I don't know a child or an adult who doesn't say "I love chocolate". If you think that chocolate, which is loved by everyone, is made from cocoa, you are wrong. Chocolate is the raw material of both cocoa and chocolate. cocoa beanis made from.
Cocoa beans; It is the dry cacao pieces that grow on the cacao tree. It tastes like bitter chocolate.”Theobroma cacao " It is produced from the grains obtained from the tree.
The grains are first dried, then fermented and then crushed to a dark color. cocoa beans makes.
cocoa bean, It is sold roasted and raw. These tiny beans, which look and taste like chocolate, contain powerful plant compounds. Therefore, it has many benefits.
If you are wondering about the story of these small and interesting nuclei, “what is cocoa bean”, “what is cocoa bean for”, “what are the benefits and harms of cocoa beans” Let's start with the answers to your questions.
What are cocoa beans?
Cocoa beans"Theobroma cacao " It is obtained from the tree and is the natural source of chocolate.
Man's love affair with chocolate actually dates back to ancient times. About 4000-5000 years ago, the Aztecs cocoa bean and combining other ingredients to make a porridge-shaped drink. Although this drink is not much like today's hot chocolate because it is thicker and bitter, it may be considered as the ancestor of chocolate drinks.
The use of cocoa in powder form dates back at least 3.000 years. It was so valuable in Mexico, Central America and South America at that time that it was used as food, medicine and even currency.
The origin of the word cocoa is the Nahuatl dialect of the Aztec language, and in this language bitter water It means. It must be an appropriate word to describe the taste of cocoa before it is combined with sugar.
It was the Spaniards who first brought chocolate out of that region and introduced it to Europe and even the world, and in the 17th century. cocoa bean It started to arrive in European ports. While the French used these small beans to create tastier drinks, the English and Dutch began to make sweeter chocolate in bar form.
The phrase "he is small, his ingenuity is great" cocoa bean It must have been said for Although small in size, it has impressive nutritional content that makes it beneficial. 28 grams cocoa beanIts nutrient profile is as follows:
Calories: 175
Protein: 3 grams
Fat: 15 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
Sugar: 1 grams
Iron: 6% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Magnesium: 16% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 9% of the RDI
Zinc: 6% of the RDI
Manganese: 27% of the RDI
Copper: 25% of the RDI
Contains less sugar than many chocolate products cocoa beanIt is a good source of fiber, protein and healthy fats. Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese and Virgin It is rich in many minerals such as
Cocoa beansIt also contains powerful plant compounds, including flavonoid antioxidants, which are associated with many health benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Cocoa Bean?
Antioxidants
Antioxidantsprotects cells from free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress and pave the way for many chronic diseases.
Cocoa beans; It contains flavonoids such as epicatechin, catechin and procyanidins. Flavonoids have many health benefits.
For example, studies show that diets rich in flavonoids have lower rates of heart disease, certain cancers, and mental decline.
anti-inflammatory
Short-term inflammation is an important part of our body's defense system; Protects against injuries and diseases. When inflammation becomes chronic, it causes many diseases.
high in antioxidants cocoa bean and other cocoa products have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
For example, research KakaoThis study shows that the polyphenols found in NF-κB can reduce the activity of the NF-kB protein, which has an effect on inflammation.
Immunity
Cocoa beansIts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have a positive effect on immunity.
Research also supports this. For example, cocoa flavonoids reduce inflammation by improving the overall immune response.
Blood sugar
Cocoa consumption is beneficial for those with blood sugar control problems. Human studies have shown that cocoa improves sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that allows cells to absorb blood sugar.
Cocoa beansIt is one of the best cocoa products to stabilize blood sugar, as it is high in blood sugar-regulating antioxidants and does not contain any added sugar.
Cocoa polyphenols benefit heart health in many ways. because hypertension and reduces heart disease risk factors such as cholesterol.
Cancer
Cocoa beansIt contains concentrated powerful antioxidants with anti-cancer properties. Cocoa antioxidants, with their ability to reduce inflammation, prevent the spread of cancer cells and cause the death of these cells.
Test tube and animal studies also cocoa beanIt has been shown to have protective effects against lung and prostate cancer.
Muscle and nerve function
Cocoa beans Because it is rich in magnesium, It keeps the heart rhythm constant and is necessary for muscle and nerve function. It improves muscle structure and nerve functions.
Constipation
You can't get fiber when you eat chocolate, but cocoa bean It has enough fiber content to affect constipation. The fiber in cocoa keeps bowel movements regular.
Iron deficiency anemia
IronIt is an essential mineral for red blood cell production. Iron deficiency has side effects such as fatigue and weakness. Cocoa beansWhen iron, which is abundant in anemiaprevents it.
Diarrhea
Cocoa beans It has long been used to stop diarrhea. Cocoa contains polyphenols that inhibit certain intestinal secretions. These prevent the accumulation of fluid in the small intestine.
Mental health
Cocoa beansdirects the brain to release the hormone serotonin. Chocolate or cocoa bean This is why we feel happy when we eat.
It also contains anandamide, an amino acid and phenylethylamine compound called the “happiness molecule”. Phenethylamine triggers the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in the brain.
These brain chemicals elevate mood, including a woman's menstrual cycle.
cognitive function
Cocoa beansVarious compounds, such as the flavonoids found in it, increase blood flow to the brain, improving memory, reaction time, problem solving, and attention span.
This blood flow also reduces the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia as you age.
premature aging
Cocoa beans, green tea, açai, nar ve blueberries It contains more antioxidants than many so-called superfoods, such as Antioxidants protect the skin against the effects of aging.
Eating cocoa beans safe but some potential side effects should also be taken into account.
Cocoa beans It contains caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulants. Although these compounds have some health benefits, they cause the opposite effect when consumed in excess.
Therefore cocoa beaneating excessive amounts; triggers side effects related to excessive caffeine intake such as anxiety, tremors and insomnia. Eaten in normal amounts cocoa beanThe probability of causing these problems is very low.
Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women,kafein are more vulnerable to the effects of stimulants such as
Additionally, there is some concern about consuming cocoa products in late-stage pregnancy due to the restrictive effects of cocoa antioxidants on the fetal blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. Therefore, pregnant women should be careful in this regard.
Finally, if you are allergic to chocolate cocoa bean do not eat.
How to use cocoa beans?
Cocoa beansIts sugar content is lower than other chocolate products. Easily added to any tariff.
Because these tiny beans contain no sweetener, they're more bitter than dark chocolate with the highest cocoa content.
Because, cocoa bean Pay attention to the sweetness setting in the recipes you use. cocoa bean you can use it like this;
Add it to drinks like smoothies.
Use in baked goods such as cakes and breads.
Add it to the nut butter you make at home.
Add it to the oatmeal.
Eat it as a snack by mixing it with nuts and dried fruits.
Use in coffee drinks such as lattes and cappuccino.
Stir it into hot chocolate or homemade plant milk.
Bless your hands. You have prepared a page with very rich content. I benefited a lot.
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