Cocoa has the taste of childhood and the aroma of joy! The Aztecs called it "seed". Gourmets call it chocolate nectar.

Cocoa is a storehouse of valuable substances. It contains about 300 various components! These include dopamine, anandamide, magnesium, tyramine, etc. The approximate composition of the product is as follows: fats - 54%, proteins - 11.5%, cellulose - 9%, polysaccharides and starch - 6%. The rest comes from tanning and minerals, organic acids, water, etc.

There are several varieties of cocoa.

• Criollo has a delicate, soft taste and an incredibly charming aroma. Belongs to elite varieties.
• Trinitario is powerful, slightly sour and very aromatic.
• Nacional is the rarest variety of cocoa.
• Forastero – has a characteristic cocoa taste and a faint bean aroma. The variety is characterized by high yield, therefore it is a leader in the world market.

In order to obtain cocoa, the fruits of the tree of the same name are collected, processed, dried in the sun or in special ovens. The beans are then packaged and shipped to chocolate-producing countries. There, oil is squeezed out of cocoa fruits by pressing. The remaining cake is ground and cocoa powder is obtained from it.

Precious oil

The fat extracted from the beans of the chocolate tree is called cocoa butter. It has a firm, but brittle consistency at room temperature. It has a characteristic pleasant aroma. Color – white with a yellow tint. There are two types of cocoa butter: natural and deodorized (subjected to additional processing).

Chemical composition as follows:

• oleic acid – about 43%
• stearic acid – about 34%
• lauric and palmitic acid– about 25%
• linoleic acid – 2%
• arachidic acid – hundredths

The amount of fat contained in cocoa butter may be alarming. However, it has been proven that a third of all fatty substances are stearic acid, which is not known to increase cholesterol levels. The other third is oleic acid. She is generally famous.

Cocoa butter application has a very wide It is used in the food industry, cosmetology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. Thus, cocoa butter serves as the basis for various medicinal ointments, candles. It is effective for burns, skin rashes, coughs, dryness and even colds.

Beauty will be saved... cocoa butter

In cosmetology, the product is used to rejuvenate and prevent aging of the skin of the face and neck. It has an effective regenerating effect and does not cause allergies. The oil is ideal for dry or mature skin. It perfectly nourishes, softens, moisturizes and tones. The skin becomes soft and clean. Small wrinkles disappear. The area around the eyes is smoothed and tightened. Cocoa butter has a truly wonderful effect!

Masks with the addition of “chocolate balm” relieve cracks on the hands and keratinization on the feet. They are used to eliminate dry lips, swelling and dark circles around eyes. Oil baths soften the skin of the feet, elbows, knees.

Cocoa butter strengthens eyebrows and eyelashes. In combination with it has a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair. The oil has powerful protective properties. It provides excellent protection against negative impact sun rays, dust, dirt, frost, etc. A few drops applied to the skin before going outside will keep you young for a long time!

Tasty!

In the production of confectionery products cocoa butter application found a huge one. It serves as a fatty base for sweets, pastries, cakes, chocolate, cookies, etc. Moreover, the higher the percentage of cocoa butter in the product, the more valuable it is.

Cocoa butter brings the taste and aroma of products to perfection! Antioxidants, organic active compounds And natural ingredients, improve health and have a positive effect on the body. However, it should be remembered Golden Rule- everything is good in moderation! Unlimited consumption of chocolate products can result in negative consequences. After all, the calorie content of cocoa butter is quite high. Per 100 g of product – about 899 kcal!

Noble placer

Cocoa powder is a finely ground, homogeneous product with a pronounced aroma of cocoa beans. Color - all shades of brown, from dark to light.

The product contains fats - up to 17.5%, sugar - 3.5%, starch - 25.4%, - 5.5%, organic acids - 4%, minerals - 3%, theobromine and caffeine - 2, 5%. The rich composition makes the product a wonderful source of antioxidants, vitamins and other valuable substances.

Cocoa powder widely used in the baking, confectionery and dairy industries. Its delicate taste, rich aroma and chocolate color make ice cream, cakes, candies, puddings, etc. more tasty, attractive and appetizing.

Chocolate drink

In the 19th century, a drink made from cocoa powder was born. Even sophisticated gourmets liked it and very quickly gained enormous popularity. To this day, cocoa drink is a must on the menu of kindergartens and schools. Both adults and children drink it with equal pleasure and eagerness.

There are two ways to prepare cocoa drink. The first one is the simplest. To prepare it you will need instant cocoa powder and milk (or water). A few spoons of the chocolate product are poured into cold or hot liquid and stirred thoroughly. That's it - the drink is ready!

However, many believe that cocoa product “ instant cooking"cannot be compared with a drink made according to all the rules. Real cocoa, according to experts in the “art of chocolate,” should be cooked over fire.

How to cook cocoa with milk? The basic recipe is this. For two servings you will need the following:

• cocoa – 2-4 tbsp. spoons
• water – 1 glass
• milk – 1 glass
• sugar - to taste

The powder is thoroughly mixed with sugar. Sweetened cocoa is not added a large number of boiling water and stir until smooth. Then boiling milk is poured into the mixture in a thin stream and the rest is added hot water. The resulting liquid is mixed well and brought to a boil. AND aromatic drink ready!

The basic recipe can be supplemented with various nuances. Do you want a drink with airy foam? Arm yourself with a blender, mixer or whisk. If you want to emphasize the taste, add nuts or berries. Cocoa is also supplemented with ice cream, egg or cream. A portion of this magical drink will energize you, lift your spirits and increase your vitality.

It should be noted that for cocoa the calorie content of the drink increases due to the addition of milk and sugar. The nutritional value per 100 g of drink is approximately 360 kcal.

Be healthy!

Cocoa benefits and harms – this question still remains open. Numerous studies are ongoing to this day. They showed that cocoa has many beneficial properties.

Thus, scientists from the University of Münster found a new substance in cocoa - cocohil. It, according to scientists, has truly invaluable properties - it promotes cell growth, heals wounds, smoothes wrinkles and even reduces the risk of stomach ulcers.

Swiss cardiologists also appreciated the benefits of the product. They call dark chocolate, which contains more than 70% cocoa, “sweet aspirin.” Why? According to numerous studies, biologically active compounds in cocoa beans serve to prevent heart disease, namely, they reduce unwanted platelet aggregation.

Cocoa contains the well-known “hormone of joy” - endorphin. It is necessary to maintain Have a good mood and energy. A cup of cocoa in the morning energizes you for the whole day.

It is known that cold cocoa drink is the fastest and most effective muscle restorer after heavy physical activity And sports activities. In this indicator, it is significantly superior to specialty drinks and cocktails. That’s why athletes often use cocoa to restore strength.

On the other side of the scale

Numerous studies have identified some factors harmful effects cocoa products on the human body. There are significantly fewer of them, but still...

The main disadvantage is the high calorie content. Even a small portion of the drink causes a feeling of satiety. Therefore, it should not be abused. Chocolate products are also high in calories. They are useful in small quantities; increased consumption is fraught with undesirable consequences.

Cocoa contains purines, which are responsible for the preservation of hereditary information, metabolism and protein processing. They perform very important function, and therefore are necessary for the human body. However, excessive cocoa consumption can lead to a high concentration of purines, which can lead to salt deposition in the joints and diseases of the genitourinary system.

On modern market Lots of low quality products. Cocoa is no exception. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to carefully study the composition, check the quality of the packaging, choose a reliable manufacturer and beware of suspiciously low prices.

Instant cocoa powder contains a lot chemical substances, flavorings, dyes. Therefore, it is better to give preference to a natural product.

To drink or not to drink?

A lot has been said about the benefits and harms of cocoa. Everyone chooses for themselves whether to drink a chocolate drink, in what quantity and when. However, there is a risk group for which it is contraindicated:

• children under 3 years old
• people who suffer from diabetes, sclerosis, atherosclerosis and diarrhea
• people prone to obesity
• people with diseases of the nervous system who are susceptible to stress

The rest of the cocoa can be drunk without fear. Bon appetit!

Ever since Spanish explorers brought cocoa to Europe, the chocolate-flavored hot drink has become an elixir for all ills. It was taken as a medicine or used to combat attacks of anger and bad mood. Today, cocoa powder is a lower-calorie version of that chocolate drink. This product contains a number of essential nutrients and helps fight chronic diseases. Why is cocoa powder so beneficial?

Useful and healing properties of cocoa powder

Traditional cocoa powder has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. Every year, scientists receive more and more evidence to confirm the positive effect of its use; The numerous benefits that this product has on human health have also been confirmed.

The benefits of cocoa for the body include:

• reduction of high blood pressure;
• lowering “bad” cholesterol;
• getting rid of the syndrome chronic fatigue;
• inhibition of diabetes mellitus;

• treatment bronchial asthma;
• cancer protection;
• getting rid of obesity;
• improving heart and brain health.

In addition, cocoa powder is used to make mixtures for fast healing wound care masks skin and hair.

The main advantage of cocoa powder is high concentration flavonoids. There are many various groups flavonoids, but natural not sweet cocoa – good source two of them: epicatechin and catechin. Flavonoids function as antioxidants, helping prevent inflammation in the body. Epicatechin is needed to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

A comparative study found that flavonoids in cocoa have higher antioxidant activity than their counterparts in red wine. In addition, flavonoids stimulate memory functions and learning comprehension.

Eating cocoa powder is beneficial for diabetes. Unlike chocolate, cocoa powder does not cause a sugar spike.

Consumption of cocoa alleviates the symptoms of bronchial asthma, thanks to substances - xanthine and theophylline. These substances relax spasms in the bronchi and open narrowed bronchial tubes. It promotes easy passage of air and is also valuable in the treatment of asthma and difficulty breathing.

Cocoa has a calming effect on people suffering from chronic fatigue by releasing neurotransmitters (serotonin, phenylethylamine and anandamide).

Regular consumption of cocoa has beneficial influence for growth inhibition cancer cells . This healing effect has proven extremely valuable in treatment various types cancer.

Cocoa is often found in skin and hair care products. Cocoa-based masks nourish and protect against external influence and produce a calming effect. You can learn more about this product effect in the issue dedicated to spheres.

Chemical composition of cocoa powder

Cocoa powder is made from cocoa beans that grow on the tree of the same name. The beans are ground into a chocolatey fatty substance, from which most of the fat is removed, and the remaining paste is dried and ground. Thus, all the most harmful fats are removed from the finished powder.

Those who consume cocoa powder supply their body with vitamin A, E and antioxidants.

Vitamins (mg per 100 g):

How to use it for weight loss

Cocoa - great way satisfy your sweet tooth and diversify your “boring food”. Nutritionists recommend adding this product to your healthy eating plan.

Use in healthy and therapeutic nutrition

Cocoa is a real culinary find. The powder can be used to make a warming drink or enhance the taste and aroma of any dish. Your morning oatmeal will taste twice as good if you sprinkle it with cocoa powder. Benefits like these make cocoa healthy plant based any food.

What to combine cocoa with:

• with porridges (oatmeal, rice, millet);
• with milk and dairy products (yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, kefir);
• with fruits (bananas, apples, pineapple,);
• with berries (strawberry, and rowan).

You cannot combine cocoa with caffeine-containing products -,.

How to make cocoa powder from milk

For 1 serving you will need:

• teaspoon cocoa powder;
• 250 ml milk.

You can use a teaspoon of sugar as a sweetener, but dietary option Honey or stevia will serve.

1. Bring milk to a boil.
2. Pour cocoa and stevia into a separate bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour a tablespoon of hot milk and achieve a uniform consistency.
4. Pour the mixture into milk. Stirring, cook until completely dissolved.

If you make cocoa with honey, then it must be added to a slightly cooled drink.

How to choose cocoa powder in the store

There are two types of cocoa: powder, which must be boiled, or sweet cocoa, which dissolves itself in warm water. Powder is natural product, containing mass useful substances. A good product there should only be Brown, smell like chocolate, and the mass fraction of fat exceeds 15%. Expired cocoa has no odor.

How to use the product

Cocoa is an energy drink; It is best to consume it in the morning or at lunch, but no more than 1-2 cups per day.

Product storage features

In order for the powder to retain its exceptional smell until the end of its shelf life, it must be stored in an airtight container. Otherwise, cocoa will instantly lose characteristic aroma or, worse, it will smell like other products.

Harm and contraindications

• leads to increased urination, insomnia and irregular heartbeat;
• exacerbates the problems of those suffering from anxiety disorders or incontinence;
• during breastfeeding leads to abdominal discomfort in the baby.

Allergy sufferers should check their reaction to this drink. Cocoa allergies include skin reaction, migraine, disorder digestive system, gases and nausea.

Caffeine affects the effectiveness of certain medications associated with the treatment of heart disease. It is generally recommended to avoid caffeinated drinks or products until your cardiac examination begins.

To experience all the benefits of cocoa, it is enough to consume the real product. Plus, a little sweet adds a delicious aroma and taste to any diet.

Cocoa is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Both children and adults love him. It is rich in vitamins and charges everyone with vigor and good mood.

History of the drink

Chocolate originated with the Aztecs, who lived in what is now Mexico. Growing cocoa trees, the Aztecs made powder from their fruits. The drink, which was prepared from this powder, gave strength, energy and vigor. He was especially popular among men.

The Spanish conquerors appreciated delicious drink and brought the fruits of cocoa home to Europe, teaching their compatriots how to make chocolate. It was a drink very reminiscent of modern chocolate, to which sugar and vanilla were generously added. Chocolate in a short time spread throughout Europe, and Europeans managed to learn how to make chocolate. France, Switzerland and England have been particularly successful in this. And today the high quality of their drinks is known. But Russia did not lag behind European countries: at the beginning of the last century, Russian chocolate was very highly valued on the world market.

Benefits of the drink

Cocoa beans grow on a chocolate tree that reaches 10 meters in height. 30-40 beans are hidden in the pulp of its fruit. They contain almost 300 substances that have different influence on human body. The variety of components can bring health not only benefits, but also harm. What are the benefits of cocoa? It includes many useful microelements. These are vegetable protein, carbohydrates, organic acids, dietary fiber, fats, sugar, saturated fatty acids, starch. This drink is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as folic acid.

Cocoa will help restore lost strength to people who have had a cold. Scientists also came to the conclusion that this drink promotes longevity, because beneficial features Cocoa beans - antioxidants - help delay the aging of the body.

Therefore, it is wiser to replace fashionable energy drinks that are unsafe for human health. delicious cocoa. What are the benefits of cocoa? It will give energy and nourish the cells of the body without causing harm to the body.

Calorie content

100 grams of cocoa powder contains 200 - 400 kilocalories. One cup contains less fat and carbohydrates than a slice of chocolate. The drink perfectly saturates the body. Those who want to lose weight may not avoid drinking cocoa. Of course, you need to have a sense of proportion. It is preferable to drink the drink in the morning to recharge your energy for the whole day.

For the cardiovascular system

Chocolate containing more than 70% cocoa has beneficial properties such as bioactive components. They can block platelet adhesion processes. What is useful about cocoa is its antioxidant properties, which are many times higher than those of orange juice, apples, black and even green tea. Flavanols have a good effect on metabolic processes in the body and prevent vascular damage. Regular use This drink promotes more productive brain function. What are the benefits of cocoa powder? The antioxidant flavanol, which is found in cocoa beans, will help improve cerebral circulation and normalize blood pressure. Therefore, this drink, like chocolate, is useful for those who have weak blood flow in the vessels of the brain.

Patients suffering from heart failure may benefit from this drink, as it contains a lot of potassium.

For muscles

If you use high-quality, untreated heat treatment product, you can speed up the process of muscle recovery after heavy loads.

For the general condition of the body

The drink contains endorphins - substances that stimulate the production of joy hormones. Therefore, after a person drinks it, his mood improves and the person feels cheerful and energetic.

Another beneficial property of cocoa is the substance epicatechin, which helps reduce the risk of the occurrence and development of diseases such as diabetes, stroke, stomach ulcers, cancer, and heart attack. Scientists have also found that this drink heals wounds faster and rejuvenates the skin. And all this thanks to procyanidin, a substance responsible for skin health and elasticity. The natural pigment melanin is another benefit of cocoa. It protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Polyphenols contained in cocoa beans prevent free radicals from accumulating in the body, thereby preventing the occurrence of cancer.

Can pregnant women drink this drink?

But there are not only beneficial properties of cocoa. And pregnancy is a contraindication. Despite the fact that the drink contains many beneficial properties, during pregnancy it would be wisest to limit its use or avoid it altogether. This is because this drink interferes with the absorption of calcium. But calcium is vital important element, which provides normal development baby. A lack of calcium can harm the health of both the baby and the mother. In addition, the drink can provoke allergies.

Malicious properties

The drink contains a small amount of caffeine (approximately 0.2%). But this must be taken into account, especially if it is used by children. There is a lot of conflicting evidence about caffeine. Since its benefits have not been proven, cocoa should be given to children with caution, as well as to those who have contraindications to consuming caffeine.

About processing cocoa beans

Countries where cocoa beans are grown are known to have poor sanitary conditions. Of course, this cannot but affect products that contain cocoa. There are also cockroaches living in beans. It is almost impossible to get rid of them. In tropical countries, large plantations are treated with large quantities of pesticides and fertilizers. Cocoa is the most heavily pesticide-treated crop worldwide. In industrial production, beans are subjected to strong radiological treatment to remove pests. And these raw materials are used to produce 99% of the world's chocolate!

The harmful effects of chemicals and radiation on human health cannot be underestimated. Of course, all manufacturers claim that their product is carefully cleaned and processed. But in practice, it is almost impossible to identify chocolate and powder that are prepared to accepted standards.

Who should not use

This drink should not be drunk by children under three years of age, as well as by people suffering from the following diseases:

Diabetes;

Sclerosis;

Atherosclerosis;

Gout;

Kidney diseases.

People suffering from excess weight, it is better not to drink cocoa because of it high calorie content. Those who are under stress or suffer from diseases of the nervous system are also not recommended to consume cocoa.

Varieties

Cocoa has 3 main varieties:

Industrial product. This type of cocoa is grown using a variety of fertilizers;

Industrial organic product. It is grown without using fertilizers, so this type of cocoa is the most valuable;

A living product with high quality and price. It is collected from wild trees by hand. His qualities are unique.

How to choose a quality product

It is not easy for the average consumer to understand the quality of this drink. But it is possible to determine general signs quality product. The most valuable natural product contains at least 15% fat. Natural powder of light brown or brown color without impurities. If you rub the powder between your fingers, the product good quality will not leave lumps and will not crumble. During the brewing process, you can check the sediment: healthy and high-quality cocoa will leave almost no residue.

When buying cocoa, you need to pay attention to the country of origin. There should be a chocolate tree growing there.

How to cook properly

To make the drink tasty and to reveal all the beneficial properties of cocoa butter, you need to add a teaspoon of sugar to three tablespoons of cocoa powder. You need to boil a liter of milk, and then add cocoa and sugar. And cook for at least three minutes over low heat. What could be tastier and healthier than cocoa with milk?

But you can prepare the drink differently. First boil the water. Then pour sugar and cocoa into it and whisk with a whisk to form an airy foam. At the end add hot milk with 3.5% fat content. You can add a pinch of vanilla and salt.

This drink is very healthy and tasty. But abuse of it, like any other product, can cause harm to the body. If you do not lose your sense of proportion, it will only bring pleasure and benefit.

Many products plant origin actively used in everyday nutrition population. Thus, one of the most popular substances of plant origin, actively used in children's diets, is cocoa. It can be purchased in stores in the form of a brown powder. Such raw materials are usually used to prepare a tasty and nutritious milk-based drink. The taste of such a drink is probably familiar to every person. But can it benefit our body? If yes, then how is cocoa with milk beneficial for the human body? Let's try to answer this question in as much detail as possible.

What is the composition of cocoa?

High-quality cocoa is prepared from cocoa beans; these amazing gifts of nature contain more than three hundred elements that have a wide variety of effects on our body. So they contain a significant amount vegetable protein, carbohydrates, and fats. In addition, they are a source of a number of organic and unsaturated fatty acids. Cocoa also contains a certain amount dietary fiber, starch and sugar.

Cocoa beans saturate our body with a variety of vitamins, including a certain amount of B vitamins, including folic acid, provitamin A, as well as beta-carotene. They also contain a significant amount of tocopherol and vitamin PP. This product is a good source of a number mineral elements, represented by fluorine, manganese, molybdenum, copper, and zinc. Cocoa beans also contain some amount of iron, sulfur, chlorine, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. They will also benefit people who are deficient in magnesium and calcium.

Nutritional value

The cocoa milk drink is quite nutritious and perfectly saturates the body with energy. At the same time, it will not harm those who want to lose weight at all if consumed in sufficient quantities. moderate amount– no more than one cup per day. This drink should be taken in the morning, in which case it will provide the body with strength for the whole day.

What are the health benefits of cocoa?

Cocoa is a source of a number of bioactive substances that have a blocking effect on platelet adhesion. Antioxidant properties This natural substance exceeds the similar qualities of apples and orange juice, and even green tea. The presence of flanols in its composition helps to improve the flow of metabolic processes, and also prevent various damages integrity of blood vessels.

Consuming cocoa that has not been boiled helps ensure active recovery muscles after various sports activities or physical labor. This product also contains unique substance anandamine, which stimulates the synthesis of endorphins, which are hormones of joy. That is why consuming this drink helps improve your mood and achieve a surge of vivacity. Also, cocoa with milk is rich in epicatechin, which prevents the development of stroke and heart attack, diabetes, ulcerative lesion stomach, and even cancer lesions. In addition, scientists have concluded that such a drink helps speed up the healing process of wounds and also stimulates cell regeneration, in other words, skin rejuvenation.

The presence of melanin, a natural pigment, in cocoa makes this drink even more beneficial for the skin, since this element is able to protect it from the aggressive effects of ultraviolet radiation.

This drink is a source of theobromine, which is similar in structure and effects to caffeine. One cup of high-quality cocoa drink will wake you up in the morning much better than the strongest black coffee. In addition, this chocolate drink will help cope with heartburn and have a regulating effect on monthly cycle.

Experts have concluded that cocoa is a source significant amount bioflavonoids that can neutralize the activity active forms oxygen. Namely, such particles harm DNA cells and are capable of stimulating the growth processes of tumors. Studies have also confirmed that such a drink is especially effective in eliminating oxidative stress, which provokes cancer of the small or large intestine. This effect of cocoa will be very useful for modern man, since our body is constantly faced with different harmful products, provoking pathologies.

Another useful quality This milk-chocolate drink helps maintain normal brain activity, as well as maintain clarity of consciousness throughout life. Cocoa optimizes blood circulation in the brain and has a positive effect on memory and concentration. In addition, this drink quite well prevents the development of senile dementia.

Preparing cocoa

Cocoa drink is very easy to prepare. Bring one liter of milk to a boil, then take three tablespoons of cocoa powder and dissolve them in a small amount of such hot liquid. This will help avoid lumps in your drink. Next, pour the prepared cocoa solution into a container with boiling milk and boil the drink for three minutes. Use sugar depending on your taste preferences, but it is better not to use honey, as it will interrupt the interesting taste of cocoa.

Thus, cocoa with milk is very tasty and healthy drink, both for adults and children.

The benefits and harms of cocoa powder

Cocoa fruits grow on the chocolate tree and are widely used in medicine and Food Industry. The ancient Greeks considered it "food of the gods." Since ancient times, cocoa beans have been valued like gold. When they first appeared, grains served as gifts for kings. Long time it was mainly used by aristocrats. The population of Europe first tasted this wonderful taste in the fifteenth century. Let's take a closer look at the health benefits and harms that cocoa powder brings to modern people.

The preparation method, which involves extracting oil and powder from beans, was invented by the Dutchman Conrad Van Heuten. Literally two hundred years ago, hot chocolate began to demonstrate well-being and abundance. Only respectable people allowed themselves amazing drinking.

How did the tradition arise when serving drinks to place the cup on a saucer? Nowadays this is a manifestation of good manners, but in the 18th century it was considered a tribute to frugality. Because the this product was very expensive, then when drinking, a saucer was placed under the cup to save every priceless drop.

The Netherlands became the largest importer among many countries. Their local residents eat more than eighteen percent of the world's harvest.

Preparation method

There are no particular difficulties here. The beans are collected and pressed using the hot method. Cocoa butter is formed. Then they take the cake, which has been degreased, grind it, and get a powder. This is what is needed for the drink. And to start producing chocolate, they add butter, glucose, spices, etc.

Health benefits and harms of cocoa

Let's note the advantages:

1. The beans include theobromine, a flavoring agent similar to caffeine. She gives nervous system excitement, expands coronary vessels, bronchi.
2. The contents are useful for proteins, carbohydrates, aromatic and astringent components, and minerals.
3. Has the ability to produce endorphins that increase general health, mood, ability to work, brain activity.
4. Contains compounds with antioxidant properties that reduce blood pressure. Therefore, the drink is especially relevant for hypertensive patients and anyone who suffers from pressure changes. Therefore, hypotensive patients drink it with water, and hypertensive patients drink it with milk.
5. An excellent preventative against heart attacks, strokes, malignant tumors, including epicachetin.
6. Constant consumption of cocoa allows Indians to remain long-lived.
7. An excellent remedy for depression.
8. Antioxidants and elements that affect enzyme activity help overcome early old age and wear and tear of the human body.
9. Women eliminate unfavorable symptoms such as menstrual irregularities by drinking cocoa.
10. Very helpful for those who are enthusiastic proper nutrition. Of course, it is better not to use sugar. But it is possible to add fructose in small quantities.
11. High content of iron and magnesium, and when milk is added, it will also be enriched with calcium.
12. It has a positive effect on blood circulation in the brain, therefore it maintains a clear mind and strong memory for a long time in older people.
13. Heals wounds quickly.
14. Protects skin from negative influence ultraviolet radiation.

But there are also disadvantages:

1. The presence of caffeine (approximately 0.2 percent) is not advisable for small children and pregnant women.
2. People who have contraindications to caffeine should take it with caution.
3. Beans grow in countries with poor sanitation. This affects the fruits, since cockroaches settle in them, which are difficult to get rid of.
4. What you need to know about the plantations where the trees grow is what they are exposed to chemical treatment in large quantities compared to other fruit plantings.
5. There is radiological pollination of pests, which undoubtedly has a negative impact on human health.
6. Manufacturers insist on careful and gentle processing of their products, but it is not always possible to verify their authenticity and ensure safety.

It is worth understanding that despite the significant health benefits of cocoa powder, the harm can be serious for some people. Please note the contraindications:

• children under three years of age,
• faces with diabetes mellitus, gout, diarrhea, atherosclerosis, kidney disease,
• Availability various diseases nervous system,
• at increased acidity stomach,
• someone who suffers from constipation
• having various heart ailments,
• allergy sufferers.

Of course, a lot depends on how quality goods you will buy. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to certain signs.

How to choose cocoa

It should be remembered that beans are only useful High Quality, grown without pesticides and other harmful impurities. Usually, unusable raw materials are brought from China.

Considered first class natural powder. Soluble contains a large number of additives that enhance aroma and dyes.

There are two options in stores: a powder that is boiled and an instant dry mixture. A genuine product is more important for health. It excludes sugar and preservatives that inhibit microorganisms. When choosing, pay attention to the fat content (at least fifteen percent) and the shelf life.

The remaining parameters are evaluated after purchase:

• flawless and familiar scent, without any additives,
• the absence of lumps - the presence indicates illiterate saving,
• very fine grind, the grade is assessed by rubbing the powder between your fingers. Good - sticks to the skin, but does not appear like dust,
• brown color and no other color,
• taste it before cooking. Bad sensations, rancidity indicate food unsuitability,
• When preparing a drink, the suspension settles slowly, no faster than two minutes.

Nutritional value: 300 kcal per 100 grams.

Cocoa: health benefits and harms after 50 years

With the onset of changes in age, the human body is rebuilt. At this time there may be a decline in emotions, despondency.

He will provide support:

• activates blood supply to the brain,
• will improve memorization,
• will put an obstacle to the progression of atherosclerosis,
• will increase the strengthening of the vascular membranes,
• will easily bring you out of depression.

At this age, it is advisable for coffee lovers to switch to cocoa in order to maintain the fervor of creativity and the well-being of the nervous system.

So, now you have enough information on the health benefits and harms of cocoa powder. Undoubtedly, it is a multifunctional and generally tonic food. Includes characteristics of an energy drink, cosmetic and medicine. Moreover, addiction does not occur, and the body’s activity is maintained at the highest level.