Cocoa: A daily boost for memory, mood, and heart health
It's worth drinking cocoa daily. Natural cocoa boasts remarkable properties. It can help reduce stress, improve memory and concentration, and increase the production of happiness hormones. However, it's important to remember a few rules.
Cocoa is a drink that evokes autumn evenings. Beyond its delightful taste, cocoa hides exceptional health benefits. Proper preparation can benefit our body, support the nervous system, and even improve mood. However, timing matters when it comes to consumption.
Remarkable properties of cocoa
The healthiest form of cocoa is raw, unprocessed cocoa. These are cocoa beans that have not undergone fermentation or roasting but are cold-pressed. This preparation method retains the full range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and, crucially, preserves valuable antioxidants. Such cocoa contains large amounts of magnesium, iron, fibre, and even vitamin C.
Cocoa is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties. This helps combat harmful free radicals, which contribute to body ageing and the development of cancerous and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, Regular cocoa consumption can reduce the risk of illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But there's more – the anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa can also slow down the ageing processes of the body and mind.
The richness of magnesium positively affects our nervous system. Regularly consuming this beverage can help reduce stress, improve memory and concentration, and facilitate the absorption of new information. Cocoa boosts the production of happiness hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, improving mood and reducing the risk of anxiety or depression. Daily consumption of dark cocoa can become a natural way to combat stress and enhance well-being.
We shouldn't overlook the benefits cocoa brings to the circulatory system. Regular consumption of this beverage can help lower blood pressure and improve the elasticity of blood vessels. Thus, cocoa can protect against the development of heart diseases, such as heart failure, heart attack, or stroke.
When to drink cocoa?
Although cocoa has numerous health benefits, it's not a drink at any time of day. The theobromine it contains acts as a stimulant, making it best to drink cocoa in the morning or early afternoon. Consuming it in the evening can make sleeping difficult, and the caffeine may disrupt the circadian rhythm. Moreover, a larger quantity of cocoa before bedtime can cause a feeling of heaviness and digestive problems.
