Cocoa is rich vitamin and mineral composition: it contains vitamin A and E, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and others. About 10-15% cocoa powder is fat, but they are polyunsaturated, so This drink does not increase the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. But with the proviso that for the preparation of cocoa was used water or skimmed milk.
In Cocoa little caffeine, so you can drink for people who are contraindicated coffee. In this cocoa has tonic properties due to its composition of theophylline, which stimulates the nervous system and dilates blood vessels, and theobromine, which helps to concentrate. These substances affect the body is much softer than caffeine.
Very valuable components forming part of cocoa are fenilefilamin and tryptophan. These substances improve mood and have a slight antidepressant effect. In addition, the cocoa contains melanin, which protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation, and powerful antioxidants - flavonoids, improves the cardiovascular system and slows the aging process.
Harm cocoa
Despite a lot of useful properties of cocoa in its excessive use can cause the body harm. The fact that the cocoa powder is characterized by increased content of copper and lead. A surplus of these trace elements is not the best way affects the health. Besides cocoa beans contain purines. By themselves, these substances needed by the body, but too high a concentration of purines can lead to accumulation of uric acid, which has a negative impact on the joints, kidneys and bladder.
However, moderate consumption of cocoa will only benefit the body. From this drink should refrain only people suffering from gout, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, kidney disease and diabetes. Also, do not give cocoa children up to three years.
Unfortunately, the main damage that can cause the body to the flavored drink, is not due to the natural properties of cocoa seeds, and the specifics of their treatment. The fact that most of the cocoa beans are grown in poor African and Latin American countries in unsanitary conditions. When grinding the seeds they often fall exotic insects. A chitin contained in the shell of these insects can cause allergies. It is therefore desirable to buy cocoa powder, manufactured by reputable. Typically, companies that care about the quality of its products, carefully cleaned cocoa beans from the remains of insects.