Cocoa is really good for you and not just a tasty treat. So next time you sip on a cup of hot cocoa you can leave the guilt behind as it has been said there are health benefits when consuming cocoa! Considered as a strong weapon to keeping healthy by the Aztecs, new research confirms that cocoa is key to the path of good health.
Read on to find some of the health benefits of cocoa:
- One of the most important benefits of cocoa is the large number of antioxidants it contains. It has twice the number of antioxidants of red wine. Antioxidants help to strengthen your immune system, increase energy levels and help you look and feel younger.
- Cocoa is full of flavonoids which increases the blood flow to the breain. Flavonoids increase the blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow to the brain generally means a better disposition. They also help guard against depression and dementia :)
- Decreases the possibility of clots in your bloodstream. Drinking hot cocoa will actually reduce the risk of having heart problems. First of all platelets will have a much harder time in grouping together due to this compound. When platelets group together it can lead to strokes or heart attacks.
- Cocoa can also lower your blood pressure and improve your blood flow. This helps to guard against heart disease and stroke and makes it easier for you to lose weight.
- A great source of magnesium, which is a very important in the proper formation of teeth and bones, in regulating bowel functions, in relaxation of blood vessels and regulation of blood sugar levels.
- Lower your cholesterol. Lastly but not least the fact that drinking this delicious beverage in the morning will help reduce your "bad" cholesterol levels and increase the levels of “good” cholesterol.
