Why You Should Add Cocoa Powder To Your Daily Diet

What is cocoa? We all know that cocoa plays a key role in the preparation of our favourite chocolates. It is essential when it comes to baking those gooey cakes at home. Cocoa powder is produced from cocoa beans that come from the Theobroma cacao tree. Cocoa powder is such a versatile ingredient, prepare a cup of hot cocoa to have it raw, it tastes delicious! If you are a chocoholic, you know how a spoon of cocoa powder can transform anything, it provides such a rich chocolaty flavour. But that's not all, cocoa powder has some amazing health benefits and you must add it to your daily diet to enjoy all of them

Great For Heart Health

Cocoa has flavonoids that are believed to prevent the blockage of the blood vessels in the heart and improve its functioning. Cocoa helps in lowering blood pressure and also prevents blood clotting.

Improves Skin Health

Cocoa has antioxidant properties that are great for your skin health. Cocoa also has flavanols which help in improving blood circulation in the skin, skin elasticity and also reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Improves Your Mood

Cocoa powder works as an antidepressant for your body. The chocolaty flavour gives you joy instantly. It elevates your mood and works as a natural antidepressant. Cocoa powder boosts the production of endorphins in the body which makes you feel happy.

Fuels Body With Minerals

Cocoa powder is packed with minerals like manganese, zinc, magnesium, and iron, all of which are really important for your health.

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Iron helps in increasing oxygen in the body. Iron boosts your immune system, makes red blood cells. Manganese works as an antioxidant for the body. Magnesium helps in maintaining the health of your heart. Zinc helps in the production of new cells and supports the immune system of the body.

Fewer Calories

Having a chocolate bar is equal to how many calories? A lot of them! But do you know having cocoa powder doesn't make you put on those extra calories? Cocoa powder has fewer calories and has more fiber content that makes it healthy for you. Cocoa powder is the go-to ingredient for you if you wish to enjoy something chocolaty without putting on some weight. Cocoa powder helps in reducing appetite and makes you feel full for long. Cocoa powder and cocoa-rich foods help in losing weight.

Has Cancer Protective Properties

According to many studies, foods that have flavanols have cancer-protecting properties. Cocoa has flavonols and you must make it a part of your diet. Flavonol rich diets help in decreasing the risk of cancer.

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Good For Oral Health

Cocoa powder has anti-bacterial and immune-stimulating properties which makes it great for your oral health. Consuming cocoa helps in reducing dental cavities. Cocoa fights bacteria in the teeth.

Next time you crave for something chocolaty, ditch the chocolate bar and sip on some cocoa powder or add some to your pancake mix for that delicious flavour.