What is Theobroma cacao good for?
Over 100 medicinal uses for cocoa have been documented in Europe and New Spain from the 16th to the early 20th century; it has been used to treat anaemia, mental fatigue, tuberculosis, fever, gout, kidney stones, and even poor sexual appetite (Dillinger et al. Cocoa has been reported to have medicinal properties. It contains a wide range of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, which have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, and also to have a positive effect on pain.More recently, studies have suggested that cocoa consumption might help with heart health factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol, and can boost artery health, vision and brain function.Due to its activity as an antioxidant, as well as through other mechanisms, cocoa consumption has been reported to be beneficial for cardiovascular health, brain functions, and cancer prevention.The bioactive compounds in Theobroma cacao have been associated with various potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties, metabolic effects, anti-inflammatory potential, and neuroprotective effects, as well as cardiovascular health and anticancer properties [10].Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. These natural chemicals are great for cardiovascular and overall health. They can help moderate cholesterol and support your blood vessels. They also can lower inflammation and may help prevent cancer.
What are the health benefits of Theobroma cacao leaves?
In several studies, it has been stated that cocoa leaves contain higher polyphenols than green tea leaves as a comparison [12]. It also has good antioxidant activity [13] [14][15][16], and cocoa beans also have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity [17,18]. Consuming cocoa extract or very dark chocolate was shown to reduce several cardiovascular risk factors in a new meta-study, a study of other studies. Cocoa consumption appeared to lower blood pressure overall, as well as bad cholesterol and blood sugar.The major reported pharmacological activity in cocoa includes antioxidant effects (Othman et al. Corti et al. Maskarinec 2009).While cacao flavanols are natural, they can have mild side effects in some people, especially if they eat in an excessively large amount.Cocoa contains a variety of chemicals, including antioxidants called flavonoids. It’s not clear how these might work in the body, but they appear to relax the blood vessels. This could lead to lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation and blockage of blood vessels.
What are the side effects of Theobroma cacao?
Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas. For starters, it naturally lowers blood pressure. This, in turn, decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. There’s also some evidence theobromine may reduce “bad” cholesterol and improve “good” cholesterol. Additionally, the substance may improve blood flow throughout the body, further supporting the heart.Toxic effects It has been stated that ‘in large doses’ theobromine may cause nausea and anorexia (Reynolds, 1982) and that daily intake of 50–100 g cocoa (0. Czok, 1974).This modulation potentially provides neuroprotection against age-related cognitive impairments, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, theobromine exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting the production of anti-inflammatory factors in the immune system.This review aims to address these gaps. Theobromine reduces body weight gain. In vitro (Table 1)1,18–24,42,43 and in vivo (Table 2)9,12,16–19,24,42,44 studies indicate that theobromine is an effective phytochemical in combating obesity, and further research in this area is warranted.
Is drinking cacao better than coffee?
Heart: Both support heart health; Cacao may be better for those with high blood pressure. Side effects: Coffee can cause jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption in sensitive people; Cacao is milder. Nutrition: Cacao is rich in minerals and vitamins; Coffee has minimal nutrients. Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to your brain and heart, and help prevent blood clots. The antioxidants in cacao and cocoa may affect how your body responds to insulin, which could lower your chances of diabetes.Recent comprehensive lab testing has revealed surprising variations in cacao caffeine content: Raw Cacao Powder: 12-20mg per tablespoon. Ceremonial Cacao: 60-145mg per 1oz serving. Dark Chocolate (70-85%): 20-30mg per 1oz serving.Cacao is more than a healthy, chocolatey treat—it’s a nutrient-dense superfood that supports calm energy, better digestion, improved focus, and mood. We drink it daily (unsurprisingly), and once you feel the difference, you might too.Raw cacao powder contains about 12 milligrams of caffeine per tablespoon, which is much lower than a cup of coffee. Does cacao powder give you energy? Yes, thanks to its combination of caffeine and theobromine, cacao powder provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee.
What is the difference between Theobroma cacao and cocoa powder?
Processing Method Cacao Powder: Cacao powder is minimally processed and is made by cold-pressing raw cacao beans. This preserves the enzymes and nutrients in the powder, making it a healthier option. Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is made by roasting cacao beans at high temperatures, which reduces the nutrient content. Easy ways to incorporate cacao into your diet can include: Add a spoonful of cacao into oatmeal or smoothies. Combine cacao powder and milk to make hot chocolate. Incorporate cacao into homemade baked goods like brownies and muffins.Start by heating your liquid base gently—avoid boiling as extreme heat can diminish cacao’s nutritional benefits. In a separate bowl, create a smooth paste by whisking the cacao powder with a small amount of hot liquid. This prevents lumping and ensures silky texture.Cacao refers to the raw material: the cacao beans that are harvested from the cacao tree. Cocoa is created after the beans are finely ground into a powder and roasted, and can be consumed as a drink or blended with sugar, milk, cocoa butter and cacao to make chocolate.
Does cacao make you sleepy?
May help with sleep. Although cacao contains caffeine, the theobromine levels may help to balance out the wakefulness properties of caffeine. Cacao also contains tryptophan, an amino acid which can be converted to melatonin – a hormone important for feelings of sleepiness. Should You Drink Cacao in the Morning or at Night? Here’s the simple way to decide: If you’re sensitive to caffeine or stimulants, drink cacao in the morning. If you struggle to unwind and need a magnesium boost, drink cacao at night.Packed with Magnesium for Chill Vibes & Better Sleep And 100% cacao is a great natural source of magnesium. Whether you need help winding down after a long day or want to ease into your PM routine, cacao has your back.
What organ is cacao good for?
Among cocoa’s most studied benefits is its role in heart health. Its flavonoids help dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation. A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that moderate consumption of high-cocoa chocolate significantly reduces the risk of heart disease. Cocoa flavanols have been shown to have beneficial effects on blood vessel function in individuals with normal kidney function. The flavanols found in cocoa and dark chocolate are part of a larger group of compounds called flavonoids that occur naturally in plant foods, in this case, the cocoa bean.Eating dark chocolate in moderation may help your body use insulin better, prevent blood sugar spikes, and lower your blood pressure.Dark chocolate contains 50%–90% cocoa solids, which are rich in plant chemicals called flavanols. These flavanols support the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow, according to the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.Potential neuroprotective properties of cocoa and chocolate flavanoids. Flavonoids exert a multiplicity of neuroprotective actions, including the capacity to protect neurons from damage induced by neurotoxins, reduce neuroinflammation, and promote memory, learning and cognitive function.