Natural cocoa: Daily drink to boost mood and brain power
It is worth drinking daily. Natural cocoa has remarkable properties. It can help reduce stress, improve memory and concentration, and increase the production of happiness hormones. However, it is important to remember a few rules.
6:52 PM EDT, September 25, 2024
Cocoa is a drink that brings to mind autumn evenings. Beyond its taste qualities, cocoa hides exceptional health properties. Properly prepared, it can benefit our body, support the nervous system, and even improve mood. It is important to know when to consume it.
Remarkable properties of cocoa
The healthiest form of cocoa is raw, unprocessed cocoa. These cocoa beans have not undergone fermentation or roasting but are cold-pressed. This way, they retain a full range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and more importantly, they do not lose valuable antioxidants. Such cocoa contains large amounts of magnesium, iron, fiber, and even vitamin C.
Cocoa is known for its strong antioxidant properties. Thanks to this, it helps fight harmful free radicals, which contribute to aging and the development of cancerous and neurodegenerative diseases. Regular consumption of cocoa can reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But that's not all—the anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa can also slow down the aging processes of the body and mind.
The richness of magnesium positively affects our nervous system. Regular drinking of this beverage can help reduce stress, improve memory and concentration, and facilitate the absorption of new information. Cocoa increases the production of happiness hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, which improves mood and reduces the risk of anxiety or depression. Daily consumption of dark cocoa can become a natural way to fight stress and improve well-being.
We cannot forget the benefits that cocoa brings to the circulatory system. Regular consumption of this beverage can contribute to lowering blood pressure and improving the elasticity of blood vessels. This way, cocoa can protect against the development of heart diseases such as heart failure, heart attack, or stroke.
When to drink cocoa?
Although cocoa has numerous health properties, it is not a drink that we should consume any time of the day. The theobromine it contains acts as a stimulant, so it is best to drink cocoa in the morning or early afternoon. Drinking it in the evening can make it difficult to sleep, and the caffeine it contains can disrupt the circadian rhythm. Moreover, a larger amount of cocoa before bedtime can cause a feeling of heaviness and digestive problems.
