The Potassium Content Of Nestle Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is the chocolate-flavored extract that comes from the cacao bean. The nibs, or internal contents, are crushed and dried and the resulting powder is cocoa. Cocoa powder adds chocolate flavor to cakes, frosting, syrup, hot cocoa beverages and chocolate chips. Nestle cocoa powder is a brand sold at mainstream grocery stores. It contains a surprisingly high level of nutrients, considering its reputation as a dessert ingredient. Potassium, which helps support cardiovascular and digestive health, is one nutrient it provides in a significant quantity.

Cocoa and Potassium

The amount of potassium in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder is 930 mg, according to Nestle. This is 27 percent of the daily value established by the FDA. A typical recipe for chocolate cake requires approximately 12 tbsp. of cocoa powder, so each slice of cake provides about 465 mg of potassium, or 13.5 percent of the daily value.

Potassium and Cardiovascular Health

Potassium is an electrolyte, which is a mineral that carries an electrical charge. It is essential to heart function and plays a key role in muscle contraction. A deficiency in potassium often causes arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Low dietary intake of potassium is one deficiency cause. Another cause, particularly common in the United States, is a high intake of sodium. These two minerals have to exist in the body in a balanced ratio to avoid deficiency symptoms such as heartbeat disorders.

Potassium and Digestive Health

Potassium balances the fluid level in the body, which is important for regulating bowel movements. The fluid balance in the intestines is one of the factors involved in stimulating elimination. Sufficiently hydrating the body, diminishes the probability of constipation.

Cocoa and the Diet

Include more cocoa in your diet to increase your potassium level. Eating more chocolate desserts is an obvious way to increase cocoa consumption, but desserts can also add more saturated fat and sugar to your diet, which are unhealthy in excess. Other options include adding cocoa powder to coffee in the morning for a homemade cafe mocha. Make Latin American mole sauce, which includes cocoa powder. You can also add cocoa to your favorite low-fat pancake recipe to make chocolate griddle cakes.