Cocoa Beans: Health Benefits

Cocoa is a wonderful and beloved drink by everyone. It was first cooked several thousand years ago and still has not lost its popularity.

Where do cocoa beans grow and look?

The chocolate tree on which cocoa beans are grown was discovered in ancient times by the inhabitants of Peru. People were so enraptured by the magical taste of the fruit that they called it theobroma. Translated, this means "food of the gods."

Chocolate tree reaches a height of 20 meters. True, today the average figure is about 8 meters. It was this height that experts considered optimal for care and fruitfulness.

Cocoa is a beautiful evergreen plant with large, dense and oblong leaves up to 15 centimeters in size. But the flower of the chocolate tree is small - no more than 1.5 centimeters. It has a bizarre shape and a bright orange or purple color, somewhat reminiscent of an orchid or physalis. It is interesting that these flowers smell absolutely not chocolate. They have a sweet and spicy aroma similar to freshly baked gingerbread cookies.

Cocoa fruits are large - up to 35 cm in length and up to 13 cm in width. The shape of the beans resembles a lemon or an elongated pumpkin. In each of them there are about 70 seeds up to 2 centimeters each, which are used to prepare various dishes and seasonings.

Despite the fact that for the first time the Peruvians tried the beautiful fruit of a chocolate tree, it is considered that the native land of this plant is forests in Central America. It is on this continent that the climate is optimal for the growth of cocoa beans. In addition to these two countries, historically cocoa trees were grown in Spain, Australia, Switzerland, India, and some African countries. In appearance and taste, they are slightly different from each other.

Today, the main suppliers of cocoa to the market are Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ghana, Brazil.

Views

1. Forastero (translated from Spanish as “alien”) is the most widespread variety of cocoa beans in the consumer market. It is characterized by high productivity, also the species is not whimsical to climate and weather changes, therefore, it can grow in almost any territory. Forastero beans are dark mustard in color, very dense and do not have a pronounced aroma. Need a long and thorough fermentation.
2. Criollo (translated from Spanish as “native”) is a noble and expensive cocoa variety. The yield of trees of this species is almost one and a half times lower than that of the Forastero variety. Very affects the quality of the beans climate and temperature. For example, with excessive heat and lack of moisture, they begin to sharply bitter, and in excess - the structure of the beans becomes liquid and oily. A sharp cold can ruin a tree once and for all. The color of the fruit of Criollo is dark red, brownish. They have a pronounced nut-chocolate smell. They grow mainly in Central America and Indonesia.
3. Amelonado is a rare type of cocoa that grows in Africa. In taste and appearance, it is very similar to Criollo. Its fruits are slightly less than other varieties. The color of the beans is orange-red, they have a pronounced spicy aroma. A feature of this variety is that it can be stored for a long time without losing its properties.

What is the difference between cocoa beans and coffee beans

Coffee and cocoa are really very similar drinks.Both have invigorating properties due to the content of a chemical substance in them - caffeine. It dilates blood vessels and increases blood pressure, thereby enhancing blood circulation in the tissues and brain. However, cocoa affects the body more gently, since, in addition to caffeine, it contains theobromine, a substance with similar properties. Therefore, even people with neurological and cardiovascular diseases can afford to enjoy cocoa.

Coffee and cocoa are similar in taste, and the one and the other drink is dark brown. However, their composition is completely different. Coffee is ground coffee beans, and cocoa is ground cocoa beans. These are the fruits of evergreens, often even growing on the same territory.

Unlike coffee beans, cocoa beans contain a sufficient amount of fat, which makes them more nutritious and nutritious. Also in the fruits of the chocolate tree are a large amount of vitamins A, E and folic acid.

Compared to cocoa, coffee beans are small and rarely reach more than 2 centimeters in length. Coffee bean, like a cherry, is enclosed in a berry. They do not grow singly, but in clusters of 30-50 pieces, have different colors - from burgundy brown to light green.

Composition and calorie content

Cocoa beans are a very tasty healthy product. They contain 530 kcal - the figure is so large mainly due to the oil content in cocoa nuts. As much as 53 g per 100 g of beans! However, you should not worry about the figure - after all, these are mostly unsaturated fatty acids that have antioxidant and anti-aging effects.

By the way, in cocoa powder, which is used to make drinks, the nutritional value is much lower due to degreasing during fermentation.

Cocoa fruits have a large amount of protein - about 13 g per 100 g, which is very important for people who monitor their health. Carbohydrates in beans are 10 g per 100 g, but most of them are vitamins and sugars of natural origin, which nourish tissues, but do not contribute to weight gain.

Cocoa beans contain many vitamins. First of all, these are A and E, promoting cell regeneration, normalizing the state of blood vessels. In large quantities, vitamin K is also part of the fruits of the chocolate tree, which regulates blood coagulation, blood formation and metabolism. Folic acid contained in cocoa normalizes the nervous system and improves immunity.

Of the trace elements in the composition of cocoa beans include phosphorus and calcium, which improve the condition of bones and teeth. In ancient times, people noticed this and used ground cocoa as a tooth powder. The product also contains iron, zinc and magnesium, which improve vascular contraction and the general condition of the circulatory system of the body. And selenium and copper contribute to a quick and trouble-free conception and generally have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system.

What are the benefits of cocoa beans

For women

Every woman wants to be beautiful and charming. It is important to have a beautiful and delicate skin. Cocoa butter, extracted from beans, perfectly stimulates cell regeneration and moisturizes the skin. It easily replaces hand and face cream. And, of course, this product is hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.

Cocoa in the morning contributes to a healthy complexion, thanks to it, the tan lies more evenly and quickly. Of course, do not be too zealous with the drink, because it helps to increase pressure.

By the way, as a rule, cocoa is consumed along with milk and sugar. This is not entirely correct. Indeed, beans contain a rather large amount of carbohydrates and fats. Traditionally, this drink is consumed with hot pepper and brewed with hot water. But, if the habitual taste cannot be discarded, it is better to replace cow's milk with oat or almond milk, and sugar with stevia or honey.

For men

Zinc in the fruits of the chocolate tree has a positive effect on the male reproductive system. It stimulates the production of the hormone testosterone, thereby enhancing the potency and vitality of sperm.It is recommended that future fathers consume a cup of cocoa daily for a safe conception.

Cocoa will help professional athletes. It contains a large amount of protein and promotes the growth of muscle tissue, and caffeine will give strength. Unlike coffee, cocoa does not increase the pulse, and the carbohydrates of natural origin contained in the drink will give strength for training.

During pregnancy

There is a known prejudice that pregnant women are forbidden to drink cocoa. However, this is not quite true. Cocoa is no worse than black tea for mom. The natural fruits of the chocolate tree contribute to the normal formation of the neural tube in the fetus, as well as the heart and internal organs. An invigorating drink also contains magnesium - a trace element that normalizes the tone of the uterus and prevents miscarriage. And most importantly - cocoa miraculously raises the mood of a pregnant woman, and a happy mother is the main condition for the health of the baby!

Of course, everything needs to know the measure. Drinking more than 1 cup of cocoa per day is not recommended. Also, the drink is contraindicated in expectant mothers with edema and high blood pressure.

When breastfeeding

Cocoa is a rather allergenic product, so it should not be consumed the first 4-6 weeks after the birth of the baby. After that, you can try to drink half a cup of the drink and look at the child’s reaction throughout the day. If everything is in order, the young mother is allowed to drink 1-2 cups of cocoa per day. It is advisable to do this in the morning until 12 noon, so that the invigorating components of cocoa do not prevent the baby from falling asleep. If the baby has a rash or stool is broken - it is better to exclude the drink for at least 1 month.

In order not to cause an allergy in the child, the main thing is to drink natural, not instant cocoa. The fact is that when grinding, various impurities often negatively affect the body. Sometimes they are the cause of allergic reactions in humans.

For children

Cocoa is an important product for baby food. It is not only healthy, but also very tasty. Chocolate, cocoa, chocolate cakes and muffins - all these kids eat with great pleasure.

The fruits of the chocolate tree contain substances that help the brain develop. It is noted that those children who drink cocoa in the morning are better at school and have great success.

Natural cocoa is allowed from 2-3 years to 1 cup per day. It is undesirable to give a child with a high sugar content up to 7 years. You need to try to buy chocolate with at least 50% cocoa content, or better, cook it yourself at home.

For weight loss

For a girl who wants to lose weight, cocoa is the number one product. Firstly, it stimulates the metabolism and thereby enhances the burning of calories, secondly, it gives strength for training and improves the cardiovascular system, thirdly, it reduces appetite and fights off cravings for fat and sweets. With proper use with cocoa beans, you can lose up to 5 kilograms per month.

Cocoa-based diet: 100 g of home-made chocolate without sugar (with stevia or another sweetener), 1 apple, cocoa with oat milk - 2 cups, an unlimited amount of water are allowed per day. You can adhere to this diet for up to 5 days. During this period, you can lose up to 8 kilograms.

By the way, cocoa butter helps eliminate cellulite. To do this, apply it to problem areas with massage movements every evening.

Cocoa Bean Oil: Properties and Applications

Cocoa bean oil is one of the most important products in the beauty industry and traditional medicine. Due to the content of a large number of vitamins A, E and K, as well as fatty acids, it has wonderful properties in the restoration of the skin. Regular use of this product promotes the healing of scars, scars, burns, traces of acne.

In addition, cocoa butter helps soften corns, calluses and hard formations on the skin - the heels will become like in a baby after only 5 applications of a miracle remedy. To do this, it is advisable to apply it overnight and put on over cotton socks.

Today, both women and men face the problem of baldness. Hair loss has a terrible effect on the appearance and self-esteem of a person. Cocoa butter can defeat hair loss and improve the density of hair. It is necessary to apply it every 2-3 days at night, and in the morning rinse with shampoo. This tool is suitable for all types of hair.

To avoid gaps during the birth of a child, many gynecologists recommend lubricating the perineum with cocoa butter from 32 weeks of gestation. This tool is absolutely safe for both the mother and the unborn child.

The use of husks of cocoa beans

Cocoa bean husk or cocoa shell is a by-product that remains after processing the fruits of the chocolate tree. However, it has a fairly wide application and brings great benefits to people.

1. Great compost and fertilizer. Cocoa husk is widely used in agriculture. Plants are sprinkled with it in order to preserve moisture in the soil and improve soil properties, as well as protect the fruits from harmful insects and weeds. Used for growing strawberries, sweet potatoes, various shrubs.
2. Litter for animals. Cocoa Vella is used in aviary snails, turtles, spiders, hamsters and some other animals. It perfectly absorbs odor and moisture, is hypoallergenic and inexpensive.
3. Filler for pillows and mattresses. This use of the husk is not very common, but still has a place to be. Bedding filled with cocoa vellé have orthopedic properties, smell good and are eco-friendly. The disadvantage of this use is that there is a lot of dust from the cocoa husks, so it is necessary to use high-quality material for the products. The second drawback can be called fragility - unlike artificial fillers, cocoa husk will last no more than five years.

How to peel cocoa beans

In industry, the fruits of the chocolate tree are peeled with a special machine. To clean the beans at home, you need to soak them in warm water with soda for several hours. After water procedures, the husk will easily come off the beans, and you can use the product for its intended purpose.

The second way to peel cocoa is by roasting. Beans must be placed in the oven for 40 minutes at maximum temperature. After this, the husk is quite simply cleaned.

Cocoa Beans in Traditional Medicine

1. Candles for thrush. It is necessary to melt a glass of cocoa butter in a water bath, add 15 drops of tea tree essential oil and 5 drops of cedar oil to it, mix, remove from heat. Add half a cup of onion peel decoction, stir again, pour over the blisters from the tablets and place in the freezer. After two hours, pull out, then store in the refrigerator. Use vaginally before bedtime, 1-2 candles per day. The effect of the application will appear on 3-4 days.
2. Mix 1 tablespoon of grated cocoa beans and a tablespoon of oak bark. Brew with boiling water. Take 1 glass in the morning from low blood pressure, vegetovascular dystonia and headaches.
3. 1 tablespoon of tea rose petals to brew in a glass of hot water. Wait 15 minutes, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of ground cocoa. Take in the daytime to stimulate ovulation from 1 to 15 days of the cycle. After stop taking. If conception has not occurred, apply again from the first day of menstruation.
4. 1 tablespoon of cocoa mixed with 1 teaspoon of ginseng root and 3 juniper berries. Brew 500 ml of boiling water. Take 2 cups in the morning and evening to treat male infertility, urolithiasis and prostatitis.
5. Mix half a glass of cocoa powder with the same amount of sea salt, add two tablespoons of melted cocoa butter and essential oil as desired. Mix the mixture thoroughly. The resulting scrub must be rubbed into problem areas with cellulite, keratinized skin and orange peel for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water after the procedure.
6. Mix half a glass of grated horseradish with a glass of cocoa and a tablespoon of honey. To treat muscle pain and osteochondrosis, apply the mixture to a sore spot, covering it with a bag or cling film for 20-30 minutes.This mixture improves blood circulation, and also helps to remove harmful salts from the joints.
7. Mix a tablespoon of mustard, cocoa powder and cocoa butter. Rub into hair roots with baldness and slow hair growth.
8. Grated cocoa beans and wild rose, pour cold water. Cook for 15 minutes after boiling over a shallow fire. Use as a natural immunomodulator for the treatment and prevention of colds and infectious diseases, as well as headaches.
9. Cocoa powder mixed with melted cocoa butter in equal proportions. Rub stains of vitiligo to normalize metabolic processes in the skin.
10. Half a glass of grated cocoa beans pour half a liter of vodka. Insist in a dark place for a week, and then strain. Apply to combat skin inflammation or as a tonic for oily skin type.

Harm and contraindications

Cocoa very often comes from undeveloped countries, where they are collected and manufactured in unsanitary conditions. To be sure of the quality of the product, it is better to purchase whole cocoa beans, not powder. Before use, it is advisable to soak them in water with soda. This will surely wash away all the dirt and also help cleanse the fruit.

It is contraindicated to use cocoa beans for allergies to this product, hypertension in the acute stage, mental illness (paranoia and schizophrenia), severe infections (diphtheria, typhoid, etc.), parasites in the gastrointestinal tract, hyper- and hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, as well as children under the age of 2 years.

How to choose and store cocoa beans

The choice of the “right” cocoa beans is very important, because the taste and quality of future dishes depends on this. You should pay attention to such nuances:

1. Smell. The fruits of the chocolate tree smell sweet, spicy, nuts or chocolate. If you feel the bitter smell of mushrooms or mold - you should not buy beans.
2. Peel. It should be dry, one color, without obvious impregnations.
3. Producing country. If you have a choice, it is better to prefer beans from Indonesia or Malaysia.

Store cocoa beans in a dry and dark place at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees. It is advisable to wrap them in a clean cotton cloth. It is best to use the fruits of the chocolate tree within a month after purchase.

How to Eat Cocoa Beans

You can eat cocoa beans in the form of chocolate, a drink, as well as in various other dishes.

Is it possible to eat raw

The fruits of the chocolate tree can be consumed raw, but not more than 100 g per day, so as not to cause pain in the stomach. Without heat treatment, they are bitter and too hard. Some break off a piece of raw beans and dissolve like candy. This helps to overcome hunger and headache.

What can be made from cocoa beans: recipes

Chocolate

In the prepared container of heat-resistant glass, put grated cocoa beans and cocoa butter in a ratio of 6: 1. Heat in a water bath until completely dissolved. Add salt, sugar, stevia, honey, berries, nuts, cinnamon, ginger and other spices to taste. Remove from heat and pour into molds. Refrigerate for several hours.

Drink

Recipe 1. In a water bath, melt 2 tablespoons of grated cocoa beans, add 2 cups of milk, mix and remove from heat. Beat with sugar 1 yolk and add to the drink.

Recipe 2. In a Turk, put 1 tablespoon of grated cocoa and 1 teaspoon of coffee. Cook for 10 minutes as usual, serve with cream and cinnamon.

Recipe 3. In a clay pot for baking, put 1 tablespoon of grated cocoa, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of sugar and pour water to half the capacity. Put in a preheated oven for an hour, then remove, quickly pour the cream over the pot and put on for another 15 minutes.

Marinade

Mix half a cup of cocoa, a tablespoon of mustard, a pinch of red pepper, a tablespoon of honey and a glass of orange juice. Put chicken or pork meat in the mixture for two to three hours. Then drain the liquid, grate with salt and wait another 40 minutes. The meat in this marinade is perfect for frying and baking.

Pancakes

1 cup flour, half a cup of cocoa powder, a tablespoon of sugar, 2 eggs and a glass of water beat with a mixer. Add soda to the end of the knife and put out with lemon juice. Let the dough stand for half an hour, fry pancakes in oil.

Meat sauce

Fry onions, carrots, bell peppers until half cooked. Add a glass of meat broth, half a glass of grated cocoa beans. Reduce heat to a minimum, mix constantly. Put salt, black and red pepper and other seasonings to taste. Serve with beef, chicken, turkey.

Salad

Cook homemade chocolate without sugar, cut into cubes. Add broccoli, smoked chicken breast, bell pepper, lettuce, olives. Season with mayonnaise or sesame sauce.

Healthy dessert

Melt grated cocoa beans in a water bath, add stevia and a glass of cream. Beat with a mixer until a dense foam forms. Add soaked agar agar. Beat again. Refrigerate for an hour. This cake will be low-calorie and very tasty.

How to Roast Cocoa Beans

It is advisable to fry the fruits of the chocolate tree before preparing cocoa powder and drinks. There are several ways to do this:

1. Place whole cocoa beans or pieces of fruit on a salt-sprinkled baking sheet, put in the oven, preheated to 140 degrees. Cook for 30 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 100 degrees and hold for another half hour. Stir every 10 minutes throughout the frying process.
2. Put the fruits of the chocolate tree in a dehydrator, turn on the maximum temperature and leave for 5-6 hours. When processed in this way, cocoa beans remain more beneficial.

Interesting Facts About Cocoa

1. In ancient Mexico, the Aztecs used cocoa beans instead of money. They really appreciated this product and considered it sent by the gods. One slave cost 100 fruits, a turkey - 10.
2. In Catholic Europe, cocoa was banned for a long time. The priesthood of that time considered the drink demonic and condemned its use along with heresy and witchcraft. People believed that an ordinary drink can spoil the skin of infants, give birth to terrible diseases and make a person go online to the devil. Cocoa was used only secretly, and in Spain the drink was served only at the table of the king and the most notable nobles. The ban was lifted by the Pope, who accidentally tried a drink. He considered it tasteless and did not see anything wrong with its use.
3. Cocoa will be tastier if served in a clay cup with thick walls.
4. The product does not cause yellow teeth. On the contrary, this drink strengthens the enamel due to the calcium and phosphorus contained in it. Grated cocoa used to be used instead of toothpaste.
5. Cocoa will help to fall in love. This drink causes the release of serotonin and endorphin - hormones responsible for happiness. They evoke a feeling of inspiration and serenity and help to look at the world with different eyes.
6. The film "Chocolate" with Johnny Depp tells the legend of the magical and mystical properties of cocoa, and also helps all heroes to find their destiny and happiness.
7. Mayan tribes used chocolate for ritual ceremonies. During the burial of a noble person, a vessel with cocoa was placed next to the deceased.
8. Christopher Columbus discovered cocoa beans while traveling, but did not appreciate them. The scientist and discoverer took the fruits of the chocolate tree for spoiled almonds and did not see the point of leading them to their homeland.
9. The word "xocolatl" (chocolate) in Maya means "bitter water." Indeed, the traditional drink of this tribe was bitter, because they served it with chili pepper and salt.
10. For the first time, Spaniards brought cocoa beans to Europe, collecting it as a tax from their colonies. At first, they were not popular and only by the end of the 18th century began to be in great demand.

Photo of Cocoa Beans