What medicinal use does the cocoa plant have?
Long regarded as a food treat, cocoa is now used by some people as medicine. Cocoa seed is used for infectious intestinal diseases and diarrhea, asthma, bronchitis, and as an expectorant for lung congestion. The seed coat is used for liver, bladder, and kidney ailments; diabetes; as a tonic; and as a general remedy.
Is it healthy to drink cocoa everyday?
German scientists conclude that drinking cocoa daily reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by 37%, as well as reduces the risk of death after stroke, allowing better blood circulation due to the presence of flavanoid substance.
Is drinking raw cacao good for you?
Cacao contains fiber that bacteria eat to create fatty acid chains. These fatty acids benefit your digestive system. Drinks made with cacao might also increase the number of good bacteria in your gut. Research shows that eating dark chocolate can reduce stress, which boosts your overall mental and physical health.
Is cocoa a medicinal plant?
Although mainly cultivated for food use, cacao also has medicinal uses. It is used to stimulate the nervous system, lower blood pressure, dilates the coronary arteries, and soothes and softens damaged skin. It is also used against anemia, angina, bruises, chapped skin and burns, diarrhea, and leprosy spots.
Is drinking cocoa good for high blood pressure?
Consuming 50 g of cocoa daily will lower blood pressure 2 to 3 mm Hg on average in adults with hypertension.
Is cacao good for kidney?
Consuming a cocoa product could help patients with kidney failure to improve their blood vessel function, according to research published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Share on Pinterest Cocoa flavanols may help the heart and the kidneys.
What are the side effects of drinking cocoa?
Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas.
Does cocoa help you sleep?
Hot cocoa (commonly dissolved in milk) is also regarded as a sleep-promoting drink. The cocoa bean is a rich source of many beneficial chemicals, including compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids have a range of potential health benefits, and may be used to treat some neurodegenerative disorders.
Does cocoa increase blood pressure?
Overall, cocoa had a statistically significant effect of lowering systolic blood pressure by 2.8 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.2 mm Hg.
How long does it take for cocoa to lower blood pressure?
After 4 weeks of treatment, cocoa improved vascular function by 18% and decreased DBP (p = 0.03) (77). In a meta-analysis of 11 chronic and 11 acute studies, Hooper and colleagues found strong beneficial effects of cocoa on FMD, as well as reductions in DBP and mean arterial pressure.
Is cacao and cocoa the same thing?
Cacao is the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa. Both can benefit your health, but it’s best to stick to either the raw version, cacao, or a chocolate product that has a high chocolate liquor content. Raw cacao can take some getting used to. It tastes a little different than cocoa products and can be slightly bitter.
Does cocoa cause kidney stones?
Avoid stone-forming foods: Beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, tea, and most nuts are rich in oxalate, which can contribute to kidney stones. If you suffer from stones, your doctor may advise you to avoid these foods or to consume them in smaller amounts.
Can I drink cacao on empty stomach?
Yes! Cacao is fine to drink first thing in the morning. We suggest drinking the Cacao on an empty stomach and then having your normal breakfast or you can replace your breakfast with your Cacao, whichever is more suitable for you!
Why is cacao a Superfood?
The superfood of all superfoods, cacao—the dried seeds at the root of chocolate—is also one of the highest sources of magnesium in nature, full of antioxidants, calcium, zinc, copper and selenium. Cacao contains more antioxidants per gram than blueberries, goji berries, red wine, raisins, prunes and even pomegranates.
Can I drink cocoa tea at night?
A cup of cocoa before bed can work wonders, especially on cold fall and winter days. It not only warms you from inside, but it also makes you sleepy. Why? Because of the tryptophan found in unsweetened cocoa powder.
What are the health benefits of cocoa?
What’s more, cocoa has been found to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, have a blood thinning effect similar to aspirin, improve blood sugars and reduce inflammation (, , ). These properties have been linked to a lower risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke (, , , ).
What are the benefits of using cocoa powder for wound healing?
Cocoa has therapeutic properties that is efficient to promote wound healing. It is due to cocoa is also able to fight infections that is could occur from a wound by eradicating the bacteria that caused it.
What are the benefits of flavanols in Cocoa?
Summary Flavanols in cocoa can support neuron production, brain function and improve blood flow and supply to brain tissue. They may have a role in preventing age-related brain degeneration, such as in Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is needed. 5. May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression by Various Means ). ). ). ). ).
Why is cocoa considered as a natural mood booster?
Well, it is because cocoa has properties that could act as natural mood booster. It is because cocoa contained flavonols which good for mood and has anti-depressant effect. Cocoa has anti-depressant effect due to the flavanols as well as anandamide that is effective as mood enhancer.