Health Benefits of Cocoa

Who doesn't love chocolate? Though most of us crave chocolate, we tend to avoid it because we think it is fattening and unhealthy. And that would be true of most chocolate products. But that is because of the added substances like sugar and not because of the core cocoa itself. In fact, cocoa is highly nutritious and has a range of health benefits to offer.
A 2 tbsp. serving of cocoa contains just 25 calories and 1.5 g of fat. It also provides you with 3.6 g of fibre, which is 14 percent of the daily value, and 8 percent of the daily value of iron and 14 percent of the daily value of magnesium.
  • Cocoa Antidepressant Effects ~ Cocoa may have the ability to boost endorphins, which act as natural “happy” opiates and are responsible for the highs that are often felt after exercising, laughing, having sex or winning the lottery.
  • Cocoa contains approximately 43.6 mg of flavonoids per gram. Flavonoids are part of a powerful group of antioxidants known as polyphenols, cocoa is one of the highest polyphenol-containing foods.In addition, hot cocoa contains more antioxidants per cup than a serving of red wine or tea.
  • Science Daily also states that drinking cocoa may help to fight cancer, heart disease and aging through its antioxidant boosting effect.
  • Cocoa may lower LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots, increase blood flow to the arteries, lower high blood pressure, boost cognitive performance and provide essential minerals such as calcium and potassium.
 
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