Natural cocoa: The daily drink that boosts health and mood
It is worth drinking daily. Natural cocoa has remarkable properties. It can help reduce stress, improve memory and concentration, and increase the production of happiness hormones. However, it is important to remember a few rules.
25 September 2024 18:01
Cocoa is a drink that evokes autumn evenings. Beyond its taste, cocoa holds exceptional health properties. Properly prepared, it can benefit our body, support the nervous system, and improve mood. However, it is important when we consume it.
Remarkable properties of cocoa
The healthiest form of cocoa is raw, unprocessed cocoa. These cocoa beans have not undergone fermentation or roasting but are cold-pressed. In this way, they retain the full range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and most importantly, they do not lose valuable antioxidants. Cocoa contains large amounts of magnesium, iron, fibre, and vitamin C.
Cocoa is known for its potent antioxidant properties. These help fight harmful free radicals, which contribute to the body's aging and the development of cancerous and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, Regular cocoa consumption can reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But that's not all—the anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa mean it can also slow down the aging processes of the body and mind.
The richness of magnesium positively affects our nervous system. Regularly drinking this beverage can help reduce stress, improve memory and concentration, and facilitate the absorption of new information. Cocoa increases the production of happiness hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, which improves mood and reduces the risk of anxiety or depression. Daily consumption of dark cocoa can become a natural way to fight stress and improve well-being.
We cannot forget the benefits that cocoa brings to the circulatory system. Regular consumption of this beverage can lower blood pressure and improve the elasticity of blood vessels. In this way, cocoa can protect against the development of heart diseases, such as heart failure, heart attack, or stroke.
When to drink cocoa?
Although cocoa has numerous health properties, it is not a drink that we should consume at any time of the day. The theobromine is a stimulant, so it is best to drink cocoa in the morning or early afternoon. Drinking it in the evening can make sleeping difficult, and its caffeine can disrupt the circadian rhythm. Moreover, a more significant amount of cocoa before bedtime can cause a feeling of heaviness and digestive problems.