Cocoa Health Benefits

This delicious aphrodisiac, even Gods know, has multiple health benefits. According to folklore, cocoa was found by the Gods in the mountains in South America. The Mayan, Aztecs and the Incas believe that cocoa is the food of Gods. So, now you know, what makes Gods, invincible?! The color, the taste, the aroma, plus the additional health benefits of cocoa has made it the yummiest remedy for most chocolate lovers.

Blood Pressure
Studies have shown, that cocoa, if consumed in prescribed quantities, lowers high blood pressure. Unsweetened dark cocoa contains flavonoids, which brings about reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Polyphenols, in cocoa powder or in the cocoa seeds, also helps in the keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay. However, those of you, who are inspired by the power of cocoa, understand that, only limited bites (30 calories) is recommended as part of the high blood pressure diet. So, savor those bites of dark chocolate.

Skin Problems
Cocoa is good for treating facial skin problems too. Constant exposure to sun causes pigmentation, dark spots and all in all, damages the skin. Again the high-flavanol content in cocoa, helps in premature aging, smoothens outs the roughness, and is more tolerant to ultra-violet radiation than any sunscreen. Some studies also show that cocoa, might be anti-cancerous in nature, thus preventing skin cancer. Thus, following a diet which is rich in flavanol, will ensure healthy skin.

Antioxidants
Organic cocoa contains antioxidants, and phenolic compounds, like red wine and green tea. On the plus side, cocoa is known to have higher amounts of antioxidants, than any tea or wine. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant, which help in keeping the skin younger and detoxifying the body. However, drinking cocoa is much better than eating a bar of chocolate, as the latter contains saturated fats, which nullifies its benefits.

Anti Depressant
Depression is a disorder, which knows no caste, creed or religion. It strikes anybody and everybody. There are drugs available for treating depression. However, all of these drugs cause some harmful side effects. On the other hand, cocoa is a great anti-depressant, which has no side effects. Polyphenolic extract, which is derived from non-roasted cocoa beans has high levels of flavonoids. This extract, helps is treating depression.

Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

• Water, 1 cup
• Cocoa powder, ¼ cup
• Cinnamon, ½ teaspoon
• Milk, 1 cup

Method

• Boil the water in a skillet
• Add the cocoa powder to it and let it boil for 2 minutes
• Add the cinnamon to it and let it boil for another 2 minutes
• Pour the milk and bring the mixture to boil
• Lower the heat, and let the mixture boil for a few minutes, till it thickens
• Remove the mixture from the stove, pour it in a cup and drink it hot

Getting pure cocoa is possible without using sugar. Hence avoid sweetener in any form, as sugar in any form will reduce the benefits, so, do refrain from adding it to your cuppa hot chocolate. So, go make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, to cheer up, or just to explore its health benefits.