cocoa benefits for skin
Cocoa is one of the food items that some people resort to for skincare. In this article, we will explain the most prominent benefits of cocoa for the skin.
Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao ) can be in the form of beans or powder, but what are the benefits of cocoa for the skin? This is what will be talked about here.
cocoa benefits for skin
Cocoa and its derivatives, usually both cocoa powder and dark chocolate, are rich in flavanols, such as epicatechin, catechin, epical acid, caffeic acid, and theobromine. ).
The importance of these compounds contained in cocoa is that they eliminate and reduce the presence of free radicals generated in the skin, which are produced due to exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays and sometimes visible light.
As for dark chocolate, which is one of the cocoa derivatives are characterized as having an anti-aging effect, and some anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant (Antioxidant), In addition, it has emerged that cocoa is important in reducing the apparent irritation to the skin, and reduce the risk of injury skin cancer.
Among the benefits of cocoa for the skin when applied topically, it may help to:
- Reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
- Reducing dark spots.
- Reducing the appearance of pimples, and some other defects that the skin is likely to suffer from.
How to prepare a cocoa mask
To get the benefits of cocoa for the skin, many different and varied ways are used to make a cocoa mask for the face, and one of these methods is the chocolate skin mask to prevent acne (Acne), and it can be prepared through the following:
1. Ingredients
The components of this mask usually include the following:
- A tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon.
- One tablespoon of organic honey.
2. Method of preparation
As for how to do this mask, you must follow the following:
- Use a bowl to mix the cocoa, honey, and cinnamon together.
- Make the dough from the ingredients, if the paste is thick, then it is recommended to add a little honey.
- Apply this paste to the skin, usually the face and neck.
- Leave the mask on the skin for at least 20-30 minutes, and then wash it off.
- You can apply this mask to the skin twice a week.
Precautions for using cocoa for the skin
There is a set of precautions and tips that an individual must follow when applying cocoa and using it on the skin, most notably the following:
- Clean the skin well, and remove all impurities from it.
- Do not wait for the mask to dry completely on the skin.
- It is usually recommended to massage the skin in a circular motion before removing the mask from the skin.
Health benefits of cocoa
The benefits of cocoa for the skin were previously mentioned, so it is also necessary to know the other health benefits of cocoa, the most important of which are the following:
- Promote digestion due to the fiber content in cocoa, in addition to its importance in reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive problems.
- Helping reduce blood pressure, due to its flavonoid content, in addition to its role in improving blood flow to the heart and brain, and its contribution to preventing blood clots.
- Reducing the risk of developing diabetes (Diabetes), by increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Reducing the risk of heart disease, because it contains potassium, which reduces blood pressure and improves blood vessel function.
- Reducing suffering from some different infections.
Cocoa nutritional content
The various benefits of cocoa come from the nutrients in it. The following table shows the nutritional content of 100 grams of cocoa:
Nutritional content | Quantity |
energy | 598 calories |
Protein | 7.79 g |
42.63 grams | |
carbohydrates | 45.9 g |
fiber | 10.9 g |
potassium | 715 milligrams |