For or Against Cocoa? Read and Decide for Yourself

There's nothing quite like cakes dripping with chocolate, and indeed we consume large quantities of chocolate, which contains cocoa. Is cocoa truly nutritionally valuable??

According to various studies, cocoa contains numerous important nutritional components, to the point that some consider it a "superfood," meaning a high-quality food containing many nutrients essential for our health. Let's mention a few::

Antioxidants – Cocoa contains a very high amount of antioxidants compared to other foods.

Magnesium – Cocoa contains a very high amount of magnesium which helps relax muscles, aids blood flow, is essential for heart health, and helps calm the nervous system.

Iron – Cocoa is one of the richest foods in iron.

Zinc - Zinc is a very essential mineral for the immune system, skin, male reproductive system, and more. Cocoa contains a high amount of this mineral.

Antidepressant – Cocoa contains substances that encourage the brain to release chemicals that improve mood and help in feeling generally good.

Blood Vessels – Cocoa contains substances that inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation processes, which can damage arteries to the point of clogging. It also serves as a natural blood thinner by helping prevent platelet adhesion, thus preventing blood clots and the resulting implications.

Despite these advantages, some oppose cocoa consumption because it contains caffeine, theobromine, tannin, oxalic acid, and more. However, supporters argue that the positives outweigh the negatives when cocoa is consumed correctly, especially since the adverse substances are found in low quantities.

And here arises the question: Is the cocoa being discussed the same cocoa sold in stores or the chocolate we know from grocery shelves ?

The answer is: absolutely not! It all depends on the processing and the additives used and the quantities consumed.

Here are a few guidelines for consuming cocoa or chocolate healthily::

1. Preferably, cocoa should be as pure as possible and not processed. Nowadays, it is possible to buy cocoa nibs that have undergone a gentle roasting process that preserves most of the nutritional value in cocoa. You can make various shakes and more from them.

2. Chocolate that does not contain sugar and milk or other chemicals such as artificial sweeteners. Such chocolate can now be found in specialty stores. It is preferable that the chocolate is dark and contains at least 70% pure cocoa. Nearly 100% can now be found – and it is, of course, preferable.

3. In any case, since chocolate contains a high amount of fat, do not overeat it. Opinions vary regarding the quantity, ranging from 1 – 3 squares per day.

Eliyahu Shechter is an iridologist and natural therapist