The composition and benefits of cocoa for the human body
A delicious product like cocoa contains a surprising number of beneficial chemicals that increase energy, improve mood, and support important vital functions. Therefore, in this article, we have collected the most important information and are ready to present it to you.
ENERGY SOURCE
The main energy benefit of ceremonial cacao lies in its high levels of theobromine. This chemical, named after the Theobroma cacao plant, gently stimulates the heart muscle and respiratory system, resulting in a feeling of energy throughout the body. Unlike caffeine, theobromine does not linger in the body for long, so it does not interfere with normal sleep or promote hypertension. In addition, its effects slow down over time, gently returning you to your baseline level without a sudden drop in energy.
ANTIOXIDANTS
The main nutritional benefit of high-quality cocoa is its incredible antioxidant content - 40 times more than blueberries and about the same as acai berries. Together with the powerful effects of theobromine, which is found in cocoa, antioxidants stimulate the release of nitric oxide in vascular smooth muscle, dilating blood vessels and increasing oxygen delivery to tissues. They also destroy free radicals, disease-causing molecules resulting from pollution, and normal cellular respiration. The general rule: more antioxidants - better health - longer life. Antioxidants have also been shown to have very strong neuroprotective properties, improving mental performance and reducing the risk of dementia.
MAGNESIUM, IRON AND SATURATED FATS
Cocoa is one of the highest magnesium-rich foods on the planet. Magnesium is vital for muscle health, as well as relaxation and proper sleep regulation. It is now known that most Westerners are deficient in magnesium, and cocoa can help restore it.
In addition to being rich in magnesium, quality cocoa is the best plant-based source of iron, which promotes blood oxygenation and cellular health.
Another of the main benefits of cocoa is saturated fat, which not only satisfies hunger but is also great for healthy hair, nails, and skin.
You can learn more about our cocoa range here.
The mood-enhancing effects of cocoa
Cocoa contains three main mood-boosting chemicals (neurotransmitters): l-tryptophan, phenylethylamine, and anandamide. Let's take a look at each of them individually.
L-tryptophan in cocoa is an essential amino acid that helps produce serotonin. Most serotonin is actually produced in the gut (which is basically the basis of the famous "gut-brain axis"). This neurotransmitter is very important for feelings of contentment and love, which is why some explain that it is what makes eating chocolate so enjoyable. Many antidepressants (SSRIs) work by blocking the absorption of serotonin, but cocoa can naturally help increase serotonin production in the body, thus producing an antidepressant effect without prescription drugs.
Phenylethylamine (PEA), or the love neurotransmitter, is another compound found in cocoa that helps maintain a positive mood. High levels of PEA are associated with feelings of falling in love and the “runner’s high.” PEA works by slowing the reuptake of key mood neurochemicals serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which increases the levels of “happy chemicals” in the brain.
Finally, cocoa has been shown to contain small concentrations of the endocannabinoid anandamide , the bliss molecule. However, other components in cocoa appear to actually inhibit the body's breakdown of cannabinoids, meaning that cocoa helps regulate your stress-reduction system for longer and better. CBD supplements work similarly, as they bind to endocannabinoid receptors in the body, rather than in the brain.