to accumulate in the body, thereby preventing the onset of cancer.

Can pregnant women drink this drink?

But there are not only useful properties of cocoa. And the contraindication is pregnancy. Despite the fact that the drink contains many useful properties, during pregnancy it would be best to limit its use or refuse altogether. This is because this drink interferes with the absorption of calcium. But calcium is a vital element that ensures the normal development of the baby. A lack of calcium can harm the health of both the baby and the mother. In addition, the drink can provoke allergies.

Malicious Properties

The composition of the drink includes a small amount of caffeine (approximately 0.2%). But this must be taken into account, especially in the case of its use by children. There is a lot of conflicting information about caffeine. Since its benefits have not been proven, it is necessary to give cocoa to children with caution, as well as to those who have contraindications to the use of caffeine.

About the processing of cocoa beans

Countries that grow cocoa beans are known for poor sanitation. Of course, this cannot but affect products that contain cocoa. And cockroaches live in beans. Getting rid of them is almost impossible. In tropical countries, large plantations are treated with pesticides and fertilizers in large quantities. Cocoa is the most pesticide-intensive crop in the world. The beans are industrially subjected to a strong radiological treatment to remove pests. And this raw material is used to produce 99% of the world's chocolate!

The harmful effects of chemicals and radiation on human health cannot be underestimated. Of course, all manufacturers claim: their product is thoroughly cleaned and processed. But in practice, it is almost impossible to identify chocolate and powder that are made to accepted standards.

Who should not use

This drink should not be drunk by children under the age of three, as well as people suffering from such diseases:

Diabetes;

Sclerosis;

Atherosclerosis;

Gout;

Kidney diseases.

For people suffering from excess weight, it is better not to drink cocoa because of its high calorie. Those who are under stress or suffer from diseases of the nervous system are also not recommended to use cocoa.

Varieties

Cocoa has 3 main varieties:

Product industrial production. Similar cocoa is grown using a variety of fertilizers;

Industrial organic product. It is grown without the use of fertilizers, so this type of cocoa is the most valuable;

live product with high quality and price. It is harvested from wild trees by hand. His qualities are unique.

How to choose a quality product

It is not easy for an ordinary consumer to understand the quality of this drink. But it is possible to determine the general characteristics of a quality product. The most valuable natural product contains at least 15% fat. Natural powder of light brown or brown color without impurities. If you rub the powder between your fingers, then a good quality product will not leave lumps and will not crumble. During the brewing process, you can check the sediment: healthy and high-quality cocoa will almost not leave it.

When buying cocoa, you need to pay attention to the country of origin. There must be a chocolate tree.

How to cook

To make the drink tasty and reveal all the beneficial properties of cocoa butter, you need to add a teaspoon of sugar to three tablespoons of cocoa powder. Boil a liter of milk, and then add cocoa and sugar. And cook for at least three minutes over low heat. And what could be tastier and healthier than cocoa with milk?

But you can prepare the drink differently. Boil water first. Then pour sugar and cocoa into it and shake with a whisk to get an airy foam. At the end, add hot milk with a fat content of 3.5%. You can add a pinch of vanilla and salt.

This drink is very healthy and delicious. But its abuse, like any other product, can harm the body. If you do not lose a sense of proportion, it will only bring pleasure and benefit.

Cocoa, the health benefits and harms after 50 years of which are now increasingly discussed on the Web and on TV, as well as right choice, preparation and description of the composition of this product - a topic for a "weighty" separate article.

So decided Natalya Voytovetskaya, a nutritionist and constant author of the column on the action of the products of the site “I am Healthy”. Decided and got down to business. A photo, Interesting Facts, theories and tips! Remove the milk from the stove - time flies with us!

A little about the product

It is well known that the birthplace of cocoa is the impenetrable forests of the Amazon! Fruits grow on a chocolate tree (the name is like from a fairy tale about kissel shores!) And after harvesting, they are widely used both in the food industry and in such areas as cosmetology and medicine. However, most of all cocoa is known all over the world as the basis of chocolate, which, translated from local languages, literally meant "food of the gods".

It is known from ancient sources that in ancient times cocoa beans were no less valuable than gold and only the "ruling nobility" were allowed to use them. The inhabitants of the European continent for the first time managed to taste fragrant grains only in the fifteenth century.

At the same time, a special technology was developed for extracting oil from beans and processing them into powder. Its author is Konrad van Hoyten.

At the same time, some two hundred years ago, a cup of hot cocoa was a sign of luxury and wealth. Only respectable members of the upper class of society could enjoy a sip of this healthy drink.

Did you know that the habit of putting a cup on a saucer is not a sign of good taste, but a necessity caused by the high price of cocoa beans? So gourmets were reinsured from spilling drops of a precious drink!

To get a whole kilogram of cocoa powder, it was necessary to process at least forty fruits, which contained more than a thousand grains! But even today, the principles and technologies for preparing popular bean-based products are not too different.

To make cocoa powder, cocoa beans are pressed at high temperature, resulting in butter. After that, the fat-free cake is dried and crushed. That's all. Then the powder is packaged and sent to factories where granulated sugar, vanilla, butter are added to it and everybody's favorite chocolate is made.

The Netherlands is considered the largest importer of cocoa. The inhabitants of this republic consume about 20% of the total world crop! And also, do not miss the chance to learn a lot of interesting things about another popular product in the article about!

About the benefits of cocoa

The composition of cocoa beans contains the so-called theobromine, which is analogous in composition to caffeine. This substance is able to excite the nervous system, expand the coronary vessels and expand the bronchi. Also, the grains of the chocolate tree contain such useful substances for the body as:

• essential and tannin oils;
• minerals;
• carbohydrates;
• proteins;
• vitamins.

One of the most famous properties of cocoa is its ability to provoke the production of endorphins, hormones that have a beneficial effect on the thought process, improve brain performance and overall well-being, and also improve mood.

In addition, the product contains polyphenols, which effectively reduce blood pressure (blood pressure). That is why doctors strongly recommend including this drink in the menu for hypertensive patients.

Epicaketine, which is part of the composition of the grains, is a powerful preventive natural remedy against heart attacks and strokes. Today it is actively used for the prevention of cancer.

Scientists believe that the main reason for the longevity of the indigenous people of America is the regular use of cocoa beans!

Drinking healthy cocoa after 50 years is good for reducing the chances of memory loss and the development of atherosclerosis! It is very useful for teenagers to drink a drink for depression. It should be noted that the antioxidants and flavonoids contained in the product will help women to keep their skin and hair young and beautiful for a long time! Also, a cup of warm drink can relieve the pain caused by problematic menstrual cycles.

In addition, the powder from the fruits of the chocolate tree is able to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and heal wounds. This property of the product is very often used by women to prepare skin masks.

Nutritional and energy value

The nutritional qualities of the product are very high, because in its composition the drink contains most of the elements for the normal physiological and mental state of a person.

The calorie content of cocoa is 289 calories per hundred grams. Of them:

• 9 grams of saturated fatty acids;
• 6 grams of ash substances;
• 8 grams of starch;
• 2 grams of monosaccharides;
• 5 grams of water;
• 4 grams organic acids;
• over 35 grams dietary fiber;
• 10 grams of carbohydrates;
• 15 grams of fat;
• 24 grams of proteins.

The vitamin complex of the drink is represented by such substances:

• vitamin E;
• B vitamins (B9, B6, B5, B2 and B1);
• vitamin A;
• vitamin RR.

In addition to all of the above, cocoa beans contain most of the macro and micronutrients we need.

As a percentage, the calorie content of the product is 15% of the daily intake. Of them:

• 14% carbohydrates;
• 47% fat;
• 34% proteins.

Video about the properties of cocoa powder:

Contraindications and harm of cocoa for women

Remember that such a rich composition of delicious fragrant drink may be harmful to health. Of course, here it is worth mentioning the presence of caffeine in cocoa. It is with this indicator that you should familiarize yourself in more detail, brewing a cup of tasty treats for pregnant women and children.

In addition, it is better to cross out this drink from the menu for people with ailments, the exacerbation of which can be affected by this substance.

Since chocolate trees grow in regions with, to put it mildly, not the best sanitary conditions, various living creatures like to settle in them. Cockroaches especially like beans. Therefore, plantations of these plants are subjected to frequent pesticide treatments.

In addition, at the factory, the fruits undergo additional processing using a radiological method. All these facts, despite the objections of manufacturers, do not bring anything good to our body.

The list of people who are better off eliminating cocoa from their diet includes:

• allergy sufferers;
• people with heart disease;
• patients with chronic constipation;
• children up to three years of age;
• diabetics;
• people with atherosclerosis and diseases of the nervous system;
• patients with high acidity and obesity;
• patients with gout and severe kidney disease, etc.

This is far from full list those who may experience the negative effects of the product. Therefore, it is not superfluous to consult a doctor on this issue.

Cocoa in folk medicine

As mentioned earlier, cocoa is widely used not only Food Industry but also in medicine/cosmetology. Most often it is used at home for the prevention and treatment of colds.

And just a cup of a fragrant drink on an autumn day can cheer you up and tone you up! At the same time, the product perfectly dilutes and removes sputum. Its use will quickly and tasty relieve you of influenza, tonsillitis, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

• To prepare the drug, it is necessary to dilute cocoa butter with hot milk and rub the throat with the resulting ointment. And, of course, a cup of warm cocoa.
• The oil-based home remedy described above is an effective prophylactic during epidemics. Just lubricate the nasal mucosa with ointment before going out, and you are not in danger of wasting time with a thermometer in bed!
• If you want to restore normal bowel function - drink a drink two to three cups a day, adding to it skimmed milk! Such use will also remove bad cholesterol from the blood and relieve the symptoms of cholecystitis.
• Judging by the numerous positive reviews, homemade suppositories based on propolis and cocoa butter are very good for hemorrhoids (mix in a ratio of 1:10). We form candles from the resulting mass and let them harden, after which we use it, like pharmaceutical preparations. Doctors say that the oil itself is an effective remedy for hemorrhoidal bumps.
• But you can get rid of the symptoms of stomach ulcers by mixing chicken yolks, liquid honey, fresh butter as well as cocoa. It is necessary to take the ingredients in equal volumes. The finished medicine is taken one teaspoon for two weeks, six times a day.
• Against tuberculosis, you need to mix one hundred grams of cocoa powder and butter with twenty grams of aloe juice. Now add the mixture to a glass of hot milk and stir. You need to take the "medicine" four times a day, three teaspoons.

Take care of yourself or your loved ones by warming your parents a cup of cocoa!

The health benefits and harms after fifty years of this drink are in your hands. Purchase quality product(for example, Chinese), avoiding flavorings and dyes.

cocoa powder and drinking from it evokes nostalgic memories of childhood for most of us. The product is a powdered paste made from the fruit of the cocoa tree, which is pre-dried and then ground.

The history of cocoa powder is very long and interesting. They say that he appeared in Europe thanks to the famous Christopher Columbus, who tried it with the Aztecs. The indigenous people of modern Mexico have grown cocoa trees since ancient times and fully used their fruits for cooking. The drink was especially favored, giving the soldiers energy, strength and vigor. In addition, they prepared a product that today can be considered the prototype of chocolate, so beloved by most of the population of the whole world. The word "chocolate" itself comes from the name of the very drink that impressed the famous traveler - "chocolatl".

Europeans quickly adopted ancient traditions and even began to create their own recipes for "chocolatl". Moreover, the Swiss, British and French were especially successful in this.

How do they do it?

How is cocoa powder made? Technology has not changed since the Aztecs. Unless they do it with the help of modern equipment. Although at home the fruits are still harvested by hand and produce a very high quality product:

• the procedure begins with the collection of ripe fruits, for which a very sharp knife is used (it is important to keep precious inflorescences and unripe fruits intact);
• the fruits are opened as soon as possible and the seeds are extracted, which are fermented;
• seeds are placed in baskets or boxes lined with banana leaves and burlap for up to 1 week;
• in the process, an increase in the temperature of the mass to 50 degrees is noted, due to which the death of the embryos occurs: the tart taste disappears, but an excellent chocolate aroma and unique taste appear;
• after that, the contents of the boxes are scattered on a flat surface under the sun and left to dry, and then polished (by the way, the tradition of polishing the fruits with their feet in the process of the so-called "cocoa dance" is still preserved);
• at the last stage, there is a thorough sorting from low-quality, defective seeds and all kinds of impurities; beans are ground in a conventional mill, oil is extracted from the powder, and the powder itself is used to make drinks, chocolate and other things.

Types of cocoa powder

As a result of these manipulations, several types of cocoa powder are obtained. They differ in the quality of processing and subsequent cleaning, as well as the area in which the beans are grown. In this sense, cocoa can be conditionally divided into industrial (technical product grown on fertilizers), organic (environmentally friendly, processed by industrial methods) and live (obtained by hand).

In stores today you can find such a variety of cocoa products that it is very easy to get confused. This is surprising, because one source substance is used to obtain cocoa, and the technologies differ slightly. It would be most correct to divide the product into two types:

• directly cocoa powder, which is boiled to obtain delicious drink;
• cocoa drink, prepared by the usual dilution of the product with boiling water or milk.

It should be understood that there is a completely natural product that contains a huge amount of nutrients and has excellent properties and benefits for the human body. But there is also a modern version, so in demand in the age of "fast food". Such drinks (instant) can only boast of taste and aromatic qualities. Raw materials for them are obtained by processing with alkaline compounds "alkali" (from the Arabic name), so today we have the "pleasure" to buy alkalized instant cocoa powder. You just don’t need to boil it: just pour it with water or milk, and it will dissolve even in a cold liquid. But to save nutritional value various synthetic additives are most often added to it.

How to choose?

Another question arises - How to choose high-quality natural cocoa powder? For this, experts give detailed recommendations:

Even if you are lucky enough to get real high-quality cocoa powder, you need to create optimal conditions for its storage. For this you will need a dry, dark place with good ventilation and no foreign odors. Temperature (15-20 degrees) and humidity (up to 75%) standards must also be observed. Under such conditions, storage in metal and original sealed packages is one year. If the packaging is different, then the time is reduced by 2 times.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of cocoa powder are very diverse, and every year new information appears. Let's start with the fact that everything depends on chemical composition product, and it is really amazing:

• vegetable proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• fats;
• alimentary fiber;
• organic compounds;
• aromatic components;
• minerals;
• tanning and coloring compounds;
• caffeine;
• terbromin.

The presence of all these components determines the taste characteristics of cocoa powder and its effect on the human body. For example, the well-known caffeine has a strong effect on the activity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, stimulating them. Theobromine is great for the treatment of chronic cough, because it copes well with the suppression of the cough reflex. It is enough to drink a cup of hot drink to get relief. But the composition of cocoa powder also includes extremely useful vitamins and elements that expand the list of useful properties of the product at times:

• Saturated fatty acids deserve the gratitude of cosmetologists, because. have a beneficial effect on the skin and hair. Cocoa is actively used in home and salon procedures for external use.
• Antioxidants are components that prevent the aging process and the destruction of body cells. It is well known that one cup of cocoa contains 5 times more antioxidants than black tea and 2 times more than green or a glass of red wine. The iron that is part of cocoa is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, due to which a small piece of chocolate will only benefit.
• Zinc is an active element that manages to manifest itself in protein synthesis, the formation of enzymes, the normalization of cell function and the creation of nucleic acids. That is why during pregnancy you should not deny yourself a drink, naturally, in moderate doses.
• Melanin is a protective filter against ultraviolet and infrared radiation. It protects against overheating and sunburn. Try to eat a couple of pieces of chocolate before going to the beach on a bright sunny day. BUT a daily cup of cocoa will save you from having to apply sunscreen every day(naturally, when taking long sunbathing, this method is not particularly effective).
• Phenylethylamine is a famous natural antidepressant that perfectly improves mood in the morning due to the activation of the production of the happy hormone “endorphin”. It provides an excellent opportunity to cheer up without additional doping, and no worse than traditional coffee.
• Folic acid is an essential compound during pregnancy.

To get involved in the product, even despite such a set of useful properties, is still not worth it. After all, cocoa powder has a high nutritional value- 300 kcal per 100 grams of product. So it is better to limit your diet to one morning cup of drink especially for people who are watching their weight. The purchase of fat-free cocoa will not save the situation, because the composition contains a large amount of carbohydrates. And the removal of fats only indicates the processing of raw materials and the loss of their value. Such a calorie content of cocoa still contributes to rapid satiety. Remember how in kindergarten we were always given it for an afternoon snack to add energy to the "furnace" of a children's active organism.

Cocoa powder can cause allergic reactions, which led to the appearance of rumors that in our country only a low-quality, low-grade product can be consumed. In fact, the product contains a strong allergen chitin, because of which cocoa is excluded from the menu of pregnant women, as well as severe allergies.

The use of cocoa beans is not limited to their nutritional value. Useful properties of the product are successfully used in pharmaceutical and perfume industries.

Use in cooking

The use of cocoa in cooking is very popular, because it is characterized by unique taste characteristics. The powder goes well with many products, but basically, its sphere of "influence" extends to confectionery and baking. Also, the production of dairy products beloved by children, such as yogurt, ice cream, chocolate milk and butter.

The taste of cocoa itself is very pleasant and unique. The product has a slight oily aftertaste (this depends on the degree of processing in the initial stages of pressing) and a chocolate aroma. Used as natural dye, giving a characteristic Brown color(depending on the degree of saturation, it will vary from dark brown to beige). It is these indicators that determine its use in the manufacture:

• icing, creams for cakes;
• cookies, cakes, muffins;
• pies, pancakes;
• sweets;
• chocolate paste;
• drinks (hot chocolate, cocoa with milk), desserts;
• bar chocolate.

In Latin America, in the homeland of cocoa beans, the powder is actively added to meat sauce, combining it with chili sauce. The product goes well with sugar, vanillin, nuts and fruits., so the number of dishes can be very diverse.

The most common use of cocoa for making a delicious drink and chocolate.

How to make cocoa from cocoa powder?

There are several ways to make cocoa powder, but the most popular is traditional version on milk. This is how the taste is the softest.

To prepare one cup, you need 2 tablespoons of the product, a glass of milk and sugar to taste. Mix all the ingredients, grind the lumps that have appeared and beat with a whisk, cook over low heat, preferably without boiling.

A daily portion will perfectly replenish energy reserves, and when working with mental activity, cocoa is almost indispensable, because it is a real storehouse of vitamins. If you care about the figure, just refuse to add sugar.

Another delicacy that has been made from cocoa since ancient times is chocolate. Today, sweet bars are available to almost everyone, but even 300 years ago, chocolate was considered exclusively the “food of the gods” and the privilege of the highest nobility.

Chocolate is prepared from derivatives of cocoa beans - powder and butter. They give the delicacy a unique taste and aroma (by the way, White chocolate is the same product created without the addition of brown powder). The more cocoa, the darker the sweetness. And the benefits of a high content of cocoa products are much greater. So bitter dark chocolate (from 60%) is considered the most useful. In addition, its fat content is much less, due to which the calorie content is reduced. But all this is just as long as you buy a quality product, because today so often precious cocoa components are replaced with vegetable analogues - palm and coconut oil, strong carcinogens and trans fats. If you find a product prepared in accordance with GOST, consider that you are incredibly lucky, because most often manufacturers prefer to adhere to TU standards and keep silent about substitution.

Benefits of cocoa powder and treatment

The health benefits of cocoa powder have long been proven. Even the Aztec tribes skillfully used the product to improve their physical condition. For example, it has been noticed that a cup of hot drink becomes a real elixir during a cold: the vitamin-rich composition of the product helps to restore strength. In addition, they can easily replace all fashionable energy drinks, which in passing cause great harm to the body.

How can cocoa powder be useful for your health? The list of properties of the most delicious medicine is very wide:

Cocoa powder is included in the composition of various biologically active additives as an extremely active ingredient. At home, you can use the product for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Severe cough, chronic bronchitis. Mix 100 g of butter and goat fat (it can be replaced with pork or goose) and send to drown in a water bath, add 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe juice, lemon and 50 grams of cocoa powder. Mix everything well, cool and take a spoonful 2 times a day before meals. You can drink the medicine with milk.

stomach ulcer. Mix in equal proportions cocoa, butter, honey and add to the mass chicken yolk. For two weeks, consume 1 tablespoon every 3 hours (there should be at least 5 servings per day). After 2 weeks, the course of treatment can be repeated if necessary.

Haemorrhoids. All inflammatory and painful sensations in the rectum are treated by introducing self-prepared suppositories into it. To do this, you just need to mix 2 grams of cocoa and 0.2 g of natural propolis and inject the suspension at night for a month. The course can be repeated periodically.

Application in cosmetology

The use of cocoa in cosmetology brings not only great benefits to our appearance, but also incredible pleasure during procedures, thanks to its delicious aroma. Products based on this product have a wide spectrum of action, contributing to the preservation and restoration of our natural beauty. A “complex” approach with external use and eating will give simply excellent results.

• anti-cellulite wraps;
• anti-aging face masks;
• tan enhancer when added to sunscreens;
• healing balms and ointments for the body;
• strengthening nails;
• massage;
• delicate scrubs for body and face;
• moisturizing and nourishing hair masks;
• whitening procedures, removal of age spots;
• production of soaps and shampoos for care.

There is even an entire industry based on cocoa therapy, offering chocolate massages, baths and wraps, after which the skin becomes incredibly soft and supple.

The advantage of the product is that it is suitable for all skin types, its action is very multifaceted due to the rich set of active substances in its composition. But can cause allergic reactions due to individual intolerance, which, by the way, is not uncommon.

Harm of cocoa powder and contraindications

The harmful effect of cocoa on the human body still exists, which is very sad in the presence of so many useful properties. Due to the fact that a low-quality product is a strong allergen, experts prefer to prevent trouble in advance and introduce some restrictions on its use. These include:

• gout and kidney problems, which can be exacerbated by the action of purine;
• children under 3 years old, so as not to overexcite their nervous system;
• chronic constipation;
• diabetes;
• atherosclerosis;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding period.

Allergy is caused by the substance chitin, which enters the powder during processing, provided that it is carried out in unsanitary conditions, as well as due to the remnants of chemicals that clean the raw materials. Cocoa itself of natural origin does not contain a single "compromising" substance in its composition.