Cocoa Powder
WHAT IS COCOA POWDER?
Cocoa Powder is an unsweetened powder produced by crunching the cocoa beans from the fruits of the cocoa tree. The cocoa liquor is pressed to remove cocoa butter and the residual cocoa solids are then processed to create a fine unsweetened cocoa powder.
TYPES OF COCOA POWDER
Natural cocoa powder is lighter in color, has a higher acidity of about pH 5, and because of that acidity, has a sharper chocolate flavor.
Dutch-process powder (Alkalized) is a cocoa powder that has been treated with an alkalizing agent, changing the pH from a more acidic pH 5 to a neutral pH 7. COCOA Natural Cocoa Powder Dutch Process.
THE FOLLOWING PROCESS FLOW CHART WILL SHOW YOU HOW ALKALIZED COCOA POWDER IS FORMED.
SURPRISING BENEFITS OF COCOA
Cocoa is more than a tasty treat. It’s a health and wellness aid that boosts some surprising benefits, including beauty benefits for your hair, skin, and beyond. The main ingredient used in producing chocolate is cocoa powder. Be sure when you choose your chocolate, look for less sweet, high quality cocoa powder with as few ingredients as possible.
Heart Health
The flavanols in pure cocoa can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. These plant compounds work to help your arteries and blood vessels relax, improving blood ow and putting less stress on your heart.
Antioxidant Protection
The same antioxidant flavanols in cocoa may also support healthy skin. Antioxidants help protect against oxidative damage caused by harmful free radicals and environmental factors while helping fight signs of skin aging.
Improves Mood
Scientists have determined that eating cocoa makes you happier. Compounds in cocoa increase the serotonin level in your brain, making you feel more positive and less stressed.
Weight Loss
Dark chocolate helps to speed up weight loss by boosting your metabolism. Researchers also found that dark chocolate can eliminate cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods
Healthy Blood Pressure
Minerals like copper and magnesium in dark chocolate manage blood pressure and keep it normal. As such, this healthy treat is beneficial for individuals with blood pressure fluctuations.
Balances Blood Sugar
Dark chocolate is known to reduce insulin resistance, which plays a vital role in maintaining blood sugar levels. Just be sure to go for dark chocolate that isn’t loaded with sugar.
Strengthen Teeth
Eating cocoa can help to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, putting you at a lower risk for cavities and other gum problems
Healthy Hair & Scalp
Minerals like copper, iron, and zinc in dark chocolate enhance cell growth and increase blood flow to the skin and scalp, facilitating better transfer of nutrients to the cells, thereby leading to healthier, stronger hair.