Can Cocoa Help With Weight Loss in Overweight Individuals?

History of Cocoa

Chocolate has a history spanning five thousand years. Indigenous people in regions of what is now Ecuador used cocoa as food, medicine, and a beverage. They obtained cocoa from the Amazon rainforests. The Aztec tribe used cocoa beans to prepare a type of brewed drink called xocolatl, which they referred to as the "food of the gods." The Spanish brought cocoa from Mexico to Europe in the 16th century and kept the method of making xocolatl a secret for about 100 years. It wasn't until the 17th century that other Europeans learned how to prepare this drink.

Christopher Columbus and his son, Ferdinand Columbus, were the first Europeans to encounter cocoa during their fourth voyage on August 15, 1502. They discovered a canoe carrying cocoa beans as part of its cargo. It is believed that conquistador Hernán Cortés was among the first Europeans to become acquainted with chocolate. In his memoirs, he notes that drinking forty cups of chocolate was part of Montezuma II's dinner.

The writings of José de Acosta, a Jesuit missionary in Peru and Mexico during the 16th century, played a significant role in promoting the use of chocolate among Europeans. The Spanish conquerors brought cocoa from the Americas to Europe to present it to the king and queen of Spain, and it quickly became a part of European cuisine. At the time, chocolate was primarily consumed as a beverage, with a small amount of sugar added to offset its bitterness.

By the 17th century, chocolate in Europe was a luxurious and expensive food item, enjoyed only by the wealthy. In the 16th century, cocoa beans were used as a unit of currency in the Spanish Empire. Even before Spanish colonization in the Americas, cocoa beans were commonly exchanged as a form of currency in the Mesoamerican region.

Benefits of Cocoa Powder

• Gives your face a radiant glow

• Moisturizes the skin

• Rich in antioxidants

• Fights skin aging

• Boosts collagen production for firmer skin

• Prevents the formation of blemishes on the skin

Benefits of Cocoa Powder for Weight Loss

Cocoa is an excellent option for boosting metabolism and aiding in weight loss, which is why it is recommended for athletes and fitness trainers. It is suggested to mix some cocoa powder into a protein drink and consume it before starting a workout.

Cocoa helps prevent obesity caused by excess body fat by increasing fat metabolism and reducing the synthesis and transfer of fatty acids. It also aids in detoxifying the body due to its flavonoid content, which is a key agent in eliminating toxins.

Each individual should consume 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber daily. Cocoa powder is rich in fiber, which helps create a feeling of fullness after consumption. Additionally, it aids in treating constipation and regulating blood sugar levels.

Keep in mind that each teaspoon of cocoa powder contains 1 gram of carbohydrates, and it is advised to limit daily carbohydrate intake to less than 25 grams.

Daily Amount of Cocoa Powder in a Diet

The exact amount of cocoa you should include in your daily diet to benefit your health is not definitively established. Some scientists recommend 2.5 grams of high-flavonol cocoa powder or 10 grams of high-flavonol dark chocolate, containing at least 200 mg of flavonols per day, to achieve heart health benefits.

However, other researchers suggest that a higher intake of flavonols may be necessary to observe these benefits. Regardless, it is crucial to ensure that your source of cocoa is rich in flavonols. In fact, the less processed the cocoa, the better it is for maintaining its health properties.

Drawbacks of Cocoa

• Cocoa contains a high percentage of caffeine, so excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as frequent urination, increased sweating, and an elevated heart rate. It may also contribute to increased anxiety and diarrhea.

• If you suffer from stomach issues, it is advisable to avoid consuming cocoa powder, as it can lead to the buildup of gas in the stomach.