There has been a lot of talk about cocoa flavanols lately, but the term is unfamiliar to many. If you are one of them, you are probably wondering what are cocoa flavanols and what are their benefits for the body.
Cocoa flavanols can be defined as plant-based nutrients, a subclass of flavonoids. As their name suggests, cocoa flavanols are mainly found in cocoa beans and are known primarily for their antioxidant properties.
Although cocoa flavanols are found in almost all products and foods containing cocoa, some of them are distinguished by a higher content than others. A high cocoa flavanol content is found in dark chocolate, while milk chocolate has a much more modest content of flavanols.
According to experts, the more processed the cocoa, the fewer flavanols it contains, so consumers are advised to choose natural food supplements and functional foods that contain more flavanols and almost no excess sugar.
Experts recommend regular consumption of products containing cocoa flavanols because they improve blood circulation, thus preventing cardiovascular diseases, helping to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels and stabilizing blood pressure.
Regular use of products containing cocoa flavanols helps to maintain healthy brain function. But these are not the only beneficial effects they have on the brain.
You will notice that if you regularly eat products with a high cocoa content, your skin will be smoother, hydrated and clearer. Cocoa flavanols help protect the skin against ultraviolet rays and reduce signs of aging.
Check out also what cocoa contains and find out what you can do with raw cocoa beans.
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