Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for heart health

Unsweetened cocoa powder is a natural product from cocoa beans. It is a key ingredient in brown chocolate, as a main product. Chocolate is a common treat for many. It possesses great flavors, and has been reputed for enhancing the sentiments of affection between persons in intimate relationships.

The core ingredient is theobroma, cocoa powder and cocoa butter. The potential health-promoting compounds found in chocolate include a category known as flavanols. These compounds are abundant in many plants, including cocoa beans, which are the seeds of the cacao tree. Diets high in flavanols help to improve cardiovascular health. They help in relaxing blood vessels (which lowers blood pressure) and improving blood sugar control (which may help prevent diabetes).

For chocolate milk a main ingredient is cocoa powder. Add Cocoa butter to improve texture, flavor and taste. Cocoa powder pressed from the beans has a fat content of about 10%. [read more]

How Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Works

Pure, unsweetened cocoa powder is relatively low in fat and calories, and can actually help regulate metabolism and energy levels. An added benefit is that foods that contain cocoa powder contribute to a satisfying feeling of fullness, even when consumed in moderation. 

The increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases, or heart related complications, pose a real danger to lives, families and economies. Overall, 15 million productive lives are lost annually on a global scale. These lost lives are due to unhealthy build up of fat deposits in blod vessels and hearts, causing strokes and heart failure.

Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, which can help lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function. Due to the iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and selenium, it contains, cocoa powder boosts the immune system and improves nerve and muscle function. Cocoa powder includes rich catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin that have antioxidant properties which protect cells and strengthen the heart.

This product helps to prevent fatal blood clots from blocking blood vessels and reduces the risk of severe cardiac failure. People on low-carb diets who consume 81% cocoa powder lose weight more quickly, especially when it is dark chocolate. It helps to reduce the effects of chronic allergies that cause severe shortness of breath and asthma. Cocoa consumption boosts endorphin levels to promote a feeling of happiness.

Cocoa powder can be sprinkled on oatmeal or scrambled eggs, or added as a supplemental spice to chicken, turkey, shrimp, fish, or pork. It can be added to a fresh fruit smoothie for breakfast, or add a bit of powder for both color and flavor to a cup of tea or coffee. Make a traditional hot cocoa drink, using honey as a sweetener. [read original article]