Cocoa: Rediscovering the Ancient Drink of the Gods for Modern Health
Here is an alternative to coffee that your body will love. Why is it that cocoa is worth betting on — and not just in the morning? We explain and encourage!
Although today, the term "drink of the gods" most of us associate with coffee, the ancient inhabitants of the mysterious civilizations of South America referred to... cocoa. For the Mayans and Aztecs, powdered cocoa beans were a staple. It is from there, through Christopher Columbus and other European sailor-explorers, that this product was first introduced to Spain and then across the entire old continent.
Currently, although cocoa hasn't been fully ousted from stores, it has had to step back in terms of coffee's popularity. Is it justified? Well, you probably already know that coffee is an extremely healthy product. But are you aware that drinking cocoa can offer equally good — if not better — benefits? Let's delve deeper into this subject...
Cocoa? Cheers to your health!
We've somewhat lost awareness of cocoa's health benefits because we often link cocoa with not particularly low-calorie and healthy extras (a similar situation concerned coffee)—such as milk and sugar. Thankfully, we don't have to do that: for example, we can sprinkle powdered cocoa over oatmeal, natural yoghurt, or a smoothie. What do we gain from this?
The most significant benefit of consuming cocoa is the substantial dose of antioxidants it contains. These compounds, which combat free radicals, ensure that the human body is more protected against various modern diseases than otherwise. The skin's ageing process is slowed, and the cardiovascular system's health is maintained.
Cocoa also boasts a rich amount of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, sodium, calcium, and iron, vitamins A, E, and B, and oleic and linoleic acid. This means that cocoa can stimulate action, positively affect serotonin levels, improve brain function, reduce stress, and lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Remember, however, to always opt for a product without unnecessary additives, which can negate all these benefits!
