So, do you think cocoa butter is only meant for pampering and beautifying skin? You are wrong, gals! This luscious fat derived from cocoa beans (almost 50 to 60% of the entire liquor produced from the bean) has numerous potential health benefits. Want to know in detail? Below, We have listed cocoa butter’s ten most beautiful health benefits. (1) (2)
10 Most Wonderful Health Benefits of Cocoa Butter
Excellent Nutritional Profile
The nutritional value of cocoa butter is remarkably high. We have described it in the following list briefly:
- Macronutrients: Cocoa butter is a fantastic source of necessary macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It holds almost 14 gm. of heart-friendly monosaturated fats (oleic acid, etc.) and saturated fats (stearic acid, palmitic acid, etc.) with negligible amounts of cholesterol. The dietary fiber content of cocoa butter is also relatively high.
- Micronutrients: There are lots of essential minerals present in cocoa butter. Iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, etc.
- Calories: Being rich in fat, it is relatively high in calories. An ounce of cocoa butter generates as much as 248 calories.
Strong Antioxidant Properties
The antioxidant capacity of cocoa butter is comparatively higher than many other edibles like green tea, red wine, etc. It has very high levels of flavonoids and phenolic phytochemicals, which contribute to the antioxidative properties and protect our body from free radical damage.
Controls Blood Pressure
The antioxidant qualities of cocoa butter help control our blood pressure. The antioxidants are known to promote the formation of nitric oxide inside the body. It relaxes the blood vessels, increasing their elasticity, which brings positive changes in pressure (both systolic and diastolic) levels.
Limits Cholesterol Levels
Not only is cocoa butter very low in cholesterol, but it also has fantastic hypocholesterolemic effects on our blood cholesterol. According to investigative research, cocoa butter can reduce the levels of triglycerides and Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDLs) or ‘bad cholesterol’ in our bloodstream to a great extent. It can even increase the High-Density Lipoproteins (HDLs) or ‘good cholesterol’ in our body, stabilizing our overall blood cholesterol levels.
Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
As said before, cocoa butter comes packed with various flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin, etc.), which act as potent antioxidants. They strengthen the heart by preventing cell damage caused by free radicals and facilitating various endothelial functions. Flavonoids are also known to avert the formation of blood clots by slowing down platelet aggregation and altering ‘primary hemostasis’ (the time required by blood for clotting). These can keep severe medical conditions like thrombosis, atherosclerosis, etc., at bay, which eventually prevents deadly cardiovascular disorders, such as stroke, heart attack, cardiac failure, etc.
Keeps Brain Healthy
Researchers have proved that cocoa butter has excellent neuroprotective benefits, which help in keeping our brains healthy. It stimulates the flow of blood throughout the brain cells so that they can carry out their normal functions efficiently. As a result, we can stay away from different neurovascular diseases. Our learning capabilities and memory functions also improve.
Cures Neurodegenerative Disorders
Besides maintaining the brain’s health, cocoa butter can also play a key role in treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Being loaded with highly effective phytochemicals like catechin and epicatechin, it can protect neuronal cell membranes from cytotoxicity. It also diminishes the adverse effects of oxidative stress on our minds, thereby preventing cellular damage.
Offers Anti-Carcinogenic Benefits
It has been found that cocoa butter holds many procyanidins and flavonols, cumulatively offering anti-carcinogenic benefits to human beings. Including cocoa butter in a regular diet can exert both anti-proliferative and chemopreventive effects on cancerous cells so that their growth is inhibited and the treated cells are healed efficiently.
Puts a Stop to Diabetes
Cocoa butter has impressive hypoglycemic effects on our bodies. It can improve glucose metabolism significantly, which helps regulate the sugar levels in the bloodstream. On the other hand, the antioxidant properties of the ingredient can put off long-term diabetic complications by scavenging free radicals and preventing cell damage.
Eases Bronchial Asthma
Intake of cocoa butter helps relieve bronchial asthma, too. It has two unique components called theophylline and xanthine, which can open up the compressed bronchial tubes and make the flow of air through them more accessible. These offer relaxation in bronchial spasms, cure shortness of breath and relieve asthma.
These are some excellent health benefits of cocoa butter. So, do not forget to consume a little while pampering your skin with it next time.
Summary
Cocoa butter, derived from cocoa beans, offers a range of health benefits beyond skincare. Rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, it provides essential carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and minerals. With powerful antioxidant properties, cocoa butter helps control blood pressure, limits cholesterol levels, and prevents cardiovascular diseases. It supports brain health, aids in treating neurodegenerative disorders, and offers anti-carcinogenic benefits. Additionally, cocoa butter regulates diabetes and eases bronchial asthma, showcasing its diverse and remarkable contributions to overall well-being.
