Chocolates are made of cocoa beans. They belong to the tropical regions of South and Central America. Cacao beans are first roasted and then they are grounded to produce cacao. Also cocoa beans are used in making cocoa mass, chocolate and cocoa powder. There is difference between the cacao beans and cocoa beans. Cacao beans are not refined from the cocoa powder. These beans are nutritionally more potent than cocoa beans. Cacao has a lot of vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, copper, iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, Vitamin A and protein. You can consume and use cacao because it has many health benefits for your skin and hair.
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Some health benefits of cacao:
Healthy fats: We know that healthy fats are needed in our bodies to create chemical reactions for metabolic function, immune function and growth. Raw cacao has healthy fats which are similar to the monounsaturated fat found in the olive oil.
Better digestion: Raw cacao has fiber which can help a better digestion and this will stimulates the body’s digestive enzymes.
Improves cognitive function and prevents Alzheimer’s disease: There are some studies in which are shown that the middle – aged people who drank 2 cups of cacao on daily basis have improved their memory and blood flow to the brain.
Fights tooth decay: There are some studies in which are shown that an extract of cocoa powder was more effective than fluoride in preventing cavities. It is similar to caffeine and it can help to harden teeth enamel.
Health benefits of cacao
Skin cancer prevention: There are some studies in which are said that cacao can protect you from the harmful UV rays that are causing cancer.
Get glowing skin and improve skin texture: In one study done in 2006 was found that women who drank cacao with at least 326 mg of flavonals on daily basis, have a better skin texture, improved skin hydration, increased oxygen saturation and improved microcirculation. You should stir some cacao powder in your cup of coffee or you can add it to your smoothie.
Prevents sunburns: In one study was said that people who ate 20 grams of cacao in a period of twelve weeks were able to stay in the sun for two times longer than people who did not consumed cacao and they did not get sunburns.
Ability to reset the metabolism and to restore the internal balance with cacao: If you are not getting enough antioxidants in your diet, then it can have long – term health consequences.
Improves kidney function: It is known that cacao can help to improve the kidney function and also it can stimulate the bowel function.
Reduces insulin resistance: Cacao has antioxidant properties which can reduce the insulin resistance and sensitivity in smokers and people with impaired glucose tolerance.
Lowes blood pressure: In one study was found that cacao can help to reduce the blood pressure in patients who take a small amount of cacao every evening.
Prevents cough: There are some studies in which are said that cacao has theobromine which halts cough better than codeine. It is said that one cup of cacao can prevent cough more effective than commercial cough suppressants and it is not causing side effects.
Skin benefits: Cacao is high in antioxidants which will block the harmful free radicals in your body. This will protect you from many diseases in which premature aging is included. Also it has a good amount of magnesium and Vitamin C which can help to protect the skin and it will keep it healthy. It has Omega – 6 fatty acids which can help in cellular healing. This will heal your wounds and scars quickly. Cacao has raw enzyme which can help in repairing the cells and their rejuvenation. It has super absorbent properties which will protect your skin from the harmful UV rays and also it is acting as a natural sunscreen. It can help to increase the blood flow to your skin and it will keep it glowing and healthy.
Prevents scalp infections: Cacao has anti – inflammatory properties which can help to reduce your chances of getting scalp infections.
