Cocoa has a rich history and has always occupied an important place in the societies and civilizations which have used it.
Quick review of its history…
The cocoa tree began to be cultivated on the lands of Mexico by those who are believed to have been the first humans to taste cocoa in the form of a drink, the Olmecs (1500 to 400 BC). Its culture then spread to the Mayan and Aztec populations. The bean has been used in several ways: as a monetary unit, as a tax collection or as an offering. Its consumption in the form of a drink remained a privilege reserved for the upper classes but its invigorating and comforting virtues were already known.
It was not until the 16th century that cocoa was discovered by the Spanish and then followed its expansion across all of Europe.
Originally, chocolate was used for its medicinal properties, as Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said: “What is health? It’s chocolate! “.
It was Europeans who started mixing cocoa with refined sugar to make it less bitter and to adapt to Western tastes. We now know that sugar reduces the medicinal properties of cocoa, which is why it is best to consume it as dark as possible and as raw as possible.
But what then are its properties?
The ripe cocoa bean contains over 200 health-promoting substances. In addition to containing magnesium, iron, vitamin C, cocoa contains:
- theobromine
This chemical compound is the main stimulating ingredient in cocoa if not roasted. It has a long-lasting, gentle and stimulating effect, which has a positive effect on mood and makes it slightly euphoric. This compound is also lipolytic, in other words, cocoa helps us burn fat, so let's go cheerfully! - antioxidants
Cocoa is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in front of red wine, green tea, Acai berries and even Goji berries!
Over the past decade, studies have shown that consuming raw cocoa or dark chocolate can play an important role in our health on many levels. It is indeed recognized among other things as a heart tonic and muscle relaxant thanks to its high level of magnesium. - Youth
Flavanol, an antioxidant contained in the bean, helps keep our cells young! It is a compound fighting free radicals responsible for the aging of our cells, this is why it is good to have a diet rich in antioxidants and cocoa helps us! - Brain health
In addition to being delicious, cocoa helps maintain our memory and our ability to concentrate by promoting cerebral blood flow. - Heart health
Flavanols, among all their other qualities, have the particularity of keeping blood pressure and blood circulation at reduced levels, they also lower the level of "bad cholesterol", help to decrease the risks of clot formation and improve blood pressure. elasticity of blood vessels. - Skin health
By promoting blood flow, antioxidants help better moisturize the skin, which gives it elasticity and radiance. According to a study carried out by Dr. Williams in 2009 (University of the Arts, London), regular consumption of chocolate with preserved properties (raw) gives the skin photoprotective properties so it would protect your skin from UV rays. Eat chocolate and make facial masks with raw cocoa, you will be resplendent!
Antioxidants are indeed the star of cocoa but other compounds are also active and beneficial for us:
- Anandamine
Have you ever participated in The Mysteries of Raw Chocolate at Crudessence? After 3 hours of tasting, everyone leaves the course completely euphoric and let's say it … a little "high"! Nothing illegal, we assure you! The culprit: anandamine, a molecule that influences emotional control and gives you that feeling of happiness!
Aphrodisiac!
And yes, it is well known, chocolate is good for many things but it is also a powerful aphrodisiac! Indeed, cocoa stimulates the reproductive organs and as it is vasodilator it allows men an increased force in lovemaking. We no longer wonder why chocolate is offered for Valentine's Day…
A super food that is a delight! helps to lose weight, makes you happy, in a good mood, young, and in love… what better than cocoa to brighten your life and your evenings !?