Health benefits of cocoa
Cocoa offers anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant qualities and has demonstrated positive effects by imparting numerous health benefits.
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Blood pressure
Cocoa aids in lowering blood pressure and improving the elasticity of blood vessels.
These favourable changes are attributed to the presence of antioxidants in cocoa that stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which helps to keep blood vessels relaxed.
Furthermore, this helps in maintaining a healthy circulatory system.
Brain health
Cocoa is also beneficial to maintaining a healthy brain. Cocoa consumption could also have favourable effects on learning and memory functions.
Findings have shown that the consumption of cocoa-based products enhances the flow of blood to the brain and have provided evidence of the therapeutic potential for curing vascular disorders.
Diabetes
The consumption of cocoa has been shown to be effective in improving insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. This, in turn, aids in regulating sugar levels in the body.
Wound healing
Cocoa extracts have been trusted for their therapeutic and wound-healing properties in the manufacturing of natural medicinal products.
The extracts help in preventing the development of various kinds of infections in the body.
Obesity
Cocoa helps in preventing high-fat diet-induced obesity. Its intake helps in modulating lipid metabolism and reducing the synthesis and transport of fatty acids.
Mood Enhancer
Consuming cocoa has shown antidepressant-like effects on certain physiological processes.
It helps to enhance mood, combat depression and promote improved cognitive activities during persistent mental exertion.
It also helps in enhancing feelings of contentment and promoting aphrodisiac effects.
Cancer
Cocoa has demonstrated beneficial effects in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells without effecting the growth of normal healthy cells.
These healing effects have proven extremely valuable in the treatment of various types of cancer, including colon cancer and prostate cancer.
Credit: organicfacts.net