What are the benefits of cocoa beans? Origin from where?
In order to be able to produce bags of pure and quality cocoa powder, in addition to having a production line and passing strict inspection steps, the raw material is considered indispensable and that is the seed. cocoa. So what is cocoa bean and where does it come from, let's find out together with Trong Duc cacao in the article below.
1. Where do cocoa beans come from?
Cocoa is native to the tropical forests of South and Central America. The cacao tree has the scientific name Theobroma cacao and belongs to the Trom family (Sterculiaceae). In Vietnam, cocoa trees are grown a lot in the Central Highlands and southwestern provinces because of the suitable climate.
Cocoa is an evergreen tree in the middle layer, with a height of about 4m - 8m and is a shade-loving tree, so it is often planted under the foliage of rubber trees, coconuts,... Cocoa leaves are quite large and oval in shape. , pointed leaf tips.
Standard-harvested cocoa beans have a length and diameter of 15cm - 20cm. The fruit has a green skin when young and turns red or yellow when ripe. Inside each fruit contains 20 - 40 cocoa beans wrapped in a thin layer of white rice.
Cocoa beans, after drying, roasting and grinding into powder, have a dark brown color, bitter taste and aroma. Can be used to decorate or process into desserts such as chocolate bars, tiramisu cakes, chocolate ice cream, ...
2. What are the effects of cocoa beans?
Protect the heart
One of the top scientifically proven benefits of cocoa beans is cardiovascular protection. Cocoa beans are rich in flavanols, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and improve functions. blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
Improve digestive health
In about 30 grams of cocoa powder, there are 3.6 grams of fiber. So cocoa helps a lot for your digestive system, besides, the problem of constipation is also improved when eating or drinking dishes made from cocoa.
Reduce stress
One of the effects of cocoa that we cannot ignore is that it helps reduce stress. Several scientific studies have shown that pure dark chocolate contains serotonin, which promotes mental health and repels stress.
Improve memory impairment
A flavanol in cocoa, specifically called epicatechin, works to support blood circulation, reducing the risk of memory loss, especially in the elderly.
In addition, drinking cocoa with an appropriate amount each day will help the brain work well and remember longer.
Support weight loss
In addition to containing a large amount of fiber to help you feel full for a long time, reduce cravings, it also helps to increase the body's metabolism, thereby helping to consume more energy, especially consumption. fat efficiency. So cocoa helps support weight loss very effectively.
Prevention of diabetes
Eating and drinking cocoa-based foods every day helps the body produce more insulin, which is an active ingredient that helps stabilize blood sugar levels and effectively prevent diabetes.
Anti aging skin
For women, skin aging is a nightmare, but maintaining the habit of drinking 2 tablespoons of pure cocoa powder every morning and regularly exfoliating with cocoa powder will help reverse the skin aging process very much. In addition, cocoa beans also help you improve the problem of dry skin and increase skin elasticity.
3. Are cocoa beans edible?
Iced fresh cocoa
With just one fresh cocoa, condensed milk, sugar and shaved ice, you have an extremely delicious and cool cup of fresh cocoa with ice. Use a knife to cut the cocoa fruit in half, use a spoon to remove all the cocoa beans that are still covered with the white flesh outside and put them in a glass.
Add a little sugar, a little condensed milk into a glass and mix well, then add ice to complete the iced fresh cocoa with a sweet, slightly sour taste of extremely delicious fresh cocoa.
Fresh cocoa with fruit
Prepare a fresh cocoa, crushed ice and your favorite fruits like watermelon, dragon fruit, mango,...
Use a knife to halve the cocoa fruit and take all the flesh and cocoa beans into a glass, add chopped fruit and shaved ice to the beam. If you like fat, you can also add a little condensed milk to complete. Fresh cocoa mixed with fruit has a sweet and sour taste and is perfect for a hot summer day!
hot cocoa
If on a cold rainy day you have a cup of hot cocoa, what's better than that?
Just boil fresh milk to a rolling boil, add pure cocoa powder, a little turmeric powder, cinnamon powder, coconut oil and add 1 tablespoon of honey, stir until dissolved, then pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. Hot cocoa is not only delicious but also extremely good for your health!
4. When should cocoa powder be taken?
Cocoa powder has been shown to be most beneficial when taken in the morning. Just add 1-2 teaspoons of cocoa powder, add hot water and stir to dissolve. If you can't drink bitter, you can also give 1 tablespoon of honey or condensed milk. Drinking cocoa powder in the morning helps you stay awake, full of energy for all day activities, enhances memory and many other benefits.
Where to buy cocoa beans?
Cocoa beans products provided by Cocoa Trong Duc have the best quality, meet UTZ standards and receive many positive feedbacks from customers who have used them.
For more information, please contact us via hotline or go directly to our unit's address for advice and the fastest quote!