3 Health Benefits of Cocoa

Written by Laura Roberts-Hall, RD 

World Cocoa and Chocolate Day is celebrated on the 1st October.  In Trinidad and Tobago, celebrations for the event this year were held on the 6th and 7th of October by the Cocoa Research Centre at the University of the West Indies. The Cocoa Research Centre hosted a two day expo which featured several producers of locally made cocoa products. The event was well attended and I was quite impressed at the variety of products that could be made from cocoa. Some of these products included cocoa powder, chocolate, beverages, ice cream and cupcakes just to name a few.   

The consumption of cocoa and cocoa products has a host of health benefits. Cocoa products that do not contain large amounts of added sugar can be very beneficial to the body. Cocoa naturally contains high amounts of minerals such as magnesium, copper and manganese. It is also low in cholesterol, a good source of iron and high in antioxidants. Some health benefits of cocoa include:  

1. Improves cardiovascular health-  cocoa is rich in flavonoids. The flavonoids found in cocoa have antioxidant properties and help to protect the cells of the heart from damage by free radicals.      

2. Helps to manage blood pressure - the various antioxidants found in cocoa help to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which helps to relax the blood vessels. When blood vessels are relaxed, it makes the flow of blood easier throughout the body and reduces high blood pressure. 

3. Anti-depressant - cocoa is abundant in an essential amino acid named tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor to some neuron-transmitters such as serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for stabilising one's mood and preventing depression.