The Benefits Of Cocoa On Our Immune System
Dark chocolate in its most bitter presentations is highly rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.
The benefits of cocoa are important for our body in general, and for our immune system in particular. Cocoa contains flavonoids, antioxidants, minerals such as magnesium and iron. In addition, if that were not enough, it improves your mood, it is satiating and low in fat. Find out more in the following article.
Cocoa and the Immune System
The cocoa favors our immune system, because it facilitates the action of T lymphocytes T lymphocytes are critical white blood cells to protect the human body from different types of invasive microorganisms. Its function is to react to antigens to combat an external or internal threat. In fact, T lymphocytes protect us against viruses, bacteria and other agents.
Cocoa has antioxidants
Cocoa is a rich source of antioxidants, especially flavonoids. Cocoa really favors the action of our immune system. In addition, flavonoids help protect us from cancer, heart disease, and brain ischemia.
High quality cocoa
Not all cocoa beans contain the same quantity and quality of antioxidants. Sometimes there is a correlation between color and quality. In this way, the darkest cocoa is the one with the highest concentration of flavonoids. Of course, not every type of chocolate is capable of providing us with antioxidants. Some manufacturing and fermentation processes cause this substance to be lost before reaching us.
Chocolates with antioxidants
For example, milk chocolate may have a medium or low amount of antioxidants, because it is made from the liquor of the cocoa fruit. The quality of the milk used will also add or subtract, because dairy is also rich in flavonoids.
What are the chocolates that have the highest amount of antioxidants? Basically dark chocolate in its bitterest presentations. This practically does not go through degradation processes for its production. Obviously, this is not the most palatable and commercial presentation available.
White chocolate
Actually, it is not technically considered chocolate. We are talking about a food that does not contain the liquor of the cocoa fruit and is usually made with cocoa butter. That is why this by-product has practically no flavonoid content. But the good news is that there are chocolates that preserve a good part of the benefits of cocoa and that is why it is always advisable to consume a little. As long as it is done in moderation.
Other sources of flavonoids
There are many foods that are high in this powerful antioxidant. Broccoli, apple, strawberry, spinach, green tea, and lemons are also great protectors of our immune system.
The dairy products also have this component. That is why milk chocolates are recommended. The nuts, raisins, cherries and most green vegetables also have large contributions. However, we must bear in mind that the cocoa bean is perhaps one of the foods with the highest concentration of flavonoids.
Multiple Benefits of Cocoa: By Way of Conclusion
Without a doubt, the consumption of this fruit has great health benefits. The protection cardiovascular possible due to its ability to lower bad cholesterol, also causing an increase in unsaturated fats.
Other benefits of cocoa are the hydration of the hair and the reduction of cellulite. Added to this, this seed has anandamide and serotonin, neurotransmitters that fight stress and help regulate mood … What more could you ask for?
