Cocoa Butter - Health Benefits and Harm

Cocoa butter is a common natural fat, free from impurities and additives, which is squeezed from the fruit of the chocolate tree. These valuable trees, originally from South America, are also found in parts of Africa and Asia. The tropical climate of the countries where this plant is cultivated and grown, allows to receive a crop up to two times a year. Cocoa trees are quite high, sometimes reaching 15 meters in height, so on the plantations they are pruned to 5-8 meters. Beautiful flowers, blooming directly on bare bark, are mostly pollinated by mechanical means, and as a result of successful pollination, fruits are obtained.

The most valuable and nutritious is the inside of the beans with a bitter taste and practically devoid of any outstanding smell. The product receives necessary and pleasant qualities only after special treatment.

A bit of history

Useful and healing properties of the fruit of the chocolate tree were noticed by the Aztecs, and according to the results of archaeological expeditions, they were widely used in everyday life and medicine. The Spanish conquerors brought these miracle beans to Europe, but apart from the drink they did not produce anything from ground seeds. Centuries later, thanks to the invention of the press, the Europeans learned how to get butter and make delicious chocolate from it.

What is cocoa butter and its composition

Externally, the product is not much different from the usual butter, having the same yellowish-cream shade and a similar consistency. Its solid structure is maintained up to + 24-25, and melting occurs at + 35-40 degrees Celsius, which is very convenient when used in cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Cocoa butter is produced in two types: natural, used in the food industry and cooking, as well as deodorized, used as an ingredient in industrial and chemical fields.

This vegetable oil has received wide and versatile use, thanks to valuable and useful components. These are mainly saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids,valuable trace elements and vitamins. The composition includes such acids:

• oleic, performs the function of a strong natural antioxidant;
• arachidonic, protects against the adverse effects of the environment;
• lauric and palmitic, help better absorption of substances, cell regeneration;
• stearic, has a cleansing and softening effect;
• linoleic, regulates metabolic processes in the body.

Of the minerals vital for the normal functioning of the body, the oil contains iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, iodine, chromium, and also sulfur and magnesium, due to which the level of endorphins increases. The content of natural vitamins of group E provides collagen production, protects against free radicals, removes toxins and has a strong antioxidant effect. Vitamin K, which is a component, is a fat-soluble element, takes part in protein synthesis, is necessary for normal blood clotting and has a wound-healing property. The presence of a high concentration of theobromine - a natural antibiotic - allows you to deal with the formation of blood clots and spasms of the cardiovascular system.

Medicinal properties and benefits of cocoa butter

Latin American scientists, in the course of research, proved that drinking cocoa butter systematically, for 7-10 years, reduces the risk of developing cancer cells by 15 times!

Possessing the healing properties of this product:

• Helps in the treatment of viral diseases, bronchitis, cough;
• It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects;
• Normalizes the work of the visual organs;
• Improves the function of the endocrine system;
• Facilitates the treatment of hemorrhoids, especially in the acute stage;
• It has a regenerating effect, heals wounds and burns well;
• Raises the level of activity of the brain;
• Suppresses appetite and helps in the process of losing weight;
• It improves and rejuvenates the skin, heals and restores the hair structure.

Use in traditional medicine

There are many popular recipes, in which the main component is cocoa butter.

1. With a long cough, you need to mix half a teaspoon of the product with a glass of hot milk. Drink this mixture several times a day. This vegetable fat has an antibacterial, enveloping and expectorant action. In case of bronchitis and pneumonia, in addition to internal treatment, a chest massage using melted cocoa butter is also useful.
2. As a preventive measure against influenza and ARVI, traditional healers advise lubricating the nasal mucosa with oil, this action softens and serves as protection against bacteria and viruses.
3. If you are worried about a sore throat, a teaspoon of cocoa fat, drizzled with honey, will numb and speed up the healing process. For this, the oil is slowly absorbed in the mouth every 4-5 hours.
4. For constipation, take 1 tsp. (preferably overnight) product for 3-4 weeks.Hemorrhoidal pain can be alleviated by placing a piece of cocoa butter in the anus before going to the toilet.
5. Vegetable fat exotic fruit helps in the treatment of chronic cholecystitis. In the morning, take a tablespoon of oil on an empty stomach, then you need to lie on your right side, put a heating pad, and have breakfast in half an hour.
6. Cocoa butter copes well with inflammations of weathered or frostbite skin. It is necessary to lubricate the affected places to remove the discomfort.
7. Theobromine and caffeine, which are present in the composition, have a calming effect on the body, saving from depression. Therefore, under stressful conditions, a hot cup of chocolate with added cocoa butter will greatly enhance your spirit and improve your mood.

At the present time, modern medicine coexists very well with sensible methods of healers, therefore, it is advisable to consult a specialist when choosing a popular recipe.

Application in cosmetology

Cocoa butter is widely used by manufacturers of cosmetic products from many countries around the world.Studies have shown that this product is very well displayed on the condition of the skin and hair, especially in the case of excessive dryness. The moisturizing and protective effect of the oil becomes maximally beneficial in the cold season, when the hair and skin are most susceptible to dehydration. Deeply penetrating into the cells, cocoa butter makes the skin supple, smooth, rich in nutrients, the same can be said about the scalp. At home, this vegetable oil, as a component, can be incorporated into masks and used during cosmetic procedures. Using this product regularly, you will find an indispensable assistant in the struggle for youth and beauty.

Cooking Application

Cocoa Butter Contraindications

Doctors recommend extremely cautious about the use of butter from the fruits of the chocolate tree in the following situations and diseases:

• during pregnancy and lactation;
• in case of individual intolerance;
• obese;
• diabetics;
• with nervous agitation;
• during insomnia.

In all other cases, cocoa butter is only beneficial, which means that it is not only possible, but necessary. The main thing, as in everything else, to comply with the measure.

Video: useful properties and use of cocoa butter