Cocoa

Top health benefits of cocoa

Top health benefits of cocoa

Cocoa products are very popular throughout the world. Whether it is eating a high-quality chocolate for a decadent snack or chocolate sauce added to the dessert of the evening, cocoa often tops the list of favorite foods for people across the globe. Many people do not realize that cocoa offers significant health benefits that can help them rationalize those times when they indulge in their favorite food, even if they are not supposed to do so.

Amazing antioxidant properties

A great body of evidence suggests that cocoa beans contain a hefty amount of antioxidants. Some researchers have put that amount at about a 10 percent concentration. This concentration is said to be greater than many common foods that are prized for their antioxidant properties. For example, cocoa beans contain 621 antioxidants, while wild blueberries contain 61, and domestic blueberries contain 32. Cocoa beans also contain three times the antioxidants that green tea has and twice the amount found in red wine.

A natural antidepressant

Cocoa beans contain enzymes that are known to combat depression. Serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine (PEA) are used by the body to promote positive mental health and a sense of well-being. In addition, cocoa also contains other enzymes that are designed to help these feelings of happiness last longer.

Good for heart health

Cocoa beans contain significant amounts of polyphenols which are good for the cardiovascular system. Researchers have uncovered evidence that this element could reduce blood pressure, increasing the health of the heart. Magnesium is another element that is vital to good heart health, as it increases the strength of the heart and improves its health. Magnesium also helps reduce the risk of blood clots. Blood clots are one of the risk factors associated with strokes and heart attacks.

Boost energy

Having a cup of hot cocoa gives a person the same energy-boosting results as a comparably sized cup of coffee without the coffee crash that is often experienced after its consumption. This is because there are fewer stimulants in cocoa beans than there are in coffee beans. In addition, consuming cocoa helps relieve anxiety.

Lose weight

Though it can sound paradoxical, eating cocoa beans might help people lose weight. Currently, researchers are studying the effect that cocoa consumption has on improving sensitivity to insulin. Studies are currently underway that focus on studying the link between obesity and a sensitivity to insulin, with some scientists believing that this connection could help support a person’s efforts to lose weight.

When choosing cocoa beans to consume for health, it is best to choose a high-quality dark chocolate. It should contain at least 70% cocoa, no dairy products and should be made from cocoa butter. This type of chocolate is more easily consumed when compared to the bitter cocoa beans.

Source: natural news

Top 12 foods for brain and nervous system

Your brain ages with time, it is important to improve the functioning and health of the brain along with the nervous system. These top 12 foods can prevent brain deterioration, blood pressure, mental disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, and prevents nerve damage.

Spinach: Spinach is a magical vegetable, that has innumerable health benefits.

No matter the disease or health problem, spinach is a power house of nutrients. Besides, the antioxidants present in spinach gives slows down the aging of the brain and nervous system, hence improves cognitive functioning. Cognition simply means mental functioning – concentration, decision making, problem solving abilities, reasoning and learning.

Dark green leafy vegetables: Homocysteines is a chemical responsible for dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and break down of arterial walls, when present in high amounts. But dark leafy vegetables break down homocysteines with the help of folate and vitamin B and B6.

Whole grains: Whole grains and brown rice contains vitamin B6 which can break down high levels of homocysteines that is responsible for mental deterioration. Whole grains also contain magnesium that enhances cognitive functioning.

Cocoa: Cocoa is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the brain from oxidative stress that can cause Parkinson’s Disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, Alzheimer’s Disease and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Nuts: Nuts like almond and walnuts are a great ingredient for maintaining blood vessels. The Omega 3 fatty acids present in walnut also enhance the mind and the antioxidants present in nuts lowers cholesterol.

Garlic: Garlic can prevent aging of the mind and improves the cardio vascular system too. Garlic too contains antioxidants that fight infections.

Olive oil: Olive oil contains antioxidant polyphenols that lowers high blood pressure and reduces cholesterol. This oil is perfect for maintaining the health of the nervous sytem.

Red wine: Red wine is a potent source of antioxidants that improves the brain and clears the cholesterol too. Red wine can increase longevity but drink red wine in moderation to reap the health benefits.

Tea: Tea not only increases metabolism but also spikes your mind and cognitive abilities. Tea contains antioxidant, catechines that enhances blood flow.

Sardines and herrings: Omega 3 fatty acids is the key component in the fish that improves the functioning on the brain and nervous system. These fishes are known to prevent mental disorders and beneficial for heart health.

Blueberries: If you get your hand on blueberries that’s great! It is loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals. It is the ingredient to enhance your cognitive skills.

Pomegranate juice: Pomegranate is available all year round and we should reap the benefits to keep our minds active. Antioxidants present in pomegranate fights free radicals.
source: UNB Connect