When you think of cocoa beans, you probably think of a steaming cup of chocolate. While this might be cocoa beans' most common usage, the beans also have other uses. According to recent research, some of those uses might be medicinal. Commercial sweetened chocolate such as candy bars do not provide the same health benefits, though, as they are highly processed and contain added sugars and preservatives.
Increases Energy
Cocoa has a caffeine-like effect, so it can provide a burst of energy. Cocoa beans can also promote alertness but lessen anxiety at the same time. Because there are less stimulants in chocolate than in coffee, however, you don't crash as quickly or as strongly after drinking a cup of chocolate.
Acts Like a Vitamin
According to a 2007 article in ScienceDaily, cocoa beans contain a compound called epicatechin. This compound has so many health benefits that Harvard professor Norman Hollenberg believes it should be classified as a vitamin. Epicatechin's effects might rival those of penicillin and anesthesia, and might help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer. Epicatechin has a bitter taste, so it's usually removed from commercial cocoa products. If you want to enjoy its health benefits, you will need to buy whole cocoa beans and grind them yourself.
Provides Antioxidants
According to an article in ProHealth.com, cocoa beans have more antioxidants than blueberries and other common fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants protect the body against free radicals, which age your cells and might accelerate the appearance of disease.
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