How much cocoa powder per day is good for health?

Answer 1

Cocoa is the healthiest form of chocolate since it is the least processed. It has the highest antioxidant value and contains epicatechins which are known to benefit health in a number of ways. Cocoa helps to support cardiovascular health, helps to support healthy circulation and normal blood pressure; it helps to boost the immune system and increase energy! And everyone knows that rich chocolate flavor helps to uplift the moods! There are healthy ways to get the rich chocolate flavor of cocoa with chocolate tea like CocoPure which contains pure cocoa and green tea at just 30 calories a serving!

Answer 2

it is very good for health .. it may prevent some diseases

Beyond the heart-healthy benefits of fiber, cocoa powder is rich is antioxidants and sterols. Flavanoids, or specifically Flavan-3-ol, found in chocolate is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants fight against free radicals in the body, which can cause damage. Therefore, cocoa powder is protective of your heart. This can be especially effective for those who have cardiovascular disease. Phytosterols are compounds found in plant products such as cocoa that reduce cholesterol.

To reap the cardiovascular benefits of cocoa powder, the recommended daily dose is 1 to 10 tbsp. of cocoa powder daily. You can use cocoa powder to make hot cocoa, homemade chocolate syrup, cocoa pancakes and rubs for meats. Along with the benefit of fiber keeping you feeling fuller longer, cocoa powder is a guilt-free way to battle chocolate cravings while trying to lose weight. Because cocoa powder is nutrient dense, it fits into a well-balanced and healthy diet.A 2010 study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" determined that phytosterols present in cocoa powder reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Five studies from 2006 to 2010 confirm findings that cocoa reduces blood pressure. The "Journal of American College of Cardiology" published a study in 2010 that found that the antioxidants in cocoa also increase endothelial cell function in patients with coronary artery disease. The increased function of endothelial cells protects the heart from damaging events such as heart attacks and heart failure.

Answer 3

People have used cocoa medicinally throughout history. Cocoa contains approximately 43.6 mg of flavonoids per gram. Flavonoids are part of a powerful group of antioxidants known as polyphenols, and cocoa is one of the highest polyphenol-containing foods. Cornell University food scientists tested the antioxidant content of cocoa, green tea, black tea, and red wine. On a per serving basis, the antioxidant concentration in cocoa was the highest: almost two times stronger than red wine, 2-3 times stronger than green tea, and 4-5 times stronger than that of black tea. Drinking cocoa may help to fight cancer, Heart disease and aging through its antioxidant boosting effect. Most commercial cocoa powders have the antioxidant-containing flavonoids removed because they taste bitter; therefore, in order to obtain the health boosting benefits, consider buying raw cocoa nibs, or raw cocoa powder, which is a minimally processed cocoa powder and very high in theobromines and other phytochemicals.

In 2007, researchers from Harvard Medical School studied the effects of cocoa and flavanols on Panama's Kuna people, who are heavy consumers of cocoa. The researchers found that the Kuna Indians living on the islands had significantly lower rates of heart disease and cancer compared to those on the mainland who do not drink cocoa. The improved blood flow after consumption of cocoa may help your heart and other organs. In particular, the benefits may extend to your brain and have important implications for learning and memory. A 15-year study of elderly men published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006 found a 50% reduction in cardiovascular mortality and a 47% reduction in all-cause mortality for the men regularly consuming the most cocoa, compared to those consuming the least cocoa.

According to a 2011 study by Harvard researchers, who analyzed 21 studies with 2,575 participants using mostly sugar-free, Dark Chocolate, cocoa consumption is associated with decreased blood pressure, improved blood vessel health, and improvement in cholesterol levels, among other benefits. The health benefits come from the high level of flavonoids in cocoa, specifically epicatechin, which may prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition to decreasing blood pressure and improving blood vessel health, cocoa decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol among people under age 50, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. Cocoa consumption reduces insulin resistance and may reduce risk for Diabetes, which is also a major risk factor itself for cardiovascular disease. Cocoa did not raise levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat that have been linked to coronary artery disease at elevated levels. Nor did cocoa increase risk of obesity.

Cocoa may provide mental health benefits, including helping to promote a positive mood by increasing the levels of the following neurotransmitters in your brain:

• Serotonin: This is the neurotransmitter that antidepressants target in order to boost overall happiness levels. Cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain and therefore acts as an antidepressant, promoting an overall sense of well-being.
• Endorphins: These are your natural pain and stress chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which act as natural "happy" opiates and are responsible for the highs that you often feel after exercising, laughing, having sex, or getting good news. Cacao stimulates the secretion of endorphins, which can help to produce a pleasurable feeling.
• Phenylethylamine (PEAs): PEAs are neurotransmitters that are also created within your brain and released when you are in love. It acts as a mild mood elevator and an antidepressant, and it helps increase focus and alertness.
• Anandamide. Anandamide is known as the "bliss chemical" because it is released by your brain when you are feeling happy. Cacao contains N-acylethanolamines that are believed to temporarily increase the levels of anandamide in your brain, along with enzyme inhibitors that slow its breakdown. This promotes relaxation for a longer period of time.

Cocoa contains a high level of xanthines, specifically theobromine and to a much lesser extent caffeine. Theobromine has stimulant properties, but it is much milder compared to caffeine and has a mood-improving effect. The low levels in cocoa have not shown any harmful effects in humans; however, chocolate also appeals to many other animals. While these compounds have desirable effects in humans, they cannot be efficiently metabolized in many animals, including dogs and cats, and can lead to cardiac and nervous system problems, and if consumed in high quantities, even lead to death.

In addition to the above possible health benefits of cocoa powder, it may also reduce the risk of blood clots, boost cognitive performance and provide essential minerals such as calcium and potassium. Standard cocoa powder has a fat content of approximately 10-12 percent. A two tablespoon serving of cocoa contains just 25 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. It also provides you with 3.6 grams of fiber (14 percent of the daily value), 8 percent of the daily value of iron, and 14 percent of the daily value of magnesium. In fact, cocoa is reputedly the richest source of magnesium, essential for mental health and heart function. The seeds are rich in copper, sulfur, and vitamin C.

Answer 4

1tablespoon per day