Cocoa powder: nutritional value, BJU, vitamins and chemical composition

What is cocoa powder

The cake and raw material obtained after processing the cocoa beans are cooled and crushed in a cake crusher. At the first stage, grinding occurs to the degree of large pieces, at the second - to the degree of high dispersion with a particle size of about 16 nm. The mass is brown in color and contains valuable microelements: magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc. A tenth of the volume is occupied by flavonoids. It is rich in caffeine and theobromine - stimulants of the nervous system. The approximate fat content is 15%, but there is a product with reduced fat content – ​​6-8%.

History of appearance

Almost 500 years ago in 1519, Spanish army general Hernan Cortes landed on the coast of Mexico, which at that time was the land of the Aztecs. The Aztec leader Montezuma II arranged a gala reception in honor of the future destroyers of Aztec statehood, at which he treated the Spaniards to a whipped thick dessert of wonderful beans, mixed with various spices, vanilla and pepper. It was served in golden bowls. The Aztecs called the product "chocolatl" (literally - foamy water), the word "chocolate" owes its origin to this name.

Cortez appreciated the drink and when returning to his homeland in 1527, he took with him a supply of beans and a recipe for making “chocolatl.” Enterprising Spaniards immediately recognized the potential. Systematic deliveries of raw materials from Spain's new colonial possessions in North America began. The preparation was carried out by Jesuit monks, who created original recipes based on it. Initially, the drink was served chilled, but the Spaniards began heating it to improve solubility and achieved improved taste.

What are they made from?

It is made from chocolate tree bean cake, finely ground after extracting the cocoa butter. The botanical name of the genus of trees on which these beans grow is Theobroma. From Greek this name is translated as “food of the gods”. This name was obtained due to the taste and great benefits of products made from the beans of the plant. Today a lot is known about its unique properties.

Kinds

The manufacturing result depends on the area where the beans are grown, the purification of the original raw materials and the quality of processing. Depending on these parameters, the product is conventionally divided into living (processed entirely by hand), organic (processed using industrial methods, but environmentally friendly) and industrial (grown with fertilizers, technical grade). From the consumer's point of view, it is divided into two types:

1. The one that needs to be cooked.
2. A chocolate drink that simply needs to be diluted with water or milk for quick results. This option is popular in fast foods. The advantages are the speed of preparation, aroma and pronounced taste. Often contains artificial additives. The raw materials for preparation are treated with alkali alkalis, which ensures an ideal suspension. It cannot boast of preserving all useful elements and properties.

Chemical composition

Cocoa powder owes its extensive and regularly growing list of beneficial properties to its unique chemical composition. Often, after drinking a cup of thick drink, people notice an increase in vitality and the presence of a therapeutic effect against certain diseases (for example, cough). The described effectiveness is due to the complex effects of the following substances:

1. Theobromine: it can be used in medicine due to the ability of the substance to provide a clinically noticeable effect in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The component included in cocoa powder suppresses the cough reflex well, stimulates the heart muscle and ensures remineralization of tooth enamel.
2. Theophylline: a component classified as a bronchodilator that can reduce the contraction of bronchial smooth muscle, which causes a stimulating and vasodilating effect. Theophylline, which is included in the composition, can eliminate pain in the diaphragm and stabilize the respiratory center. Regular use of the component improves blood circulation in the vessels of the heart, brain and kidneys. With prolonged use, the bile ducts expand and pressure decreases.
3. Phenylethylamine: A natural neurotransmitter compound that promotes mood elevation, mental stimulation, and mental focus. This effect is due to the ability of the cocoa powder component to increase the concentration of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
4. Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant. Stimulates the heart, dilates the blood vessels of the brain, kidneys (leads to a diuretic effect), skeletal muscles, reduces platelet aggregation. The most well-known property of caffeine is its ability to suppress drowsiness.
5. Purine bases: purine derivatives involved in energy transfer in the body and metabolism. An important feature is that purines that enter the body are not converted into uric acid, that is, they do not increase the risk of gout.
6. Polyphenols: antioxidants that protect body cells from free radicals that destroy cell membranes and protein structures. Polyphenols reduce the level of fat in food, reduce the risk of duodenal and gastric ulcers, remove radionuclides, prolong skin elasticity, strengthen blood vessels and counteract the development of atherosclerosis.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

How many calories are in cocoa is not the only question of interest to lovers of this natural drink. There is also concern about its usefulness. It contains vitamins B1, B2, PP, E, A. In addition, it is a complete source of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Cocoa powder satisfies the body's daily need for iron.

As for nutritional value, 100 g of natural product contains 24.3 g of proteins , 15 g of fats and 10.2 g of carbohydrates , 35 g of dietary fiber, 4 g of organic acids, 7 g of ash. This unique composition has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, improves health, and improves mood.

Nutritional value and calorie content

Per 100 grams of cocoa powder there are 222.2 kcal, of which fat accounts for 129.6 calories. The glycemic index is 20 units, this is considered a low level, but in combination with sugar it increases to 60. Detailed nutritional value, BJU and calorie content of cocoa in the diet:

Table

This table shows the average norms of elements for an adult.

What are the benefits of the drink?

Like other products, the benefits and harms of cocoa coexist. The benefits of cocoa powder outweigh the harm in the following factors:

• reduces platelet aggregation – prevents thrombus formation;
• antioxidant properties - exceed those of orange juice or apples, green tea and wine;
• flavonoids – prevent deposits in blood vessels, damage to the walls, have a positive effect on metabolism;
• reduces mortality from cardiovascular diseases by 50%;
• improves blood supply to the brain, reduces blood pressure;
• promotes the normal functioning of the skin, preserves its youth;
• contains melanin, which protects the skin from ultraviolet and infrared radiation and helps avoid overheating;
• to fully provide the body with zinc and iron, you only need to drink two cups a week;
• restores muscles after sports or hard work;
• invigorates, lifts the mood;
• stimulates mental activity without depleting the nervous system;
• stimulates lung function;
• activates hemoglobin synthesis due to folic acid;
• cocoa powder prevents tooth decay in children and adults;
• prevents the development of cancer;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• relieves diarrhea, hypotension, useful for lactose allergies;
• the option of skim milk with honey maintains strength on strict diets;
• satisfies hunger without burdening the stomach;
• source of endorphins, does not cause addiction and mood swings.

For the elderly

With age, there is an emotional decline, depression and despondency occur more often. The benefit of cocoa for older people is that it activates blood supply to the brain, improves memory, and prevents the development of atherosclerosis. The product increases the strength of blood vessels and capillaries, and gently relieves depression. After 50 years, it is useful to switch to a tasty drink to maintain creative activity and the health of the nervous system. The elderly are recommended to drink it with milk during the day or evening.

For athletes

For sports fans and professional athletes, cocoa powder is useful because it regenerates and restores muscle fibers and maintains body tone. It contains a lot of protein, it replenishes the supply of vitamins and minerals, and increases endurance. Bodybuilders value cocoa powder for its zinc, which helps produce male sex hormones responsible for gaining muscle mass.

Cocoa powder also acts as an energy product and gives a boost of energy for the whole day. The version with water goes well with cheese or boiled eggs, with milk - with cottage cheese sprinkled with honey. It is advisable to drink the mixture with milk without sugar - in small portions of 20-30 ml every 15 minutes, an hour after training. Caffeine and theobromine stimulate the body, increase cardiac activity and eliminate fluid from the body.

For children and adults

For healthy adults, cocoa powder is beneficial because it strengthens capillaries due to the flavonoids it contains. The drink heals wounds, rejuvenates the skin of the face and body. Men need it to maintain reproductive function - zinc and magnesium actively produce the male hormone testosterone and improve the quality of seminal fluid. For women, the product is useful for hormonal imbalances; it normalizes the emotional state and alleviates premenstrual syndrome.

The product is contraindicated for pregnant women because it slows down the absorption of calcium. If a woman suffers from severe toxicosis in the first trimester, you can drink 50-100 ml of the drink twice a day. This will relieve nausea, cause a surge of strength, and prevent the body from becoming exhausted. During lactation, it is better to refuse the drink, because the baby will have insomnia, and the fetus will have a disruption in calcium metabolism. It is useful for children from the age of three, it is allergic, so it is better to administer it in small portions.

For diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to drink a drink made with milk without sugar. This has a beneficial effect on the pancreas due to its low calorie content and glycemic index. For bronchial asthma, chocolate cooked with milk relieves bronchial spasms and alleviates the patient's condition. It is useful to drink three cups/day. If you have hypertension, you should limit your drink consumption to a cup in the morning.

The benefits and harms of coffee with cocoa

Is there a benefit to adding cocoa to your daily coffee? Recent studies show that people who consumed this combination experienced significant improvements in their ability to concentrate. Psychologists from the University of Georgia and Clarkson University in New York designed a year-long experiment to find out how hot drinks affect our cognitive performance. In the experiment, participants were given cocoa (pure or caffeinated), pure caffeine, and a placebo drink.

People who received cocoa (with or without caffeine) made fewer errors in tasks requiring attention, concentration and reaction speed. Those who drank the caffeinated cocoa combination were less anxious than those who drank straight espresso. They were also more accurate than those who drank only cocoa or drank a placebo drink altogether.

The main beneficial component of cocoa beans is polyphenols, in particular flavanols, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Beneficial properties of a drink made from coffee with cocoa:

1. May reduce high blood pressure, improve the condition of your blood vessels.
2. Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Reduces “bad” cholesterol, has a blood thinning effect, and normalizes blood sugar levels.
4. Polyphenols improve blood flow to the brain and stimulate brain function, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
5. May improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression, bringing peace and contentment.
6. Consumption of flavanols may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, reduce insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation.
7. By regulating energy use, reducing appetite, accelerating the breakdown of fats and the onset of a feeling of fullness, the cocktail helps control weight.
8. May have anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that components of cocoa beans have antioxidant effects, protect cells from damage, fight inflammation, inhibit the growth and cause the death of cancer cells, helping to prevent their spread.
9. Containing anti-asthmatic compounds theobromine and theophylline, it may help people with asthma by expanding the lungs, relaxing the airways and reducing inflammation.
10. The antibacterial and immune-boosting properties of cocoa beans can help your skin. The drink promotes sun protection, improves skin condition, nourishes and moisturizes.

Are there any risks or side effects of drinking mochaccino?

A tablespoon containing about 15 mg of cocoa powder contains between 37 and 130 mg of flavanols. In one study, 34 healthy adults consumed up to 2,000 mg of flavanols daily for 12 weeks. Researchers found no side effects even at this extremely high dose. A standard daily intake will result in much lower amounts of flavanols.

The risks are rather in the amount of caffeine, so you should not drink more than 4-5 cups of the drink daily. And due to its high acidity, you should not drink it on an empty stomach.

Try, experiment with flavors, prepare this wonderful, tasty and healthy drink for yourself, stay focused and healthy!

Use in cooking

The use of the product in cooking is popular because it has excellent taste characteristics and combines well with other additives. This base, as can be seen from the photo, is used in the preparation of products:

• chocolate sauces, baked goods;
• icing, creams for cakes;
• butter, yogurt, ice cream;
• chocolate milk, cookies, cakes, muffins;
• sweets, chocolate paste, pies, pancakes;
• hot chocolate, fermented milk drink;
• ready-made desserts.

• Fried zucchini for the winter
• TV antenna for a summer residence
• Clothes storage - proper organization of space in a closet or room

Use in the treatment of diseases

For anemia, cocoa powder is useful because it saturates the body with iron, maintains normal glucose levels in the blood and maintains the desired concentration of chromium, which is responsible for cravings for sweets. If there is a lack of iron, it is recommended to drink a drink made from the yolk, half a glass of milk, 5 g of dry chocolate sand and a pinch of cinnamon. The mixture is whipped and drunk every day for a month, an hour before breakfast.

Due to the content of theobromine, the drink is useful for bronchial asthma and other diseases of the respiratory system. It dilates the bronchi, thins viscous, difficult to separate sputum, and prevents allergic reactions from developing. In addition, it improves the contractility of the pectoral muscles and stimulates the respiratory center located in the brain.

Cocoa powder is an excellent remedy for high blood pressure and affects the root causes of hypertension - stress and fatigue. A daily intake of 2 cups of the drink will help normalize blood pressure. It is advisable to combine with dark chocolate (from 70% beans in the composition). Theobromine increases the stability of the heart muscle during pressure surges, further reduces the risk of thrombosis, because it prevents platelets from sticking together and lowers the level of high-density lipoproteins.

The sweet drink improves immunity and contains many antioxidants, which is useful for strengthening the heart. Serotonin, tryptophan and phenylethylamine in the composition calm the nervous system, which has been subjected to significant stress. Cocokhil stimulates regenerative properties and helps wound healing. Epicatechin reduces the risk of heart attack, cancer and diabetes. According to research by scientists from Harvard University, a product made from choco beans has the following properties in relation to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases:

• improves the functioning of blood vessels;
• Reduces insulin resistance, blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol.

How to cook for bronchitis and pulmonary diseases

The benefits of cocoa with milk are known to everyone, but a slightly modified recipe will help cope with bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases:

1. Mix 100 g of butter and goat (pork, goose) fat, melt in a water bath.
2. Add a tablespoon of fresh aloe juice, lemon and 50 g cocoa powder.
3. Stir, cool, take a spoon twice a day before meals. You can drink the resulting drug with milk.

Drink recipe for stomach ulcers

Drinking the drink for ulcers can only be done chronically. In case of exacerbation, this is prohibited; it can cause negative consequences. Mix equal amounts of cocoa powder, butter, honey and chicken yolk. Take a tablespoon of the mixture every three hours for two weeks (at least five servings/day), then repeat after a two-week break if necessary.

To strengthen the immune system

During the cold season, it is easy to catch the disease if the body is weakened. To prevent diseases, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system with a tasty drink. If you drink it at least every other day, you will be able to avoid illness. In addition, the drink will help in the first stage of cough:

• To prepare, mash one ripe banana to a paste and mix with 1.5 teaspoons of cocoa powder.
• Pour the mixture with a glass of hot milk and beat with a blender.
• Cool slightly, drink at least four hours before bedtime.
• You cannot use the mixture at night, the tonic effect is too great.

How many calories are in coffee with and without milk, with and without sugar?

Coffee beans are traditionally consumed as a hot drink , which has a tonic and mild stimulating effect on the central nervous system. The most interesting are the roasted ripened grains, ground to a certain state and cooked in a Turk on hot sand or a stove.

Today, the assortment of retail chains includes instant varieties obtained by freeze-drying a concentrated drink at low temperatures; some instant coffee granules contain a small amount of natural ground product.

Coffee is drunk not only hot, but also chilled, and even with ice cream.

Application in dietetics and weight loss

Coffee (natural or instant) is present in the menu of the coffee mono-diet, chocolate diet and fasting day on oatmeal flakes. However, with diseases associated with blood circulation and high blood pressure, excessive consumption of the drink can negatively affect the general condition of the body.

In cosmetology

The product in dry form is excellent for use in facial and body care at home. It is added to face and hair masks, body scrubs, and softening lip ointments. List of where you can find cocoa powder:

• anti-cellulite wraps;
• anti-aging face masks;
• tanning enhancer in sunscreens;
• healing balms for hands, body, lips;
• masks for strengthening nails;
• tonic massage;
• face and body scrubs;
• moisturizing and nourishing hair masks;
• removal of age spots using procedures that whiten the skin;
• production of soap, shampoos.

Cocoa powder is suitable for all skin types, rich in active substances, but can cause allergic reactions. Several recipes for using the product:

Cocoa: calorie content of the drink in different versions

The powder is sold in its pure form, added to baked goods and muffins, and adds a piquant and original taste to desserts. But still, it is more often used as a tonic drink with the addition of boiling water, milk and sugar . Total calorie content of cocoa powder:

• 100 grams – 290 kcal ;
• 1 tablespoon – 74 kcal;

The calorie content of cocoa powder in 1 teaspoon is 27 kcal, but varies depending on the ingredients used. Here's how many calories are in one mug in various combinations:

• calorie content of cocoa with milk containing 3.2% fat – 255 kcal;
• diet drink – 70 kcal;
• cocoa in water – 100 kcal.

Nesquik cocoa is especially popular among buyers it is even given to small children. The calorie content of 100 g of such dry powder is 373 kcal. Respectively:

• 1 tablespoon – 94 kcal;
• 1 teaspoon – 34 kcal.

To reduce the energy value of this natural drink, replace sugar with a sweetener, reduce the fat content of milk to 1% (lower possible). The result is a lower- calorie drink - 200 kcal, which is even included in the diet menu.

The question also arises of how fair it is to equate the generally accepted calorie measurement system. That is, burning the product in a special furnace and measuring the heat released. And the benefits that this same product brings to the body. Which, in the process of assimilation, breaks down into biochemical compounds, including amino acids and vitamins, and enters into a whole cascade of complex interconnected biochemical reactions. We can experiment by burning harmful and even toxic substances for the body; as a result of measuring in a special oven, we will also get a certain amount of calories of heat. but the product itself will be toxic to the body. It is clear that calorie content is such a conventional measure that a sane person can simply ignore it. And look at other indicators of the chemical composition and focus on the taste of the product.

How to choose cocoa powder

In Russian stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg, different types of products are available for sale. It is optimal to choose a natural one without sugar and preservatives, rather than a soluble instant dry mixture. When purchasing, pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Fat content of the product - the amount of fat indicated on the package should not be less than 15%.
2. The traditional composition of the product - it should not contain milk fat or trans fats.
3. Cost - a cheap pack threatens the presence of pesticides, which are a source of allergies.
4. The aroma of chocolate should be bright and clean, without any foreign odors, especially mustiness or dampness. A rancid or unpleasant aftertaste when tasting before cooking indicates that the product is unsuitable for use.
5. Homogeneous consistency without lumps is a guarantee of quality. Lumps indicate that the product was stored incorrectly (there was high humidity in the room).
6. Very fine grind - this can be assessed by rubbing the product between your fingers. Good quality will be indicated by the particles sticking to the skin, low quality by scattering into dust.
7. Color – should only be brown without impurities.
8. After preparation, the suspension in the liquid should not settle before two minutes.

Cocoa

Cocoa is a pleasant drink familiar to everyone since childhood. It helps to cheer up, raises the tone of the body, improves mood, increases performance, warms in the cold season, saturates and retains this feeling for a long time.

And, if you very rarely think about it, then it’s never too late to correct this situation, because cocoa has a lot of positive qualities, contains useful vitamins and microelements, melanin, which protects our skin from ultraviolet radiation.

Cocoa has a positive effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, contains antioxidants, antidepressants, so drink cocoa for your health!

Cocoa can be prepared with milk, with milk diluted in different proportions with water, or with water. You can add sugar and a variety of seasonings to cocoa, for example, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg. The calorie content of the drink will depend on all this.

Ingredients for 1 serving:

0.5 tbsp. milk – 125 ml,

0.5 tbsp. water – 125 ml,

1 tsp. with a heap of cocoa powder – 6 g.,

1 tsp. sugar – 6 gr.

Yield: 260 ml - 126.33 kcal.

Energy and nutritional value of cocoa

How to make cocoa

Mix milk and water in a mug.

Pour into a small saucepan and set to heat.

Place 1 teaspoon each of cocoa powder and sugar in a cup. Add spices as desired.

Pour in 1 - 2 tablespoons of a heated mixture of milk and water from a saucepan or just hot water. Thoroughly grind the powder until smooth, leaving no lumps. If the mixture is thick, you can add more water and stir.

Pour the mixture into boiling milk, bring to a boil and turn off.

Pour low-calorie cocoa into a cup and enjoy a hot and aromatic drink.

Energy and nutritional value of cocoa brewed with milk and sugar

Calorie content per serving – 174.32 kcal.

Energy and nutritional value of cocoa brewed in water with sugar

Calorie content per serving – 46.32 kcal.

And now - the best version of cocoa for slimming people - brewed with water without sugar. At first, such cocoa may not seem tasty, but this is a matter of habit, awareness and motivation, that is, it is very important to understand why it is needed. Brew cocoa by adding one small coffee spoon of agar-agar and feel how such a drink saturates for a long time. A cup of hot cocoa with agar-agar in the afternoon will give you the opportunity to calmly wait for dinner and will not allow you to pounce on food and eat too much.

Energy and nutritional value of cocoa brewed in water without sugar

Calorie content per serving – 22.44 kcal.

Bon appetit!

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Where to buy natural cocoa powder

You can purchase a quality product in grocery supermarkets, small coffee and tea departments, or order it in an online store. Prices of popular drink manufacturers:

Harm and contraindications

Like any product, cocoa powder has harm factors and contraindications. The first include:

• caffeine content (0.02%) is low, but this imposes restrictions on use by children;
• unsanitary conditions during cultivation - beans are grown in poor conditions, which affects the quality of the final product;
• cockroaches – these insects live in beans and are difficult to control;
• chemicals – beans are grown using pesticides and fertilizers, which affects the composition;
• radiological treatment – ​​it is used to destroy pests during plantation cultivation of beans;
• allergy - the seeds do not cause allergies, it occurs due to the action of chitin in the shell of cockroaches and the chemicals used to process the crop.

Due to the possible harm, cocoa powder has a number of contraindications. This includes children under three years of age, lactation (breastfeeding), gout and arthritis (contains many purine bases that promote salt deposition). You can drink with caution during pregnancy (only with severe toxicosis), hypertension (may increase blood pressure).