Cocoa is the richest form of polyphenols, especially flavanols. Most cocoa powder is at least 72% cocoa which means that cocoa powder alone has many nutritional benefits.
- The flavanols mentioned before mean it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. That said, after the processing and treating of cocoa, 60% of the flavanol content is reduced.
- Cocoa in both the powder form and dark chocolate form are able to slightly lower someone's high blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels. This can be seen more in people that already have high blood pressure or are in an older generation.
- Cocoa has also been found to have a blood thinning effect that is similar to aspirin, which can help with blood flow in the body. This could also be linked to a lower risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
- Cocoa can also help to improve brain function. Though more research is needed, studies have shown that cocoa can have a positive role on brain health and neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- As most people know, chocolate can help to improve someone’s mood and symptoms of depression. Cocoa can help to stabilize serotonin and lessen stress levels in pregnant women and their babies. With senior men, eating chocolate improved their overall health and psychological well-being.
