Rich in antioxidants... prevents heart disease, diabetes, and aging

 

Cocoa is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. A research team led by Professor Lee Hyung-joo from Seoul National University's Department of Food Science and Technology published a paper in the Journal of the American College of Clinical Nutrition stating that drinking a cup of cocoa a day can help prevent cancer.

 

It has been revealed that a single cup of cocoa contains twice the polyphenols of a glass of red wine, three times that of green tea, and four times that of black tea. A study from Harvard Medical School in the United States also found that flavonoids in cocoa help improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease and diabetes, and also slow aging.

It also has a preventive effect on peripheral artery disease. Peripheral artery disease refers to a condition where the arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked. Researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago conducted a study on 44 patients over the age of 60 with peripheral artery disease. The participants were divided into two groups: one that drank two cups of cocoa beverage daily for six months and a placebo group. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) results showed that those who consumed cocoa experienced a 20% increase in blood flow to the legs. The epicatechin, a type of flavanol found in cocoa, improved mitochondrial activity in patients with peripheral artery disease, leading to increased blood flow and improved muscle health.

 

Sweet cocoa is a beverage that temporarily lifts your mood and helps maintain mental health. The sweetness of cocoa stimulates the release of endorphins, helping to dispel feelings of depression. Additionally, it improves metabolism and blood circulation simultaneously, making it a good drink for early dementia patients with memory impairments.

 

◇ Do not drink more than two glasses

 

However, drinking more than two cups of cocoa may exceed the recommended daily intake.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of 50g. According to the Korea Food & Drug Administration, the sugar content in cocoa sold at coffee shops is an average of 31g. This amounts to approximately 60% of the recommended intake.

 

The sodium content of cocoa is surprisingly high as well. It varies depending on the product, but one cocoa stick (30g) contains 50 to 100mg of sodium, which is not a small amount. When the powder is mixed with milk or combined with other powders, the sodium intake can be even higher. The calorie content is also high. A cup of cocoa (mug size) has a calorie content of 100 to 150 kcal.

 

It's not a small amount to eat as a snack or dessert. If you buy cocoa powder, it helps to check the sugar and sodium content and choose a product with lower levels.

 

================