What is useful cocoa, and how to use it for household and cosmetic purposes

The taste of cocoa is known to all, many - even from kindergarten, but it is not just a tasty drink. Cocoa is a type of exotic evergreen tree whose fruits are called cocoa beans. They are the basis for chocolate treats, cocoa powder, tasty desserts and cosmetics. And now we will talk about the beneficial and harmful properties of cocoa, as well as its application in cosmetology, cooking and medicine.

The nutritional value

Cocoa is widespread in countries with tropical climates. The homeland of this plant is South Continental America. The term "cocoa" refers to the tree itself, the seeds of its fruits, powder and a drink based on them. Moreover, for the manufacture of these products use different types of cocoa tree.

Fresh fruit of the tree has a fairly large size and weight. It contains up to 50 cocoa beans, which have a light color. Beans are used to make cocoa butter, because 40-50% of them are made from oily substances, and cocoa powder is produced from the dry product. Cocoa beans are rich in nutrients. Organic acids, cellulose and food fibers are their part.

100 g of cocoa beans contains:

• 54% fat;
• 11.5% protein;
• 9% cellulose;
• 7.5% starch;
• 6% tannins and dyes;
• 5% water;
• 2.6% minerals and salt;
• 2% organic acids and flavoring substances;
• 1% saccharides;
• 0.2% caffeine.

Vitamins A, PP, H, E, group B, and about three hundred different nutrients go into the fruit, so 100 g of chocolate beans contain:

• 750 mg of potassium;
• 25 mg of calcium;
• 80 mg of magnesium;
• 5 mg of sodium;
• 83 mg of sulfur;
• 500 mg of phosphorus;
• 50 mg of chlorine;
• 4 mg of iron;
• 25 mcg cobalt;
• 2.85 mg of manganese;
• 2270 mcg copper;
• 40 mcg molybdenum;
• 4.5 mg of zinc.

Cocoa beans are rich in essential amino acids such as: arginine (1.28 g), valine (0.75 g), histidine (0.19 g), isoleucine (0.53 g), leucine (0.8 g), lysine (0.53 g), methionine (0.15 g), threonine (0.45 g), tryptophan (0.16 g), phenylalanine (0.73 g).

The high content of nutrients helps in the fight against some unpleasant sensations. For example, arginine helps to eliminate vasospasm, histamine regulates physiological processes. The dopamine present in the beans helps to raise the mood. And salsolinol, which is part of cocoa, stimulates the body's need for chocolate. At the same time, cocoa speeds up the metabolism, which allows its use in dietetics.

Calorie content

Chocolate tree beans have a high calorific value (530 kcal per 100 g of natural product). However, the products obtained during the processing of chocolate grains have different calories. For example, for 100 g of cocoa butter, it is 884 kcal, while for cocoa powder it ranges from 250 to 350 kcal.

Cocoa drink is a very high-calorie product, so those who want to lose weight should be limited to 1 cup per day. Although cocoa and chocolate are comparable in calorie content, the drink contains less carbohydrates and fats.

The history of chocolate and cocoa

Cocoa is from Central and South America. The Indians, in addition to simply using cocoa as a drink, attached particular importance to this fruit. So, in the marriage ceremony Maya used cocoa. The Aztecs associated the fetus with the earth and the feminine. Their drink was called “chocolatl” (whence the familiar name “chocolate” came about), and it was only available to the elite. Also, the cocoa beans Aztec replaced the money.

Did you know? When conquering America, the treasury of the last emperor of the Aztecs, Montezuma II, was discovered, where there were 25,000 quintals of cocoa beans. These beans were collected from the population as taxes, for comparison: 1 slave, on average, was worth about 100 beans.

Cocoa beans were introduced to Europe by the Spaniards in the 17th century. Especially the drink caught on in France, England and Holland. First, cocoa was a very expensive product, delivered only from the New World, and was the best gift for kings. However, in 1828, the Dutch learned to extract butter and powder from cocoa beans, which cost much less. Now the product could appreciate a much larger number of people. Thanks to this technology, they were able to create solid chocolate, which gradually began to force out the drink.

For a long time, hot chocolate was a sign of prosperity and luxury. And since the price of this noble drink was very high, we tried to save every drop. In this regard, they drank it from cups, substituting saucer under them, hence the tradition to drink a hot drink from a cup and saucer.

Beneficial features

The positive effects on the human body due to the rich composition of cocoa. For example, the cocochil contained in it helps accelerate wound healing and smooth wrinkles. Raw fruits include substances such as arginine (a natural aphrodisiac) and tryptophan, which acts as a natural anti-depressant.

In addition to cocoa, coffee is also a well-known natural antidepressant. Learn how to make coffee from oak acorns.

Foods prepared on the basis of these beans help to raise your mood, calm down, and even in some cases are prescribed as a medicine for depression. Cocoa amino acids help reduce the negative effects of free radicals on the human body.

Did you know? Although the chocolate tree has been growing for almost 200 years, it bears fruit only at the age of 3 to 28 years.

The positive effect of this product on the skeletal system has made it a major component in the diet of children. Drink, cocoa and milk preparations, helps to strengthen bone tissue and reduce the risk of fractures. Regular consumption of chocolate grain-based products can strengthen the immune system and rejuvenate the body.

The beneficial effect of chocolate tree grains is also as follows:

• normalization of pressure (in hypertensive diseases, it is recommended to use cocoa drink in the morning);
• nicotinic acid helps strengthen the hair follicle and also stimulates hair growth;
• potassium is responsible for the contraction of the heart muscle, so drink helps to normalize the work of the cardiovascular system.

As well as cocoa, in diseases of the cardiovascular system, the following plants are also used: carrots, radishes, calendula, hawthorn (glod), silver goof, basil, eggplants, aconite, filberts, gumi (many-flowered mulberry) and yasenets (non-burning bush).

But this tool should not be abused, as it can cause an allergic reaction. And excessive enthusiasm for high-calorie product can lead to the appearance of excess weight.

The use of cocoa butter in cosmetology

Cocoa butter is a fat obtained after pressing the fruit of this tree. The oil is fragile, at +18 ° C - solid. This product benefits the whole body due to its high content of antioxidants. Palmitic acid, which is contained in the oil, promotes deep penetration of nutrients into the skin, and vitamin E increases collagen production and provides good hydration. These properties of cocoa butter allowed to use it widely in the cosmetic field.

Oil perfectly helps to restore brittle and damaged hair. After the first use of the mask with the addition of cocoa, the structure of the hair is strengthened and their growth is stimulated, and the hair bulb receives additional nourishment. Also, masks based on it give shine and silkiness to the hair.

In cosmetology, they also use momordica, purslane, marigolds, nasturtium, leek, bird cherry, rosemary, cornflower, broccoli, garden savory, soapworm (saponaria), honey and lime.

Face masks with the addition of cocoa are no less popular. The use of oil helps to cope with the age problems of the skin due to the regenerating properties of this product. Chocolate tree oil normalizes the water-lipid balance, improves skin tone and elasticity, helps to cope with unwanted pigmentation. In the cold season, it can help with chapped skin of the face, and also softens the lips and prevents their cracking.

Cocoa butter is also used in the fight against cellulite and stretch marks, for example, during pregnancy. In combination with other oils, it is an ideal tool for anti-cellulite massage or simple wrapping.

Reviews from the Internet about the benefits of cocoa butter for skin

Medical Use

Cocoa beans themselves are not a pharmacological tool, however, their processed products have found application in the medical practice of various nations. The most popular is the chocolate tree oil. It is used in the manufacture of laxatives and painkillers, as well as therapeutic ointments of a wide spectrum of activity and antiseptics.

Oil is used in the treatment of various diseases. Theobromine, which is contained in this product, helps to improve the functioning of the circulatory system, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, contributes to mental work by increasing the transport of oxygen.

Regular use of cocoa allows you to strengthen the blood vessels and increase their elasticity, normalize blood pressure and improve the overall blood supply to the brain. Thus, the body undergoes prevention of heart attacks and strokes.

The drink is useful during seasonal epidemics of the common cold, as it warms and is a good immunostimulant. Cocoa helps relieve tension and at the same time activates the brain, reduces the risk of diseases such as sclerosis and diabetes.

Cocoa is a natural antidepressant that helps to cope with anxiety, apathy. And caffeine will relieve chronic fatigue and stimulates mental activity.

Did you know? For the production of 1 kg of cocoa powder, an average of 40 fruits or about 1200-2000 beans are used.

A large amount of nutrients helps in the normalization of weight and reduces the feeling of hunger. Even special diets, such as chocolate, have been developed on the basis of cocoa.

Cocoa butter helps in the treatment of cough, bronchitis and other colds. It has no age limit, so it can be used even for small children. For the treatment of dry cough or discomfort in the throat, it is enough to dissolve a pea-sized piece of cocoa butter several times a day. Another way to treat cough is a drink made from milk, honey and butter. And for the youngest children prepare a drink from 1/4 chocolate bar, 1 tsp. cocoa butter and 0.5 liters of milk. The chocolate and butter are melted using a water bath and added to milk. The resulting drink is given in a quarter cup.

Plants such as verbena officinalis, anemone (anemone), nutmeg, amaranth, linden, onions, devyasil, kupena, raspberries and meadow sage will also be useful in treating colds.

Cocoa butter can be used as a remedy for hemorrhoids, especially during the period of its aggravation. To remove the discomfort before each emptying, you can use enemas with chamomile decoction and oil, or use it as a candle.

Chocolate-based butter is used by women in the case of thrush problems and cervical erosion. For the treatment of candidiasis, candles are made on the basis of cocoa butter and 2% tea tree oil. The resulting mixture is rolled into balls and allowed to cool, then injected into the vagina once a day.

A mixture of cocoa butter and sea buckthorn is used to treat erosion. For the manufacture of medicines it is necessary to mix the oil in the ratio of 3 to 1. The resulting solution moistened the swab and put it overnight. Course - 2 weeks.

Regular consumption of chocolate bean oil helps to get rid of cholesterol plaques. Also, it will help relieve itching and anesthetize the burn site, is effectively used for eczema and fungal lesions of the skin.

The use of cocoa in cooking

The fruits of the cocoa tree are widely used in cooking. They are used to make various desserts and drinks. Cocoa butter - the basis for making chocolate. The dry mixture, which remained after pressing the beans, is used to prepare the beverage of the same name. Even the pulp of the fruit is not discarded, and on its basis alcoholic beverages are made.

The most unusual use for us of cocoa beans got in their homeland. Powder based on them is used in meat sauce, it is added to chili sauce.

On the basis of grains of chocolate fruits make seasoning. To do this, raw fruits are roasted in the oven for 10-15 minutes, after which roasted beans are passed through a coffee grinder or meat grinder. This seasoning can be used to prepare various sweets, it gives desserts a pleasant bitterness.

An unforgettable taste has a creamy sauce with the addition of cocoa beans. If you want to please your guests with such an unusual dish, take:

• 1 tablespoon flour;
• 1 cup sour cream or 20% cream;
• 0.5 tablespoon of ground beans;
• pepper and salt to taste.

Flour fry in a skillet until golden brown, mix it with sour cream or cream. The resulting mixture set on fire and give the opportunity to boil, this procedure will take no more than 2 minutes. Add cocoa beans, pepper and salt. If you do not have ground beans, you can use whole grains. But before you put it in the sauce, it is better to wrap them with gauze. This sauce will be a highlight on your table.

Harm to health

Despite all its beneficial properties, cocoa can be harmful to the body. Firstly, it is considered a high-calorie product, and with it you need to be extremely careful people who want to lose weight. Secondly, it is a common allergen.

Allergies can also be caused by: garlic, evergreen boxwood, maral root, evening primrose, goldenrod, lavender, Chinese cabbage, sedge grass, sweetcorn, and strawberries.

This product should not be abused because of the caffeine it contains. Although its content is small, only 2%, but it affects different people differently.

Important! It is better for children to start giving cocoa from the age of 3, preferably in the morning.

It is worth noting that in countries where this plant grows, sanitary standards are very low or even completely absent, therefore, using this product, you should not forget about such a factor. In addition, cocoa beans are a favorite habitat for cockroaches.

In addition to the side effects listed above, there are other consequences of cocoa abuse:

• excessive irritability;
• exacerbation of heart problems;
• increased urination;
• insomnia;
• nervousness.

Contraindications

Cocoa, like any product, has its own contraindications. For example, it is necessary to refrain from it to people suffering from:

• diabetes;
• intestinal disorders;
• gout.

Do not recommend it to patients who are preparing for abdominal surgery - cocoa can cause bleeding. And people with migraines may experience vascular spasms.

Important! People with frequent constipation are advised to refrain from consuming all cocoa-based products, except butter. Such a ban is due to the presence of tannins in them, which can only aggravate the problem.

Doctors cannot prohibit the use of cocoa during pregnancy, but they warn the expectant mother about its possible negative effects. The main reason for refusing this product, according to doctors, is its allergenicity. Another side effect is the ability to flush out calcium, which the future mother's body needs so much. Caffeine in this product contributes to the narrowing of the circulatory system of the uterus, which reduces the flow of nutrients to the baby. Introducing cocoa into the diet of nursing mothers is possible only if the child is not predisposed to allergies, is calm and healthy. A young mother can indulge herself with only one small cup, drunk in the morning. Doctors call the best time for the introduction of the drink in the diet three months old crumbs, when his body is a little stronger.

Before drinking cocoa, pregnant and lactating mothers should better consult with leading doctors and pediatricians. But whatever the experts recommend, the final decision is yours.

How to choose and store

On the shelves in supermarkets presented a wide variety of cocoa powder from various manufacturers. When choosing this product, you need to know some rules:

• choose the best products in the original packaging, it will protect the product from the effects of various microorganisms and protect against excess moisture;
• When choosing, pay attention to the packaging and shelf life of the product: cocoa can be stored in a metal can for up to one and a half years, and in a cardboard can not be stored for more than six months;
• the color and consistency are important: the color should be uniform, dark brown, and the consistency should be uniform and lump free;
• If you rub a small amount on your fingers, then good quality cocoa will remain on the skin and color it dark brown, and the smell will be chocolate;
• You should also carefully examine the composition of the content of fat, it should not be less than 10% (ideal rate of 15-20%);
• a quality product will not be cheap, otherwise it is just a pastry powder.

Check the quality of the product at home will help simple preparation of the drink. When using high-quality cocoa sediment drink will not.

When choosing cocoa, pay attention to the country of origin and manufacturer. It is best to choose the countries where cocoa beans are grown, such as Costa Rica, Malaysia, Peru, Ecuador or Indonesia. The best producing countries are the countries of the European Union.

Properly selected product should also be properly stored. The best way to store cocoa is an airtight container, such as glass or iron, with a tight lid. During storage, do not allow exposure to sunlight and high humidity, and the temperature should be at room temperature.

If you want to choose cocoa beans, then preference should be given to mature, with a uniform dark brown color, with no obvious signs of destruction by insects. It is better to store such a product in large bags that are located in a room with low temperature and high humidity (approximately 80%). The room should also be well ventilated. Only by following these recommendations, you can maintain the quality of the product and after grinding you will get good cocoa powder.

Did you know? Napoleon took with him chocolate in military campaigns. He used it as a snack, quickly replenishing energy reserves.

When choosing chocolate tree oil, get ready to spend money - pleasure is not cheap. In order not to buy a fake, pay attention to the color of the oil. It should be yellowish, and in some cases even cream or light brown, but not white. By smell, the product resembles a cocoa drink. This oil is stored at room temperature, because it does not melt, and in appearance resembles white chocolate.

It is better to store cocoa butter in a dark place at a temperature not higher than +18 degrees and humidity up to 75%. In an airtight package, the oil is stored for up to 3 years

How to cook cocoa at home: recipes

Cocoa is widespread, both among professional chefs and amateurs. On its basis they prepare all sorts of drinks, delicious pastries, jelly, it is used to decorate a variety of desserts.

How to cook classic cocoa powder

To make classic cocoa, you will need:

• cocoa powder - 2 tbsp. l .;
• milk - 1 cup;
• sugar to taste.

Cocoa is mixed with a small amount of milk and stirred with a whisk until the powder is completely dissolved. You need to make sure that no lumps form. After dissolution, the mixture is poured into a saucepan with milk and sugar is added. The drink is prepared on low heat, not boiling.

After cooking, served in a coffee cup and saucer according to the best traditions of European connoisseurs of this drink. For gourmet gourmet vanilla, grated nutmeg, cinnamon sticks or a few clove buds can be added during cooking. Drink this drink is recommended in the morning and during the afternoon, one cup.

How to Make Bean Drink

To prepare 1 serving of chocolate based cocoa beans, you will need:

• raw cocoa beans - 1 tbsp. l or 15 g;
• milk - 3/4 cup;
• cream or water - 1/4 cup;
• vanilla - 1/4 tsp;
• sugar - 1 tbsp. l

Before you start cooking, you must clear the beans from the shell. To do this, they are placed in a container with water and allowed to infuse for 15 minutes. Such soaking will facilitate the cleaning process. After soaking with a sharp knife, cut the shell and remove it with gentle movements. The peeled beans have the form of cracked grains and can be easily crushed.

For grinding cocoa beans, you can use a regular coffee grinder. Pass the grain through the grinder several times so that they have a finer grinding.

Important! If you grind cocoa with a grinder, then be sure to wash it well after use. The crushed beans settle in the millstones, and in the dried state they are poorly washed out.

Using a combination of milk and cream, you get a more fatty drink than using milk and water. Selecting a combination of products, pour them into a small container and put on a small fire.

Add vanilla to the contents of the pan and stir until the milk warms up. Now you can add cocoa and mix thoroughly. This is best done with a blender or whisk. It is necessary to mix up to the formation of foam, and the more it will be, the more delicious will be the drink.

After adding cocoa, you can put sugar, but do not forget to constantly stir the drink. After all the ingredients are combined in the tank, continue to beat the drink for another 5 minutes, and make sure that it does not boil.

Before serving, drink can be drained through a strainer to remove the cocoa beans. However, this is not necessary, because after cooking, they have a soft texture. For a more interesting taste, hot chocolate is washed down with cold water.

The best time for a cup of chocolate drink is in the morning, when the body has not yet woken up, and it needs to cheer up. To get a charge of energy for the whole day, it is enough to drink 1 cup of cocoa.

Cooking icing for desserts

Making chocolate icing at home is easy. It is used for a variety of pastries and desserts.

To prepare you will need:

• butter - 150 g;
• cocoa - 5 tbsp. l .;
• milk - 100 ml;
• sugar - 1 cup.

On the water bath, melt the butter and add sugar to it. Mix in a separate container milk and cocoa until a homogeneous mass. Combine milk and melted butter. After boiling, boil the resulting mixture over low heat for another 3-5 minutes. Cooking time depends on the consistency you need. After the glaze is cooked, it is allowed to cool and proceed to decorate various desserts.

Cocoa cream

To prepare the cream, you will need the following ingredients:

• butter - 250 g;
• egg yolk - 4 pcs .;
• cocoa - 3 tbsp. l .;
• water - 100 ml;
• granulated sugar - 100 g;
• vanilla sugar - 10 g.

Mix the vanilla sugar, cocoa and granulated sugar, pour the resulting mixture with water and cook for 3 minutes. Let the mixture cool. In a separate container break the egg yolks. Beat them, gradually adding to the mixture. A mixture of eggs and syrup is brewed over medium heat, stirring often.

Add crushed butter to warm cream and beat with mixer or blender. After the cream has a uniform consistency, it is used to decorate your culinary masterpieces.

Cosmetic mask for cocoa butter hair

The most convenient and valuable material for the manufacture of masks is cocoa butter. Even at room temperature, it remains hard, but it melts easily, one has only to touch the skin (the melting point is in the range of + 32 ... +35 ° C). Cocoa masks will help to restore the healthy look of your hair, as well as strengthen them or add extra shine. There are no contraindications for the use of such masks, with the rare exception of individual intolerance.

Important! The use of cocoa masks for fair-haired ladies is not recommended, because prolonged use can change the color of their hair.

For better mixing with other components, cocoa butter is recommended to soften in the water bath.

For greater effectiveness, apply the mask with massage movements, thus stimulating blood flow to the skin.

Firming mask

For the general strengthening of the hair structure and its roots, it is better to combine cocoa butter with infusion of rosemary. To cook it, you need to pour 2 tbsp. l rosemary with a glass of boiling water. After 40 minutes, the resulting infusion is filtered through a sieve and cocoa butter is added.

The mask is applied for 2 hours. For better effect, hair is covered with a wrap and wrapped with a towel. After the time, the mask is washed off and washed as usual. It is recommended to use a mask 2 times a week.

Mask for shine

To give your hair extra shine and beauty, you need a glass of brandy, honey, a glass of sea salt and 100 g of cocoa butter. To prepare, you need to mix brandy, honey and sea salt together and put the mixture for 2 weeks in a dry dark place at room temperature. After this period, add cocoa butter to it.

The resulting mask is rubbed into the scalp and covered with a warm towel over a layer of polyethylene. After 1 hour, the product can be washed off.

Mask against hair loss

If you want to get rid of the problem of hair loss, then it is worth 1-2 times a week to make a special mask for which you will need 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter, olive oil, kefir and 1 boiled egg yolk. The recipe for cooking is extremely simple: you only need to carefully rub the yolk and mix all the ingredients.

Apply the resulting composition to the entire length of the hair. An hour later, you can wash off the mask with warm water.

Nourishing face masks

Cocoa butter contains a large amount of fatty acids, which are very beneficial for the skin. For this reason, the oil is actively used for the preparation of masks for skin care. Here are some of them.

1. If you have dry and aging skin, then you will find a mask based on cocoa butter and chopped parsley. Mix them in a ratio of 1: 2. The resulting mass is applied to the face and washed with cold water in 20-30 minutes.
2. For wrinkled and dehydrated skin there is a recipe that can help. To do this, mix 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter, liquid honey and fresh carrot juice. After that, in the mixture add egg yolk and 10 drops of lemon juice. Apply such a mask on the skin, and after 10-15 minutes, remove with a cotton pad moistened with warm water. After using the mask, you can soothe the skin with an ice cube.
3. A nourishing mask for all skin types can be made from cocoa, condensed milk and fresh juice. For this mask you can use both vegetable and fruit juice, as long as it is freshly squeezed. Mix 1 tsp of all ingredients. Then you can apply them to the skin, and after about 15-20 minutes, rinse with running water.
4. Anti-inflammatory mask is quite popular for all skin types. For its preparation need 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter and chamomile. To these should be added 1 tablespoon of grated pulp of fresh cucumber and fresh juice of 1 whole leaf of aloe. The mixture is applied for 30 minutes, then washed off. This mask is recommended to do in the evening, before bedtime.

Cocoa is an extremely tasty and healthy product that helps to raise your mood and cope with depression. A large number of nutrients made it indispensable in the cosmetic industry. But, like any product, cocoa has its contraindications, so you should not abuse it either.

Netizens reviews about the benefits of cocoa beans

Video: the benefits and harm of cocoa

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