Life By Chocolate: 10 Health Benefits Of Cocoa & 10 Recipes To Try
A Chocolate A Day Keeps The Doctor Away
Cocoa is a superfood we often consider unhealthy. It's associated with chocolate, which typically means sugar, calories, and unwanted weight gain. However, when you eat dark chocolate made from pure cocoa, it's packed with health benefits. From disease prevention to mental health, there are reasons why you should eat more chocolate!
1. Reduces Risk Of Diabetes
Studies have shown that cocoa may reduce your risk of diabetes. The flavonoid components in cocoa are known to improve insulin secretion and help control blood sugar. You'll want to stick to real dark chocolate without refined sugar.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
It's important to regulate your blood pressure and not let it get too high. Studies show that consuming cocoa dilates blood vessels which relaxes veins. Pure dark chocolate may be a suitable snack for someone with high blood pressure.
3. Mood Booster
Having a bad day? How about some chocolate? It's no surprise that chocolate is a mood booster but it's not just because of the taste. Cocoa has stress-reducing properties and a dose of caffeine which affects serotonin.
4. Rich In Iron
Cocoa is rich in the mineral we know as iron. Our bodies need iron for growth and development. Iron plays a large role in our blood cells and our hormones and our entire body benefits from it.
5. High In Polyphenols
Cocoa is one of the top food sources for polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant compounds high in antioxidants that contribute to our health and immune system. They're known to help with disease prevention, brain function, and metabolism.
Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
6. High In Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants. This super nutrient aids cells from damaging and helps fight off germy intruders. Antioxidants boost our immune system which means cocoa will help prevent you from getting sick.
7. Helps With Weight Management
Somewhat contradictory, eating chocolate could assist your weight management. It helps by regulating the use of energy, decreases inflammation, increases fat oxidation, and makes you feel full.
8. Cancer Prevention Properties
There's still a lot more research needed to find out how well cocoa can combat cancer but since it's flavanol-rich, it means it could help reduce your risk. Studies have shown that components in cocoa inhibit cell growth and prevent cancer cells from spreading.
9. Dementia Prevention
It's high flavonoid content could make cocoa an aid for dementia prevention. Flavonoids are known to improve cognitive function and blood flow to your brain. Consuming cocoa regularly could help fight neurodegenerative diseases.
10. Cholesterol Regulator
Is the doctor telling you to lower your cholesterol? Maybe they're prescribing you to eat more chocolate! Cocoa is known to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and inflammation in the body.
Need any more reasons to eat chocolate? Here are healthy recipes to try full of irresistible chocolate:
1. The Perfect Hot Chocolate
The perfect hot chocolate is like a warm hug on a cold day. It has the perfect amount of sweetness, richness, and creaminess. Create a mug of perfection by using pure cocoa powder and your choice of milk and sweeten it up with a dash of vanilla and a spoonful of honey.
2. Chocolate "Hummus"
Hummus doesn't have to be savory! Sweeten it up with a chocolate hummus full of protein and antioxidants. Made from cocoa and chickpeas, it's rich and creamy and perfect for dipping fruit and crackers into.
American Heritage Chocolate on Unsplash
3. Decadent Fiber Brownies
A rich and chewy brownie will fulfill your chocolate craving. To treat your body right, include healthy substitutes like dates, pure cocoa, and whole wheat flour. Add ground flaxseed to boost its fiber content without reducing the decadent texture and flavor.
4. Chocolate Protein Smoothie
Chocolate protein smoothies are a hit with the fitness freaks. A protein smoothie is a delicious way to up your protein intake and fill you up. With protein powder, cocoa, bananas, and yogurt, it's a meal in a glass full of nutrition.
5. Chocolate Probiotic Pudding
Transform this nostalgic snack into a health boosting dessert! With probiotic Greek yogurt and cocoa powder, you can make a creamy and delicious pudding that's good for your gut. This decedent treat is full of protein as well.
6. Funky Monkey Milkshake
You can still enjoy a chocolate shake while keeping your health in check. A funky monkey milkshake made from frozen bananas, milk, natural peanut butter, cocoa, and honey is absolutely divine. It's tasty shake that won't give you a belly ache but tastes like an ice cream treat.
7. Chocolate Coconut Chunks
Put the cocoa in the coconut and eat it all up! With dates, coconut flakes, and cocoa, you're in for a healthy sweet snack. The chocolate and coconut pairing is a delicious match full of vitamins and minerals.
8. Nutty Chocolate Bar
Create a healthy chocolate bar that's easy and delicious. With dark chocolate, nuts, and seeds you can create a protein-packed bar. Sweeten it with a natural sweetener and enhance the flavor with a dash of sea salt. Add raisins or dried fruit for an extra chewy bite.
9. Chocolate Energy Balls
There are many variations of chocolate energy balls you can try! Our favorite involves oats, dates, peanut butter, chopped nuts, and of course, cocoa. You can get creative with your ingredients, sticking to proteins and fiber that'll fill you up and fuel your body.
10. Chocolate Tofu Cake
Don't let us lose you at tofu! A chocolate tofu cake has the consistency of cheesecake without the unhealthy ingredients. Cocoa and tofu are the stars of the dessert, adding protein and all of their health benefits to a classic cake. The chocolate flavor and soft texture is heavenly.
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