Interesting Health Facts On Coco Fruit
Cocoa tree is Scientifically called as “ Theobroma cacao L ”.
ORIGIN OF COCOA FRUIT
Cocoa tree is a evergreen tree belong to the family Malvaceae. Cocoa, also spelled as cacoa, is native to the tropical rain forests of South and Central America. Ivory Coast in West Africa is the leading producer of cocoa beans in the world.
OTHER NAMES OF COCOA FRUIT
The Cocoa was known as kakaw in Tzeltal, Kʼicheʼ and Classic Maya; kagaw in Sayula Popoluca; and cacahuatl in Nahuatl as bean of the cocoa-tree .
APPEARANCE OF COCOA FRUIT
The Cocoa fruit, called as cacao pod, is ovoid, 15–30 cm (6–12 in) long and 8–10 cm (3–4 in) wide, ripening yellow to orange, and weighs about 500 g (1 lb) when ripe. The pod contains 20 to 60 seeds, usually called as “beans”, embedded in a white pulp.
The seeds are the main ingredient of chocolate, while the pulp is used in some countries to prepare refreshing juice, smoothies, jelly, and cream.
TASTES OF COCOA FRUIT
The pulp has a wonderful complex fruity flavour, sweet and tart, with hints of citrus, mango, maybe even pineapple.
VARIETIES OF COCOA FRUIT
Three varieties popular for their unique fragrance and commercial importance; Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario. Criollo is a high-quality grade of cocoa with exceptional flavour and aroma. Trinitario is a hybrid of Criollo and Forastero strains.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF COCOA FRUIT
Each cocoa seed contains a significant amount of fat (40–50%) as cocoa butter. The cocoa fruit’s active constituent is the stimulant theobromine, a compound similar to caffeine.
100g of Cocoa powder (Theobroma cocoa)
Energy: 228kcal
Sugars: 1.75g
Protein: 19.60g
Total Fat: 13.70g
Dietary Fibre: 37g
Folates: 32mcg
Niacin: 2.185mg
Pantothenic Acid: 0.254mg
Pyridoxine: 0.118mg
Riboflavin: 0.241mg
Sodium: 21mg
Potassium: 1524mg
Calcium: 128mg
Copper: 3.837mg
Iron: 13.86mg
Vitamin E: 0.1mg
Vitamin K: 2.5mg
Magnesium: 499mg
Manganese: 3.837mg
Phosphorous: 734mg
Selenium: 14.3mcg
Zinc: 6.81mg
Interesting Health Facts On Coco Fruit
Improves Brain Health
Cocoa contains high number of flavonoids components, like flavanol that help in maintaining a healthy brain. These compounds also benefit as neuro protective that also help in maintaining neuro as well as memory functions.
Antioxidant Properties
Cocoa fruit also holds nutrients like phenolic phytochemicals and flavonoids. Zinc, that help in protecting against oxidative stress and aging defects.
Strengthens Bone & Joints
Cocoa powder act as anti-inflammatory, reduces bone pain and muscle pain and heals joint disorders such as arthritis, osteoporosis, cocoa packed with calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, which in turn increases bone mass and helps regain flexible movement in muscles and joints.
Boosts Immunity
Cocoa contains flavonoids and carotenes, that boost immune system function in situations of illnesses. Consuming cocoa powder provides antioxidants to blood cells and also helps to recuperate from tiredness.
Maintains Heart Health
Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, procyanidin, catechin, and epicatechin, these component prevent the formation of fatal blood clots .Magnesium, copper, and potassium contained in cacao, can help prevent hypertension and atherosclerosis or plaque accumulation in the arteries.
Balances Cholesterol Levels
Cocoa may possess hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on both glucose and cholesterol levels that help in reducing triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body and give rise to HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body.
Regulate Blood Sugar Level
Cocoa powder act as insulin resistance and help in glucose metabolism. The intake of this flavanol rich cocoa can also have therapeutic potential in maintaining blood sugar level in the body.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Theobromine, a component found in cacao beans act as antibacterial properties that battle plaque while also hardening tooth enamel, reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Helps Weight Management: Cocoa might fibre content that may help in weight loss and increase lipid metabolism.
Balances Mood Swings
Serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine are four pleasure chemicals found in cacao. These neurotransmitters are can help you reduce stress, fight mood swings and get rid of sadness.
Relieves Bronchial Asthma
Cacao beans contain xanthine and theophylline, which may aid in relaxing bronchial spasms and can open constricted bronchial tubes and also cure various allergies, including asthma and shortness of breath.
Rejuvenates Skin
Consumption of flavonol-rich cocoa can help in the effects reducing skin roughness, scaling enhances skin elasticity, hydration, and density. Epicatechin present in cacao can aid in increasing the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, stimulating the healthy flow of blood in the skin tissues.
Alleviates Digestion
The polyphenols in cocoa beans act as prebiotics that help in avoiding both temporary and long-term digestive problems.
