Cocoa, A Medicinal Food And A Beauty Remedy

Cocoa is a food rich in minerals, vitamins and fiber. Consuming it in seed, powder or pure chocolate will provide us with numerous health benefits and we can also enjoy its delicious flavor. In this article we not only show you those benefits but also some ideas to apply it as a beauty product. Keep reading!

Main characteristics of cocoa

Did you know that it is good for the heart, depression, asthma, dry skin, muscle aches, fluid retention or diabetes ? We explain in more detail the properties of Theobroma, of Mexican origin, which was known as the food of the gods, and also some beauty tips with cocoa butter.

First of all, it should be differentiated from chocolate, which may contain a greater or lesser percentage of cocoa. The more cocoa it contains, the more we will enjoy its healthy properties.

It is also important to note that this is stimulating, although less than coffee, so it should not be abused and we must take it into account in people with nervousness, insomnia, etc. and in children, especially those who suffer from nervousness or hyperactivity.

Nutritional values ​​of cocoa

Antioxidants

Cocoa is more antioxidant than green tea. Antioxidants help prevent aging and the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. To enhance its antioxidant properties, we will take it on an empty stomach.

Magnesium

This food is rich in magnesium, a mineral that nourishes our nervous system and our muscles. If we have a magnesium deficiency, we can take the decoction of the peel sweetened with honey or stevia, or eat some seeds on an empty stomach.

Calcium

Thanks to the calcium it contains, this food helps to strengthen bones and teeth, among other properties. To enjoy it, it will be important to consume unsweetened cocoa, since white sugar worsens the assimilation of calcium in our body.

Vitamin C

It contains vitamin C, a vitamin that helps us raise our defenses and prevent many diseases, as well as nourishing our bones, teeth and skin.

Fiber

Because it is a food of plant origin, cocoa contains fiber, so it helps to eliminate toxic substances from the body and regulate the levels of glucose and fatty acids in the blood.

Tryptophan

Cocoa contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that carries a nerve signal that produces happiness. That is why it improves states of anxiety, irritability, depression, etc.

Therapeutic properties

Thanks to these excellent nutritional values, this food helps us in multiple diseases:

• Consuming its  seeds is very beneficial for arrhythmias and to enhance memory and concentration. The seeds are diuretic, so they help us eliminate fluids from our body.
• The oil that is extracted from the seed is used to treat skin problems, burns, wounds and rashes.

• The young leaves of the plant can be used to disinfect wounds.
• The flour powder or cocoa not help in cases of arteriosclerosis, arthritis, diabetes, etc. In cases of exhaustion and weakness we will mix it with honey and take a tablespoon every morning.
• The infusion of seeds and / or leaves, which gives us the benefits of cocoa while avoiding its fat content, is very beneficial for asthma, cavities and diarrhea.
• The cocoa butter, which is one of the main ingredients of the lip protectors, we will use for cracks and fissures in the lips or breasts face, hemorrhoids and dry skin. We can also apply it directly to the skin in the case of muscle aches.

Cocoa and beauty

M ascarilla for the skin

Ingredients:

• 25 g of cocoa powder.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• 1 yogurt

Process

• Mix the ingredients well and apply the paste on your face for 20 to 30 minutes, once a week.

Homemade L abial

Ingredients:

• 20 g of beeswax.
• 20 g of cocoa butter.
• 20 g of olive or almond oil.
• Beet powder to give it a reddish color.

Process

• First, we put everything in a water bath (except the essential oils, which we will add when turning off the fire) and let it melt.
• Afterwards, we will mix it well and put it in molds, jars or empty lipsticks.
• Finally, once it has cooled, it will harden and be ready to be used.