Food of Gods Cocoa Bean: benefits & Side Effects

Introduction

Cocoa Bean is one of the superfoods. Cocoa beans are mainly consumed in the powder form, cocoa beans are obtained from a well-known tropical tree Theobroma cacao L. The cocoa powder is made from cocoa beans by following through the process of fermentation, drying, roasting, milling, pressing, and coaching. Cocoa beans once converted into powder form can be taken as a smoothie, as with milk, or in baked items.

7 Health Benefits of Cocoa beans

• Antioxidants
• Memory and immunity enhancer
• Aphrodisiac
• Lowers blood pressure
• Mood enhancer
• Glowing skin and hair
• Prevent sunburn.

What are the main components of Cocoa beans

The main contents of cocoa beans are Flavanols (Epicatechin and Proanthocyanine), Caffeine (230 mg/100g), Theobromine (2057 mg/100g) these are known as secondary metabolites scientifically. Now different types of secondary metabolites or in a general way the components present in this cocoa have different types of functions on our body. So we have to simply understand their functions and their limiting amount which we should take to avoid any side effects.

Three side effects of Cocoa beans

1. Heart Disease

Over-consumption of caffeine is one of the causes of atherosclerotic heart disease.

2. Pregnancy Risk

cocoa beans consumption Exposes women to caffeine during pregnancy, as well as the occurrence of congenital malformations, fetal growth retardation, small-for-date babies, miscarriages (spontaneous abortions), behavioral effects, and maternal fertility problems.

3. Stomach Acidity

Theobromine, which relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle, letting stomach acid squirt up into the esophagus. In patients suffering from heartburn, it may cause nausea and anorexia and that daily intake of 50-100 g cocoa (0.8-1.5 g theobromine) by humans has been associated with sweating, trembling, and severe headache. Therefore, it is advised to go easy on food containing theobromine.

How much cocoa to consume?

Cocoa consumption should be restricted to less than 50 grams. Cocoa and chocolate studies suggest health benefits but as always, moderation is the key to success for a healthy diet.