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yun1245@wikitree.co.kr (Yun Jang-yeon)
When we think of healthy drinks, green tea, coffee, and healthy juices come to mind. In cold weather like these, one sweet drink is added to the mix: cocoa. Let's learn about the health benefits of cocoa.
Image to aid understanding of the article. Cocoa. / Narong Khueankaew-shutterstock.com
Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant. Professor Lee Hyung-joo's team from the Department of Food Science and Technology at Seoul National University published a paper in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, stating that drinking one cup of cocoa a day can prevent cancer.
It is known that one cup of cocoa contains twice as much polyphenol as one glass of red wine, three times as much as green tea, and five times as much as black tea.
A study at Harvard Medical School in the United States also found that the flavonoid component in cocoa helps blood circulation and lowers blood pressure, preventing heart disease and diabetes and also delaying aging.
Cocoa is also effective in preventing peripheral arterial disease, a condition that occurs when the arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked.
A research team at Northwestern University in Chicago conducted a study on 44 patients with peripheral artery disease aged 60 and older. Participants were divided into two groups: one group drank three cups of cocoa beverages per day for six months and the other group received a placebo.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) results showed that cocoa drinkers experienced a 20% increase in blood flow to their legs. This is attributed to epicatechin, a component found in cocoa, which enhances mitochondrial activity in patients with peripheral artery disease, leading to increased blood flow and improved muscle health.
Cocoa also helps elevate your mood. Its sweetness stimulates the release of endorphins, helping to lift moods. It also improves metabolism and blood circulation, making it a good drink for those with early-stage dementia and memory impairment.
However, excessive consumption is prohibited. Drinking more than two cups of cocoa can exceed the recommended daily intake.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily sugar intake of 50 grams. However, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the average sugar content in cocoa sold at coffee shops is 31 grams. This represents approximately 60% of the recommended daily intake.
Be mindful of the sodium content of cocoa. While it varies depending on the product, a single 30g stick of cocoa contains 50-100mg of sodium. Drinking the powder in milk or mixing it with other powders can lead to even higher sodium intake.
Cocoa is also high in calories. A cup of cocoa contains 100-150 calories, which isn't a small amount for a snack or dessert. When buying cocoa powder, check the sugar and sodium content and choose a product with lower calories.
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Cocoa in general
Better than drinking it mixed with water
It tastes richer and more delicious when mixed with milk.