Cocoa: Why raw cocoa is so healthy

Word has already got around that conventional cocoa is healthy. Raw cocoa is even better. He has what it takes to be a superfood. We explain why here.

Raw cocoa has more healthy content

You probably know it from fruits and vegetables: most vitamins in fresh food are reduced as soon as they are heated. The same thing happens with cocoa. The beans are roasted in conventional cocoa production. This not only changes the taste, it reduces some valuable ingredients.

• When cocoa beans are dried and fermented, raw cocoa manufacturers make sure that the temperatures do not exceed 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, of course, the cocoa is not roasted.
• You can recognize raw cocoa or products made from it in this way by recognizing it as "raw" or "raw".
• Raw cocoa contains more so-called bioflavonoids and vitamins than conventional cocoa because they are very sensitive to heat.

What makes raw cocoa so special

An important ingredient that makes raw cocoa worth is apparently the flavonoid epicatechin . Other important ingredients that are better preserved in untreated raw cocoa are a number of B vitamins: B1, B5, B6 and folic acid.

• Epicatechin reduces bad LDL cholesterol, protects against arteriosclerosis and prevents the formation of oxygen radicals. These radicals cause faster aging and are sometimes even involved in the development of cancer.
• The blood sugar level can also be influenced positively by the flavonoid epicatechin. A delicious measure to prevent diabetes would be to enjoy raw cocoa.
• Some athletes hope for an additional effect of epicatechin: According to studies, it can apparently promote the building of muscle mass. However, the study situation on this is still quite thin.
• Folic acid is also a vitamin that makes cocoa interesting. The vitamin supports growth processes and good blood formation.
• Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, is another heat sensitive vitamin. It helps with many metabolic processes. A B5-Plus is recommended for skin problems such as acne or hair loss.

Cocoa wakes you up

Cocoa - whether raw or roasted as is usually the case - generally has a lot to offer that is good for your body. The main ones are these:

• Theobromine is a main ingredient in cocoa, which has ensured that chocolate and cocoa-based beverages are widely used: it wakes you up, improves your mood and at the same time relaxes your blood circulation.
• With chocolate and Co. you usually get a good portion of magnesium ; the higher the cocoa content of the product, the more magnesium it contains. In raw cocoa, that's 100 to 300 milligrams per 100 grams.
• Cocoa also contains a relatively high amount of iron (about 7 mg / 100 g). On the other hand, the brown bean also has a certain portion of oxalic acid. This acid partially prevents iron absorption. In combination with vitamin C, absorption is improved.

How to use raw cocoa

Cocoa is available in every supermarket or discounter. You usually still have to search for raw cocoa. Occasionally there are products with raw cocoa as promotional products. The best sources for shopping for raw cocoa items are organic markets, health food stores, drugstores and the Internet.

• Raw cocoa nibs : These small, crushed cocoa bean pieces can be used very well as a topping for your muesli or for garnishing dessert. Or you can simply nibble something in between. If you use the nibs for baking, keep in mind that the heat will partially reduce the ingredients.
• Raw cocoa powder: This powder is ground from the unroasted bean. There are powders in natura, but also deoiled; also delicious combinations with spices that are ready to mix with vegetable drink or milk to make a delicious drink. You decide how much sweetness you add.
• Chocolate made from raw cocoa : It is usually much less sweet than conventional products and is available with delicious combinations of ingredients. A healthy treat.
• Whole raw cocoa beans : If you want to store raw cocoa in stock, the whole beans will of course work best. You can then use the mortar or food processor to shred them to the desired size and use them to prepare your food.