Pure cocoa. Learn more:
- The potassium in cocoa levels the amount of water in the body, something especially useful during this time when women usually suffer from bloating and fluid retention.
- It increases energy and compensates for the physical wear and tear of menstruation thanks to its healthy fats and its caffeine and theobromine content.
- Contains flavonoids: they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to regulate blood flow and reduce cramps.
- It helps produce serotonin and therefore improves mood. If anyone doubts that chocolate makes us happy, even studies corroborate it
- It improves the condition of the skin since, contrary to what has once been said, pure and natural cocoa does not cause acne (sugar does). What it does do is precisely give luminosity to the skin thanks to the fact that it helps detoxify.
Applications in cosmetics : they are used in massages, hygiene products, anti-aging creams, anti-cellulite, treatment of skin spots... There are homemade recipes to prepare masks and other cosmetics with cocoa powder.
Additional benefits of consuming cocoa regularly:
Strengthens the immune system
It is a food rich in antioxidants, elements that facilitate the action of our immune system when encountering an infectious agent. This helps you stay balanced and alert to protect the body, especially in people with inflammatory diseases.
Prevents thrombosis
Cocoa helps prevent the development of thrombosis because it helps improve blood flow, which reduces the risk of blood clot formation thanks to its flavonoid content.
Helps regulate cholesterol
Cocoa is rich in antioxidant substances, which helps regulate circulating cholesterol levels and, therefore, prevent the deposition of fat in the vessels, preventing the formation of atheromatous plaques and the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Prevents anemia
Cocoa is rich in iron, so its regular consumption can help prevent anemia, since iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to the body and which is usually found in reduced quantities in cases of anemia.
Reduces the risk of diabetes
Certain studies indicate that cocoa could slow down the digestion of carbohydrates at the intestinal level, in addition to protecting the cells responsible for insulin production in the pancreas and improving the secretion of this hormone. Likewise, it could also decrease resistance to it, which helps reduce the risk of diabetes.
Prevents dementia
Cocoa is rich in theobromine, which is a compound that has vasodilatory activity, which favors blood circulation to the brain, helping to prevent neurological diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's, for example. Likewise, cocoa is rich in selenium, a mineral that helps improve cognition and memory.
Regulates the intestine
Cocoa is rich in flavonoids and catechins that reach the large intestine, which could increase the amount of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which are microorganisms good for health, thus exerting a prebiotic effect and, in this way, helping to improve the functioning of the intestine. intestine.
Helps reduce inflammation
Because it is rich in antioxidants, cocoa is capable of reducing cellular damage caused by free radicals and inflammation. Likewise, some studies indicate that cocoa consumption promotes a reduction in the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood, which is an indicator of inflammation.
Helps in weight control
Cocoa helps control weight, as it contributes to reducing the absorption and synthesis of fats. Furthermore, by ingesting cocoa it is possible to increase the feeling of satiety, as it helps regulate insulin; However, this benefit is mainly associated with dark chocolate and not with milk or white chocolate, as these are rich in sugar and fat and poor in cocoa.
On the other hand, cocoa powder should not be consumed together with products rich in calcium, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, as it contains oxalic acid, a substance that reduces the absorption of calcium in the intestine.
Reduces blood pressure
Cocoa can also help lower blood pressure, as it improves blood vessels by influencing the production of nitric oxide, which is related to the relaxation of these vessels.