Such a drink as cocoa is undoubtedly familiar to everyone since childhood. Many children enjoy drinking it, replacing packaged hot chocolate and trendy soda. Such an alternative benefits the whole body.
Cocoa: Health Benefits
The history of the drink dates back to the sixteenth century. Then one Spanish general brought a souvenir after traveling to England - unusual beans and a recipe for their preparation. A little later, namely after a couple of centuries, this drink began to be used for medicinal purposes, since the beneficial properties of cocoa became known around the world. Since then, nutritionists, cosmetologists and doctors have been talking about the properties of this product without ceasing.
What is cocoa good for?
All the benefits of cocoa are in the substances that make up beans. The fruits of the cocoa tree contain antioxidants, the benefit of which is that they are able to minimize the negative effects of free radicals. And this is a big plus for the body. Even a small amount of a drink can replace several glasses of vitamin juice. In addition, regular use of this product helps to normalize blood pressure.
Surely many have heard that cocoa contains serotonin and dopamine. But few people know anything about these substances. In fact, they can be compared with antidepressants, only of natural origin. Therefore, it is recommended to eat chocolate or drink cocoa during severe stress or anxiety. The benefits to the body will be huge! In addition, the use of cocoa can enhance mood.
To everything else, cocoa is directly related to the level of cholesterol in human blood. As you know, low density lipoprotein does not affect the body too well. Cocoa can significantly reduce its level. It also increases the content of high density lipoprotein. As a result of such a complex effect, the level of cholesterol in the blood is normalized, which means that the general condition of the body improves. Thanks to the effects of the components that make up cocoa, the risk of certain dangerous diseases, such as cancer, is reduced.
Cocoa is also a good helper for colds. The benefit in this case is a general strengthening effect on the body. A cup of such a warm drink will increase immunity, facilitate the course of the disease, which will significantly speed up the healing process. In addition, such a drink will surely appeal to the child much more than nasty potions. The curative effect of the common cold is due to theobromine contained in it. This substance helps with coughing, and also improves heart function. Some argue that theobromine is a poison. It really is. But in order to get poisoning, you need to drink a huge amount of drink at a time, and nobody can do it.
Do not be afraid to drink cocoa for overweight people or dieters. Indeed, such foods contain a large percentage of fats, but recovering from cocoa is almost impossible. The fact is that when you use it, a feeling of fullness quickly sets in, so you won’t eat or drink a lot of it.
Cocoa benefits!
The opposite effect can be achieved only if you start to abuse cocoa. The benefit will be obvious if you drink more than two cups of the drink per day. Enough, of course, and one to recharge your batteries for several hours. Having treated a child with a product that includes cocoa, you can provide his body with the necessary elements for normal life. And an adult will benefit from eating a couple of pieces of dark chocolate.