Organic Cocoa Powder (1 oz)

Benefits of Cocoa on your Body

In case you are curious, antioxidants are compounds made by plants to stop their own cells from “premature destruction” caused by exposure to heat, air, moisture, and light. [1] These antioxidants do the same for your body as well! They protect the body from premature aging and help to reduce the likeliness of some illnesses.

Cocoa helps prevent heart disease because it may lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol, and stops blood clotting in the arteries, similar to the effects of aspirin. [2] These compounds also help to increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Like honey, there are benefits to using cocoa in wound healing. Scientists have been using cocoa extract to prevent bacterial growth for centuries.

Cocoa Benefits on the Brain

Not only does cocoa have many positive effects on the body, but raw cocoa also contains many compounds that are good for the mind. The mood elevator compounds in a chocolate release the main feel-good chemicals in your brain, serotonin, and dopamine. The mood-lifting effect is also due in part to cocoa being a stimulant as well as its proclivity to release endorphins. Cocoa has a great effect on the chemistry of your brain, also reducing stress hormones.

Benefits of Cocoa for the Skin

The supportive properties found in cocoa powder are not just abundant internally, they also provide many of the same effects externally. Just as the antioxidants help stop the premature breakdown of cells in plants, it does the same for your skin. The use of raw cocoa on the skin, such as in a facial mask, helps to protect skin from free radicals and help signs of aging.

Raw cocoa powder can be used to maintain skin health due to flavanols. Flavanols decrease the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin while enhancing elasticity and hydration. Inside or out, cocoa is good for the skin.

These properties help to soften, clear, and detoxify your skin. Raw cocoa powder can also increase the elasticity of your skin, which helps with fine lines, wrinkles and reduces the appearance of scars. It truly is the food of the gods!