Cacao Powder Benefits
If you are wondering about the many benefits of cacao powder, you have come to the right place. This natural powder has been known to benefit several health conditions, including treating anemia, leukopenia, and neutropenia. Also, it helps in reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Moreover, it can help improve mood and memory function.
Reduces bad cholesterol
Cocoa powder is an ingredient that has been linked to many benefits. Its rich flavonoid content has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
Cacao contains a significant amount of potassium, which helps with heart health. A high level of potassium is important to the heart’s health because it reduces stress on the blood cells. Moreover, it increases blood flow to major organs, such as the brain and heart.
Another benefit of cacao powder is its antioxidant properties. Research suggests that cocoa polyphenols may prevent the oxidation of LDL, or bad cholesterol. This helps to improve cholesterol levels, as well as protect the body from the effects of cardiovascular disease.
The caffeine and flavonoids found in cacao powder can reduce the risk of diabetes. Studies also suggest that it can aid weight loss.
Some studies have shown that cacao can even help with chronic inflammation. Flavanols found in chocolate relax the arteries and improve blood flow. However, it is unclear if the same benefits can be gained from cacao powder.
Lowers blood pressure
One of the most important cardiovascular risk factors is high blood pressure. About 116 million Americans have hypertension, and nearly half of them don’t have it under control. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help lower your blood pressure.
Flavonoids are compounds that have been shown to lower blood pressure, and cocoa is a good source of flavonoids. Cocoa is also known to improve vascular function. Its antioxidant properties have been linked to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Among individuals with hypertension, cocoa can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Those who eat cacao-rich products can experience short-term reductions in BP, but long-term implications of these findings are still unknown.
Although cocoa has proven to be beneficial for cardiovascular health, further research is necessary to determine the best dose of this product to reduce hypertension. Researchers are also looking into its potential effects on diabetes.
Another study found that cocoa’s anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to its lowered blood pressure. Specifically, it can increase the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO is a vasodilator, which promotes a smooth flow of blood to the arteries.
Improves mood and memory function
Cacao powder is not only a delicious addition to your favorite foods, but it can also improve mood and memory function. It contains a variety of bioactive substances and antioxidants. Among them are caffeine and phenethylamine. The latter may improve cognitive function in healthy young adults.
Researchers at Loma Linda University in California conducted a series of studies to examine the effects of chocolate on cognition and brain health. Their results were presented at the Experimental Biology 2018 conference in San Diego.
While cacao has long been linked to various health benefits, the latest research reveals it to be more than just a tasty treat. Dark chocolate, notably, has been found to be beneficial to your brain and mood.
It was no surprise to learn that flavanols contained in cocoa enhance brain functions. Cocoa flavanols are particularly good at stimulating blood flow to the brain. This enables it to increase blood flow in the areas associated with learning and memory.
Other studies have shown that chocolate is also helpful for stress reduction. Moreover, it may also be helpful for your immune system.
Treats anemia, neutropenia, and leukopenia
Leukopenia is a type of white blood cell deficiency. It can occur due to an underlying health condition, infection or an abnormality in the bone marrow. The condition may be serious if left untreated, but there are treatments to treat it.
Low neutrophil count, the most common sign of leukopenia, is one of the most concerning signs. Neutropenia is a common cause of chronic disease and infection, and can increase a person’s risk of infection. If you have neutropenia, it’s important to talk with a medical professional about the best treatment for you.
In the case of a severe infection, antibiotics may be given to combat the infection. But if you have mild to moderate neutropenia, you may not need to get antibiotics. Instead, your doctor will monitor your white blood cell count regularly to make sure that you are healthy.
When a doctor performs a biopsy of your bone marrow, he or she can determine whether or not your bone marrow is producing the right amount of neutrophils. Depending on the results of the bone marrow test, your doctor will make a diagnosis.
Lowers blood sugar levels
For thousands of years, people have been fascinated with the properties of cacao. It is not only rich in nutrients, but also has many health benefits. The polyphenols found in cocoa have been shown to reduce the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
One of the main components of chocolate is the cocoa bean, which is harvested from the seeds of a tropical tree. The seeds are then ground into a powder, known as cocoa powder.
Cocoa is also a source of antioxidants, including flavonoids. These compounds are believed to boost brain functions and improve blood flow. They may also decrease the inflammation that contributes to chronic diseases.
Cocoa is a good source of potassium, which has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Potassium is also a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Several studies have been conducted on the health benefits of cocoa. A study found that cacao contains a compound called epicatechin, which is believed to improve insulin sensitivity. Epicatechin is a flavonoid that can lower alpha-glucosidase activity, a molecule that helps the body respond more efficiently to blood sugar.
Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke is to make some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. In particular, a healthy diet will lower your risk of coronary heart disease.
There are a few factors that you should be aware of, including high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol. If you’re concerned about these, make sure to talk with your doctor about possible treatment options.
While the risk of stroke is largely confined to older age, men and women are at risk. Some congenital heart defects may also increase your chance of having a stroke.
Having an irregular heart rate is the most obvious stroke risk factor. An electrocardiogram may be needed to determine this. You can reduce this risk by taking an anticoagulant medication over the counter.
A number of other factors are at play, including diabetes, smoking and a family history of early heart disease. Knowing which ones to focus on will help you determine how to go about lowering your risk.
Promotes healthy bacterial growth
Chocolate has a lot of antioxidants, which is why it is good for preventing inflammation. Cocoa powder contains polyphenols, which are also found in black tea. Polyphenols have the ability to inhibit bad bacteria from multiplying. These compounds also help maintain microbial balance in the gut. They reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. In turn, they have been shown to improve blood vessel function.
Studies have shown that cocoa powder is a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the “good” gut bugs. This helps keep the microbiome balanced, which is essential for basic functions. The microbes in the gut help digest and absorb the polyphenols.
Scientists have also found that cacao contains epicatechin, which may protect against oxidative damage. It can also help decrease production of pro-inflammatory proteins. Epicatechin has been shown to kill ovarian cancer cells. Several studies have also linked cocoa to a lower risk of heart disease. Cacao has also been shown to prevent gingivitis, which can be caused by chronic inflammation.
Various studies have also shown that cocoa improves the function of stem cells. In addition, it can boost hair growth from the roots.
Can cause skin rashes
Despite the name, cacao is not the culprit. Cross contamination is likely the culprit if you’re allergic to the stuff. The fact that cacao is packed full of antioxidants and polyphenols makes it a good food for thought. Its many health benefits also mean that the beverage is likely to be a hit amongst geriatrics.
Cacao is not the only caffeinated beverage to fawn over. The benefits of drinking coffee are numerous, including increased heart health. For example, caffeine has been found to improve insulin sensitivity, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Coffee is also a proven anti-inflammatory. Another benefit of caffeine is the improved mood and sleep quality.