The topic of today is something sweet that all of us take pleasure in at some point of the day or the week. It is the cocoa! Note that the cocoa is found in the chocolate and is now more than a guilty pleasure! It is filled with plenty of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. This is why we will provide you with a list of all the benefits that come with regular consumption of the cocoa.
1. It will lower your high blood pressure – the flavonoid rich cocoa can aid in lowering the blood pressure and improve the elasticity of the blood vessels. There have been plenty of research studies conducted on this subject which have shown positive changes in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure as a consequence of consuming some cocoa based products instead of black and/or green tea. These incredible changes are all thanks to the presence of antioxidants in the cocoa powder that stimulate the production of the nitric oxide, which helps in keeping the blood vessels relaxed. Furthermore this will help in maintaining a healthy circulatory system.
2. It has an amazing antioxidant capacity – there has been a comparative research study which has made it evident that the cocoa exhibits higher antioxidant activity than the black tea, green tea, and even the red wine. These antioxidants help in neutralizing the oxygen based free radicals which are present in the body. In addition to all of this the cocoa powder is abundant in phenolic phytochemicals and possesses an incredibly high amount of flavonoids as well.
3. The cocoa will improve the health of your brain – plenty of scientists have suggested that the flavonol rich cocoa can even aid in maintaining the health of the brain. These neuroprotective benefits may also have favorable effects on learning and the memory functions. These results have all proven how the consumption of cocoa based products enhances the overall flow of blood to the brain and the evidence has been provided on the therapeutic potential for curing some vascular disorders.
4. Is able to treat diabetes – the consumption of the cocoa has been shown to be very effective in improving the insulin resistance and the glucose metabolism. This will in turn aid in regulating the blood sugar levels in the body. The proanthocyanidins which are coming from the cocoa powder help in inhibiting the cataract formation which is occasionally induced by the diabetes.
There has been one investigative study which has confirmed that it exerts a lot of protective antioxidant activities in the treatment of the long term diabetic complications such as the diabetic nephrotoxicity. The nephrotoxicity plays a key role in diabetes mellitus and it is the major cause of several severe renal diseases. T
he free radicals are able to aggravate these diabetic complications by promoting the oxidative stress, leading to a great damage to the cells and the tissues. The free radicals, along with the activity of cacao have shown some therapeutic effects in treating and preventing this sort of a cellular injury. Some other findings of another research study suggest that the consumption of this particularly rich flavonol bean has shown therapeutic potential in improving the overall vascular function of the diabetics on various medications.
5. Can provide you with relief from brochial asthma – the cacao beans contain xanthine and theophylline, which both are able to aid in relaxing the bronchial spasms and opening the constricted bronchial tubes. All of this facilitates a rather easy flow of air and is valuable in curing plenty of different allergies including the asthma and shortness of breath. Therefore, the consumption of the cocoa powder helps in providing relief from the bronchial asthma.
6. Speeds up the process of healing – the cocoa extracts have been well known for their therapeutic and wound healing properties in the manufacturing process of natural medicinal products. The extracts can help in preventing the development of various kinds of infections all through the body. If you combine it with the appropriate medication the cocoa powder is also considered to be helpful in getting rid of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria away from the body.
7. Manage obesity with the cocoa powder – several studies have shown the potential benefits of the cocoa in preventing obesity induced by the high fat dieting plans. Its intake helps in modulating the lipid metabolism and reducing the synthesis as well as the transport of fatty acids. It has also demonstrated a significant improvement in thermogenesis, the mechanism of the heat production in the white adipose tissues and the liver.
8. Can improve the overall cardiovascular health – some studies have shown that the cocoa shows beneficial effects on the overall cardiovascular health as well. The cocoa powder is mostly filled with flavonoids, procyanidin, catechin and epicatechin, which all contain antioxidant properties and help in protecting the cells from the damage, all the while strengthening the heart. Also, it aids in improving the endothelial function and stimulating the beneficial good HDL cholesterol in the body.
It furthermore helps in preventing the formation of any fatal blood clots, which can lead to a stroke or a cardiac failure. The blood platelets play an important role in most cardiovascular disorders. The flavonoids present in the cocoa possess anti platelet aggregating effects and modulate the primary hemostasis, which is the measure of time for the blood that it takes to clot. All of these health effects help in preventing the proliferation of various medical conditions such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis, which are some of the primary causes of more serious cardiovascular diseases nowadays.
9. Will enhance your mood – consuming the cocoa has shown antidepressant effects on certain physiological processes. Some studies have shown that the flavonols found in the cocoa help to enhance the mood, combat the depression and promote an improved cognitive activity during a persistent mental exertion. Because there is the presence of neurochemical phenylethylamine in the cocoa powder also helps in enhancing the feelings of contentment and promoting some aphrodisiac effects.
10. Is capable of treating constipation – several research studies have demonstrated that the consumption of cocoa provides the body with therapeutic effects in treating chronic constipation and bowel function diseases.
According to one particular study which has been done with patients who are dealing with pediatric issues, the consumption of fiber rich cocoa products resulted in faster colonic, rectal and intestinal transit. Another study also showed that the regular consumption of cocoa products has the ability to encourage better bowel function by the reduction of the bowel movement time, and is able to increase the frequency of bowel movements thus making a softer consistency of stool without inducing any other side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or abdominal pain.
Feel free to enjoy the cocoa and all the products that come from it – of course, in moderacy! The cocoa is highly healthy for the body and can provide you with an incredible amount of nutrients which will all do wonders for your overall health. This is why we urge you to start consuming it from today! Plus, it tastes delicious too!
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