Be it baking or a sizzling beverage, if you wish to add chocolate flavour to it, go for cocoa powder. It isn’t simply yummy, but additionally wholesome. It’s wealthy in protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc, making it good on your well being. On Cocoa Day, celebrated within the US on December 13, let’s discover out the well being advantages of cocoa powder.

What’s cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder is a product that’s derived from cocoa beans after they’ve been processed to take away a lot of the cocoa butter, says dietician Ekta Singhwal.

What are the well being advantages of cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder not solely makes your espresso style higher, but additionally provides many well being advantages.

1. Antioxidant agent

Cocoa powder incorporates flavonoids and polyphenols, that are antioxidants present in meals like chocolate, vegetables and fruit. They assist to neutralise free radicals within the physique, says Singhwal.

2. Coronary heart well being

Having pure polyphenol-rich meals, together with cocoa, has been linked to a lowered threat of heart problems, as per a 2017 analysis revealed within the Frontiers. Additionally, flavonoids in cocoa could contribute to cardiovascular well being by bettering blood movement, decreasing blood stress, and supporting wholesome levels of cholesterol.

3. Temper enhancement

Cocoa incorporates compounds that will stimulate the manufacturing of endorphins. This may occasionally assist to enhance your temper and cut back stress.

4. Improved cognitive perform

Flavanols in cocoa have been linked to enhanced cognitive perform, says the skilled. This implies it could aid you with studying and support in bettering your reminiscence.

5. Mineral content material

Cocoa is an efficient supply of important minerals like magnesium, iron and potassium. All of them play very important roles in numerous bodily features. They help a wholesome immune system and support in muscle perform, amongst different issues.

6. Anti-inflammatory properties

Some compounds in cocoa could have anti-inflammatory results. So, it could support within the prevention of persistent illnesses, says the skilled.

7. Blood sugar regulation

Cocoa could assist to manage blood sugar ranges as a consequence of its flavonoid content material. So, it provides potential advantages for these prone to diabetes.

8. Pores and skin well being

Antioxidants in cocoa could contribute to pores and skin well being by defending towards oxidative stress. This helps to advertise total pores and skin vitality.

How one can add cocoa powder in food regimen?

It’s winter, so you may make a cup of sizzling cocoa utilizing unsweetened cocoa powder with heat milk. Different methods so as to add cocoa powder to your food regimen are:

• Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your favorite smoothie or milk shake for scrumptious chocolate flavour.
• Combine cocoa powder into your morning oatmeal for a pleasant chocolate twist.
• Use cocoa powder in recipes for cookies, muffins or brownies to reinforce the chocolate flavour.
• Start your morning by stirring cocoa powder into yogurt or a bowl of porridge.

You’ll be able to get pleasure from cocoa powder by including a little bit of chocolate. However be certain that it’s darkish chocolate with a majority of it being unsweetened cocoa.

What are the uncomfortable side effects of cocoa powder?

Consuming cocoa powder carefully, reminiscent of a number of occasions per week, is mostly thought of secure, says Singhwal. However watch out, as there could also be some uncomfortable side effects like:

• Caffeine sensitivity
• Allergic reactions
• Potential interactions with drugs
• Digestive discomfort, particularly when you’ve got cocoa in extra.

It’s greatest to seek the advice of with a physician first when you’ve got any pre-existing well being situation or considerations. Additionally, be conscious of added sugars and total dietary steadiness whereas consuming cocoa powder.