(16-02-13) Make hot cocoa with real raw cocoa powder and reap the health, mood and skin benefits

by Danna Norek

(NaturalNews) Unsweetened, raw cocoa powder, the same stuff that is used to
make that sinfully delicious "guilty pleasure" food chocolate, has a multitude
of health benefits. They are often overlooked because it is so often
incorporated into overly sweetened treats like candy bars.

However, the raw powder that is the basis for all of these indulgent treats is
surprisingly low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in several potent
antioxidants. In fact, when added to some heated skim organic milk and with a
touch of stevia sweetener, you've got yourself an antioxidant-packed,
delicious, low fat treat.

Cocoa contains flavonoids
Cocoa flavonoids are a potent source of antioxidants. Flavonoids are plant
derived compounds which pursue and kill free radicals. Free radicals cause cell
death and mutation, so flavonoids are a potent weapon against cancer.

Most plants contain flavonoids in varying concentrations. It is thought that
these compounds are one of the primary ways a plant can help heal its wounds
and fend off invasive pests. This is probably why they are so useful to the
human body's defense mechanisms.

Flavonoid content is the primary reason cocoa is such a healthy food. Cocoa in
its raw form is very high in these compounds ounce for ounce. Cocoa flavonoids
are also thought to inhibit the oxidation of harmful cholesterol. They may
lower the likelihood of artery plaque build-up by promoting more efficient
circulation. Daily consumption of cocoa powder can help fend off coronary
disease, stroke and several types of cancer.

Cocoa is rich in theobromine
Theobromine is a member of the alkaloid family of phytoechemicals. It is the
chemical in cocoa that makes chocolate toxic to cats and dogs as well as some
other animals, but of course it is completely harmless to the human body and
even has some therapeutic value.

This chemical is known for its ability to help lower blood pressure by helping
to relax the blood vessels and allow for a more free and unobstructed flow of
blood. This action also helps to boost circulation. Theobromine also has
stimulant effects similar to caffeine but unlike caffeine, it does not
stimulate the central nervous system.

Cocoa may protect your skin from UV damage
The high antioxidant content of cocoa may not just be healthy for all your
internal parts, but it also may be a great anti-aging weapon when it comes to
the beauty of your skin. A study found that those who ate 70 percent cocoa
content dark chocolate every day for several weeks seemed to have a naturally
higher tolerance to UV exposure.

After being exposed to UV lamps, they exhibited less skin reddening and
appeared to also have less cellular damage than those who had not consumed
chocolate or who had consumed the type of chocolate that did not contain high
levels of cocoa. Their conclusion was that the cocoa-rich diet contributed to
the skin's ability to protect itself against UV damage.

Cocoa contains phenylethylamine, a mood boosting chemical
Cocoa contains a chemical that is also found in our brain called
phenylethylamine. This natural chemical is partly responsible for regulating
mood and also may play a role in boosting levels of serotonin, which is one of
the most potent "pleasure" chemicals.

This is part of the reason that chocolate is so often viewed as a sweet treat
that instantly makes you feel better when you're down. This chemical, combined
with the slightly stimulating effects of several of the other constituents
found in the cocoa bean are likely the perfect synergy of mood-enhancing
elements.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.eufic.org
http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/theobromine.php

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