Cocoa, more than chocolate : beans, powder and nibs

Cocoa comes from the cocoa tree , obtained after grinding the cocoa beans themselves from the pods, this powder obtained is an element of travel because present in several countries: the Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Mexico, Ghana, the islands of Haiti and many others.

To learn more about the benefits of this food, which will help you reduce stress , provide energy and improve metabolism, as well as other virtues, continue reading this article.

Extraction of cocoa

The extraction of this tropical fruit is best known around the world in the form of chocolate or sweet powder. Containing fewer benefits, it is just as good, as when it is made into mostly dark chocolate , it has benefits such as reducing sugar levels or stress levels.

• Powder

Across all of these countries, the way cocoa is extracted differs, so its use is just as diverse. Cocoa trees are now found in equatorial regions around the world. The beans from these trees are harvested to make cocoa powder.

Some use it in powder form, others in the form of nuggets and even in the form of paste for transformations and uses that do not take away the specific taste of this true delicacy. The powder is less bitter than cocoa, but it loses some of its nutritional value during processing.

Its powder can be a healthier alternative for recipes that require this ingredient.

• Cocoa beans

The beans develop their flavor and texture through a fermentation process before being processed into cocoa or its powder. To create this powder, processors apply very high temperatures to these beans, which produces the sweet, mild taste that people enjoy in the baked goods made from this delicacy.

The beans intended to become cocoa powder and nibs are not roasted at these high temperatures. Instead, they are processed at low temperatures and then ground into powder. This powder is quite bitter, but retains more of the original nutritional value of the bean.

• Cocoa butter

There is also raw or refined cocoa butter , which is used for food purposes and also for aesthetic purposes; indeed, its use on the body is very popular, especially in African countries, it is widely used in the composition of several types of body and hair balm, makes the skin softer, better moisturizing, ditto for the hair.

From its scientific name theobroma cacao, this tree provides us with its precious fruit that can be found in several areas of the world. Filled with benefits in its raw state, it is advisable to use it with dosage because it has properties similar to coffee and therefore euphoric. Nevertheless, it remains one of the elements of mother nature with the most beneficial components.

Cocoa: What benefits?

Very famous and used today, it is known for many benefits. We are talking about raw or organic cocoa that has not been heated, so it has not lost its nutrients; for example, Biotona organic cocoa powder or raw cocoa beans. Its use in an organic or raw format can provide the following benefits:

• Fight against sugar addiction:

Eating raw cacao after meals can help reduce sugar and eliminate the need for desserts.

• Provide plenty of vitamins including E and B vitamins:

Rich in nutrients the beans contain these two vitamins the vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant and the vitamin B participates in the proper functioning of the nervous system and provides energy.

• Rich in magnesium:

400 milligrams for 100 grams of cocoa, it is the totality of the daily dose required by the man because it participates in more than 300 metabolic reactions in the body.

• Complement and balance the diet:

Due to its mineral content, it can promote the supply of many nutrients to our body, so it can be consumed as a supplement can help balance the diet.

• Help with metabolism:

Because it contains calcium, iron, phosphorus and green algae, unroasted cocoa helps with metabolism. Thanks to the ingredients we just mentioned, it contains 200 chemical substances that can be used as fuel for the body and the brain.

• Fights high blood pressure:

If raw, it can help protect the cardiovascular system because it is rich in potassium which helps lower blood pressure (3.9g per 100g).

• Stress reduction:

It also helps well to fight stress, fatigue and even depression.

• Source of anti-oxidant:

It contains flavonoids, catechins, anthocyanins … which regulate free radicals in charge of cell aging

• Helps to burn fat:

Indeed, it is an effective appetite suppressant that can neutralize where eliminate fat is called the lipolytic effects of cocoa.

• Energy supplies:

If consumed in the morning, it can provide energy that will last throughout the day.

• Power to positively impact memory:

Deemed an antidepressant and stress reducer, it has a positive impact on memory by keeping it “fresh and sharp”.

Consumed in nuggets, powder or chocolate and now even in beverages like the 1 liter eco-mil bricks, roasted and sometimes sweetened cocoa provides a good taste and offers some nutrients to our body.

However, unroasted cocoa, that is to say, raw or totally organic, provides a bitter taste with a lot more nutrients or even all of its basic nutrients, thus making this tropical fruit and its derivatives a food supplement.

As we have already shown, this tropical fruit that provides us with chocolate: this real delight is not only consumed because of its irresistible and perfectly delicious taste, but it is also due to its benefits for our physical health and our mental and emotional state.

So what do you prefer sweet, raw or organic cocoa? In powder, beans, chips or dark chocolate?

Tell us more in the comments.