10 Benefits of consuming cocoa
10 Benefits of Consuming Cocoa Mucilage
Cocoa mucilage, the white, gelatinous pulp that surrounds the cocoa beans inside the pod, is a lesser-known but equally beneficial part of the cocoa fruit.
Here are the 10 most important benefits of cocoa mucilage for human health:
Cocoa mucilage is a valuable and nutritious part of the cocoa pod,with numerous health benefits that make it a healthy and delicious addition to the diet.delicious addition to the diet.
The 3 Most Important Molecules in Cocoa
Anandamide
Also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), it is an endocannabinoid, a natural compound produced by the body that binds to cannabinoid receptors.
The name “anandamide” is derived from the Sanskrit word “ananda,” meaning “joy, happiness, delight,” and was discovered in the 1990s.
It plays a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological functions and processes, including pain, mood, appetite and memory.
Theobromine
Theobromine is a natural alkaloid found mainly in cocoa and thus in cocoa-derived products such as chocolate.
Its name derives from “Theobroma”, the scientific name of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), which means “food of the gods” in Greek.
Theobromine is a chemical compound similar to caffeine and belongs to the methylxanthine family.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which means that it cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet.
It is one of the 20 amino acids that the body uses to produce proteins.
Because of its role in the production of dopamine, phenylalanine can help improve mood and may be useful in the treatment of depression.
As a precursor to important neurotransmitters, phenylalanine may contribute to improved memory, concentration and learning ability.
Considerations and precautions
Toxicity to animals: Theobromine is toxic to some animals, such as dogs and cats, because they metabolize this substance much more slowly than humans. Therefore, it is important to keep products containing cocoa out of reach of pets.
Moderate consumption: Although theobromine has several benefits, it is important to consume products containing it in moderation to avoid possible side effects such as insomnia, palpitations or gastrointestinal discomfort.