If you're a chocolate lover watching your weight, this ingredient could be your new best friend. One tablespoon of Natural Unsweetened Cocoa powder is only 10 calories, making it a low-calorie way to add some chocolatey goodness to your meals and snacks. But the benefits don't stop there.

Natural Unsweetened Cocoa is packed with Antioxidants, Minerals, and Vitamins that can help boost your health. One tablespoon contains 3-9% of the recommended daily value for iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. It's also a good source of fiber and protein, with 1 gram of each per serving.

In this article, we'll explore some of the potential health benefits of Natural Unsweetened Cocoa, from its ability to improve mood and Cognitive performance to its potential to lower the risk of Heart disease and improve Insulin sensitivity.

Low Calorie Content

As we mentioned above, one tablespoon of Natural Unsweetened Cocoa powder is only 10 calories. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of chocolate without adding excess calories to their diet. You can sprinkle cocoa powder on your morning oatmeal, mix it into your smoothie, or use it as a flavoring for low-calorie desserts. It's an easy way to add some chocolatey goodness to your meals and snacks without going overboard on calories.

Packed with Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important compounds that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer, Heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Natural Unsweetened Cocoa is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet. It contains flavanols, catechins, and procyanidins, which are all powerful antioxidants that can help protect your cells from oxidative stress.

Rich in Minerals and Vitamins

Natural Unsweetened Cocoa is also rich in Minerals and Vitamins that are important for overall health. One tablespoon contains 3-9% of the recommended daily value for iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. It's also a good source of fiber and protein, with 1 gram of each per serving. And because it's low in fat and sugar, it's a healthier option than many other chocolate products on the market.

May Help Improve Mood

Many people turn to chocolate when they're feeling down because it contains compounds that can help improve mood. Natural Unsweetened Cocoa is no exception. It contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers and can help promote feelings of pleasure and well-being. Additionally, cocoa also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, and many people with depression have lower levels of serotonin in their brains. Increasing tryptophan intake can help raise serotonin levels and improve mood.

May Improve Cognitive Performance

Cocoa has been shown to have positive effects on Cognitive performance, particularly in older adults. One study found that consuming cocoa flavanols for 12 weeks improved cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Another study found that a single dose of cocoa flavanols improved cognitive function and mood in healthy adults.

May Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and anything that can help reduce the risk of this condition is worth paying attention to. Several studies have found that cocoa consumption can help lower the risk of heart disease. One study found that consuming cocoa powder for 4 weeks improved endothelial function, which is a marker of cardiovascular health. Another study found that cocoa consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease.

May Lower Blood Pressure

High Blood pressure is a major risk factor for Heart disease and stroke. Several studies have found that cocoa consumption can help lower blood pressure. One study found that consuming cocoa flavanols for 2 weeks lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy adults.

May Boost Immune System

Your Immune system is your body's defense against infections and diseases. Cocoa contains compounds that can help boost immune system function. One study found that consuming cocoa flavanols increased natural killer cell activity in healthy adults. Another study found that cocoa consumption was associated with a lower risk of respiratory infections in children.

May Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin sensitivity is the ability of your cells to respond to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Poor insulin sensitivity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Several studies have found that cocoa consumption can help improve insulin sensitivity. One study found that consuming cocoa flavanols for 4 weeks improved insulin sensitivity in healthy adults.

May Aid in Weight Loss

Because Natural Unsweetened Cocoa is low in calories and high in fiber and protein, it can be a useful tool for Weight loss. Fiber and protein are both important for satiety, or the feeling of fullness after a meal. By adding cocoa powder to your meals or snacks, you can help curb your appetite and prevent overeating.