The best cheat drink in the whole wide world would be a large cup of hot chocolate, agree? This indulgent drink is popular as a winter comfort drink that gives warmth on a chilly winter night. By now, you must be salivating and so do we. Nobody can resist this temptation. However, we need to tell you that hot cocoa may be unhealthy(high on calories) but cocoa powder is not. Chocolates too are formed with cocoa powder but they are actually processed with a lot of sugar which makes them unhealthy. So, all your fitness freaks out there, neither you can have hot cocoa nor you can indulge in chocolates but you can definitely curb your choco cravings with cocoa powder which is absolutely harmless for your health. Read this article to know the five reasons that make cocoa powder health for you.
Low calorie and rich nutritional profile
On average, a spoonful of cocoa powder contains only 10 calories. Here is the nutritional value of a tablespoon cocoa powder:
- Fat- 1g
- Carbohydrate- 3g
- Protein- 1g
- Fiber- 2g
Any food item is called healthy when it is high in fiber and low in calories which cocoa powder is as you can see from its nutritional background. If you want fiber in your body without increasing the calorie count, cocoa powder is a good option.
Flavonoids
Cocoa powder contains flavonoids in the form of catechin and epicatechin. These are plant-based compounds that are good for health. These are excellent antioxidants that help in fighting inflammation, bettering blood flow, decreasing blood pressure and relaxing blood vessels.
Also Read: Is Nutella Really Healthy, Find Out Here
High in Minerals
Cocoa beans are rich sources of plentiful minerals like magnesium, manganese, iron and zinc. All of these are vital for the functioning of a human body. One tablespoon cocoa powder contains about 3-9% of the daily recommended intake of these minerals.
- Magnesium- Manages heart functioning while producing energy for bodily functions.
- Manganese- Helps the enzyme to metabolize nutrients in the body, strengthen bones & cartilage and detoxifies the body.
- Iron- boosts the immune system and allows uniform oxygenation in the body to produce red blood cells.
- Zinc- Boosts immunity while helping in the production of new blood cells.
Acts as Antidepressant
Most of us crave chocolate when we feel sad. We can also put this as- we crave for chocolate to boost our mood. This is due to the antidepressant properties of cocoa powder which chocolate is made up of. Cocoa powder has a neurotransmitter named ‘phenethylamine’ which is associated with joy and pleasure. Cocoa powder naturally triggers the release of endorphins which are happy hormones to combat depression and sadness. This is the real reason why your mood instantly uplifts upon eating a bite of chocolate.
Caffeine
Cocoa powder does contain caffeine. 12 mg of caffeine in one tablespoon. This is not so huge as compared to coffee but it is a healthy number.
Also Read: DIY Chocolate Peel Off Mask For Instant Facial Glow
Now, you can indulge in cocoa powder and make yourself a yummy cocoa dish to enjoy all these benefits. Make a cocoa cup with brown sugar or bake a wheat cocoa cake.
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