We know that chocolate has great acceptability by a large part of the population, being one of the most consumed foods in the world. And we also know that chocolate comes from cocoa. Yes, so far no news! But have you read and/or heard about the benefits of cocoa?
“Consuming chocolate does not mean that you will be acquiring the benefits that this wonderful fruit provides us. Because chocolate has many ingredients that do not fit the standard of healthy food. But if you opt for the 70 or 80%, you’re getting certain benefits that I’ll cover here. However, if you opt for 100% cocoa, you will undoubtedly be helping your health a lot to stay up to date”, explains nutritionist Dr. Thayana Albuquerque.
Cocoa is currently considered one of the major food sources of flavonoids, which contribute to a good intake of potent antioxidant compounds in the diet.
According to a nutritionist, flavonoids have anti-inflammatory effects that help fight free radicals and premature aging; and it is a vasodilator contributing to improve blood circulation, preventing cardiovascular diseases and helping to reduce blood pressure.
“Many other qualities are attributed to cocoa, in addition to being a cardioprotector, it reduces total cholesterol, not to mention that it helps reduce the risk of type II diabetes”, comments the nutritionist.
Thayana also talked about another well-known benefit is that the cocoa helps reduce PMS symptoms. Yes, this is possible due to the amount of magnesium present in the food. Because it is rich in this mineral, it prevents symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue and headaches; however, these benefits will only be present if the chocolate is the bitter type (70, 80 or 100% cocoa) and without milk in its composition.
Flavonoids also play a major role in oral photoprotection, helping cells from the harmful effects caused by ultraviolet rays that may be culminating in premature aging. “Because it is an antioxidant, cocoa fights our organism against free radicals that are formed when we damage our cells, improving the appearance of the skin and providing a better tan”, concludes the nutritionist.
We know that chocolate has great acceptability by a large part of the population, being one of the most consumed foods in the world. And we also know that chocolate comes from cocoa. Yes, so far no news! But have you read and/or heard about the benefits of cocoa?
“Consuming chocolate does not mean that you will be acquiring the benefits that this wonderful fruit provides us. Because chocolate has many ingredients that do not fit the standard of healthy food. But if you opt for the 70 or 80%, you’re getting certain benefits that I’ll cover here. However, if you opt for 100% cocoa, you will undoubtedly be helping your health a lot to stay up to date”, explains nutritionist Dr. Thayana Albuquerque.
Cocoa is currently considered one of the major food sources of flavonoids, which contribute to a good intake of potent antioxidant compounds in the diet.
According to a nutritionist, flavonoids have anti-inflammatory effects that help fight free radicals and premature aging; and it is a vasodilator contributing to improve blood circulation, preventing cardiovascular diseases and helping to reduce blood pressure.
“Many other qualities are attributed to cocoa, in addition to being a cardioprotector, it reduces total cholesterol, not to mention that it helps reduce the risk of type II diabetes”, comments the nutritionist.
Thayana also talked about another well-known benefit is that the cocoa helps reduce PMS symptoms. Yes, this is possible due to the amount of magnesium present in the food. Because it is rich in this mineral, it prevents symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue and headaches; however, these benefits will only be present if the chocolate is the bitter type (70, 80 or 100% cocoa) and without milk in its composition.
Flavonoids also play a major role in oral photoprotection, helping cells from the harmful effects caused by ultraviolet rays that may be culminating in premature aging. “Because it is an antioxidant, cocoa fights our organism against free radicals that are formed when we damage our cells, improving the appearance of the skin and providing a better tan”, concludes the nutritionist.
