« Back to products list Common Name: Cocoa
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Common Name: Cocoa
Growing Area: South America

General Info:
Cocoa is an evergreen tree that can be found growing wild in the low foothills of the Andes, where there is a humid climate with regular rainfall and lots of shade. The fruit pods grow directly from the trunk and older branches, turning orange when ripe. The seeds are then used to make cocoa and chocolate. The fermented seeds are roasted, cracked, and ground into a powder from which fat is extracted, resulting in Cocoa butter.

Nutrients & Applications:
Cocoa beans are a good source of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and potassium, in addition to vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, and pantothenic acid. Cocoa also contains high amounts of protective antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Cocoa is remarkably rich in magnesium, which balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is essential for helping the heart pump blood efficiently. It is also a good source of sulphur, which is known as "the beauty mineral" because of its support of healthy skin, nails, and hair.

Studies have shown that the antioxidant flavonoids in Cocoa can be beneficial to heart health. Cocoa may also help maintain normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Preliminary research also suggests that Cocoa may help with cognitive performance, attention span, reaction time, and problem-solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain. Cocoa contains several compounds which stimulate the production of natural mood enhancers in the body. It also contains potent mood enhancers of its own, which can encourage an overall sense of well-being. *