Cocoa is one of the richest sources of polyphenols, with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cocoa, both in powder form and in the form of dark chocolate, can help lower blood pressure. This finding was first recorded among the cocoa islanders of Central America. People who regularly drink cocoa have much lower blood pressure than those who don't drink cocoa. The flavanols in cocoa are believed to improve nitric oxide concentrations in the blood, enhance the function of blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.Some ways to add cocoa to your diet include:
Eat dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa Drink hot / cold cocoa:
Mix cocoa with milk to get 1 cup of chocolate milk Smoothies:
Cocoa can be added to smoothies for a richer chocolate flavor.
Pudding: You can add raw cocoa powder to the pudding to make your own breakfast pudding or rice pudding Sprinkle on fruit:
Cocoa is especially beautiful when sprinkled on bananas or strawberrie