10 Health and Wellness Benefits of Cocoa
Updated: Feb. 28, 2019
Did you know that pure cocoa benefits your well-being? It packs antioxidants for a healthy heart and glowing skin!
Reduce inflammation
Inflammation throughout our bodies can lead to chronic health problems and even premature aging. Fortunately, pure, unsweetened cocoa powder contains plant compounds called flavonoids. These compounds can lower inflammation throughout the body, while also helping to reduce blood pressure. Here are some more foods that’ll help reduce inflammation and joint pain.
Manage asthma
It sounds like a lesson straight out of Mary Poppins, but a spoonful of chocolate can keep your asthma under control. The compound theobromine in cocoa can help suppress your cough and open up your airways.
Find out the silent signs of asthma, and see if you should talk to your doctor about these symptoms.
Prevent sun damage
Forgot your sunscreen? No worries—you have cocoa! The polyphenols in pure cocoa protect your skin from harmful UV rays. You can score these protective benefits from both eating cocoa and using it directly on your skin.
Try mixing cocoa powder with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of organic coconut oil for a quick face treatment before hitting the beach. And for a quick body hydration, try making our Coconut Oil Moisturizer.
Prevent heart disease
Break out the cocoa powder for a healthy heart. The flavanols in pure cocoa can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. These plant compounds work to help your arteries and blood vessels relax, improving blood flow and putting less stress on your heart. FYI: These 7 facts about heart disease could save your life.
Improve mood
In the world’s least shocking research finding ever, scientists have determined that eating cocoa makes you happier. Compounds in cocoa increase the serotonin level in your brain, making you feel more positive and less stressed. Eating cocoa adds to feelings of calm and contentment, so next time you’re tempted to reach for dessert after a long day, go for it!
Prevent cancer
The antioxidants in cocoa can protect your cells against damage and even slow down cancer growth. Studies have found that eating a diet rich in cocoa powder is linked to a lower chance of developing colon, breast, prostate and liver cancer. It may even lower your risk for leukemia, too. Don’t miss the 10 most common types of cancer in Canada.
Lower risk of diabetes
While eating chocolate candy every day will not help your diabetes risk, the compounds in cocoa can help regulate your blood sugar levels. The flavanols in cocoa also help your body break down carbohydrates for energy and to produce enough insulin. Try sprinkling pure cocoa powder over your Greek yogurt or oatmeal in the morning.
Have diabetes? Here’s more on how to improve symptoms and side effects.
Reduce wrinkles
In addition to protecting your skin from the sun, cocoa can keep it smooth and glowing, too! Applying cocoa to your skin can prevent wrinkles, as well as make the ones you have less noticeable. (Psst! Don’t miss what your face wrinkles are trying to tell you.)
For your anti-wrinkle cure, blend pure cocoa powder with one tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt and one teaspoon blended oats and apply to your face once per week.
Strengthen teeth
Freshen your breath with chocolate? It’s possible thanks to the antibacterial properties of cocoa. Eating cocoa can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, putting you at a lower risk for cavities and other gum problems. Try sprinkling pure cocoa powder over fresh apple slices for all the benefits without a sugar rush.
Help memory
Can’t remember what you had for breakfast yesterday? Try adding some cocoa to your morning brew for a tasty treat that may improve your memory. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that older adults who consumed a drink containing high amounts of cocoa flavanols every day showed significantly improved memory and attention levels. Next, learn how to improve your memory in just 6 simple steps.
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