Content of Cocoa Beans and Chocolate

Cocoa beans, what chocolate is made from, contains about 50 percent fat. This fat content is primarily composed of stearic acid, palmitic acid (both saturated fats) and oleic acid (monounsaturated fat). It is important to take note that cocoa butter and chocolate alone do not raise blood cholesterol levels. It is when milk or other types of fat are added to chocolate that it becomes instrumental in raising blood cholesterol levels.

Cocoa beans contain a significant amount of dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble) and starch. It also contains a very little amount of simple sugars. However, the chocolate’s sugar content is increased because sugar is added during its manufacturing process.

Cocoa beans have polyphenols or flavonoids that are known to have antioxidant properties. These polyphenols are composed of catechins, procyandins and epicatechins. These flavonoids are stored in the non-fatty parts of the cocoa beans. Part of the functions of flavonoids is reduce blood clotting, thus help in reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Other nutrients found in cocoa beans and chocolate include theobromine (helps increase urine production), caffeine, phenylethylamine, serotonin, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, calcium, zinc, potassium, vitamins A, B2, C, B1, B3 and pantothenic acid.

 

Comments

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Chocolates are very healthy for us specially dark chocolates are very beneficial for prevent heart disease. Over here you a have posted some useful information about the eating chocolates.

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Your Article about the Coco Beans and Chocolate is really very informative.They have antioxidant properties too.Good to get new things from your sharing.

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What a great blog? I don't really feel like writing a blog today. Thanks for the good suggestion.

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That's what I like about chocolates because they are not just sweet but also lots of health benefits.