Are there any negative effects of cacao?
When taken by mouth: Eating cocoa is likely safe for most people. But keep in mind that cocoa contains caffeine and related chemicals, as well as heavy metals like lead. Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Heart conditions: Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa might cause irregular heartbeat in some people and should be used cautiously in people with heart conditions. Diabetes: Cocoa seems to be able to raise blood sugar levels and might interfere with blood sugar control in people with diabetes.Does chocolate increase cholesterol levels? Quite the opposite, in fact. Once it has been absorbed by your body, cocoa produces 72% unsaturated fatty acids which actually reduce your cholesterol level and clean your arteries. It contains only 20% saturated fatty acids – the kind which aren’t so good for you.Eating cocoa lowers the chance of heart disease and death. Cocoa might have this effect by lowering blood pressure and improving blood vessel function. High blood pressure. Eating dark chocolate or cocoa products for 2-8 weeks can lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.Benefits of Chocolate: Cocoa Can Improve Blood Flow Within two hours of eating this kind of cocoa, your coronary arteries start working better. That means the vessels in your eyes are able to dilate more quickly.Rapid heartbeat: Cocoa from dark chocolate can increase heart rate. Seizures: Cocoa contains caffeine.
Who should not drink cacao?
Individuals currently taking any SSRI antidepressants, low blood pressure medication, or those undergoing chemotherapy treatment should not drink more than a meditation dose. The combination of medication and Cacao can cause adverse effects when consumed in higher doses. Moderation is Key: Even though cocoa is rich in beneficial compounds, it also contains caffeine and calories, and excessive intake could lead to unwanted effects such as insomnia and weight gain. A teaspoon or two a day is typically sufficient.It is generally safe to consume cacao every day, but like all foods, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet. Cacao is rich in beneficial nutrients, antioxidants, and flavonoids, which can improve heart health, enhance mood, and reduce inflammation.Regular consumption lowers cortisol, the main stress hormone. This can reduce stress and anxiety. Also, cacao’s mood elevation effects come from endorphins, or “feel-good” hormones. This can improve your mood and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.Collagen Protection and Production The antioxidants in cacao powder help protect existing collagen from breakdown while supporting new collagen synthesis. This dual action helps maintain skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and supports overall skin health and appearance.
Is there any caffeine in cacao?
Raw cacao powder contains about 12 milligrams of caffeine per tablespoon, which is much lower than a cup of coffee. Does cacao powder give you energy? Yes, thanks to its combination of caffeine and theobromine, cacao powder provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee. Cacao contains several compounds that may positively influence relaxation and sleep. These natural components work in different ways to help your body and mind prepare for rest.If you’re sensitive to caffeine, I would recommend consuming cacao powder or tea earlier in the day; otherwise, if small amounts of caffeine don’t keep you up at night, a cup of hot cacao could be a lovely—and healthy—alcohol-free nightcap to enjoy,” Manian says.Chocolate also contains tryptophan, which stimulates serotonin and melatonin. And serotonin and melatonin are believed to help sleep. But again, the amount of tryptophan differs by chocolate type and it impacts different people very differently.
Is cacao a blood thinner?
Research has suggested that chocolate and cocoa could reduce the risk of heart disease. In particular, polyphenols known as flavanols have been demonstrated to have antioxidant effects that reduce cell damage caused by heart disease, while also having blood thinning properties. Interactions with Medications Blood thinners: The flavonoids in cacao may enhance the effect of blood-thinning medications, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. Stimulants: Combining cacao with other stimulants like caffeine or certain ADHD medications can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure.Flavanols found in cocoa have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide which promotes vasodilation and therefore blood pressure reduction.Cacao also has been shown to lower your LDL, or bad, cholesterol and reduce inflammation, both of which may lower your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Some research suggests that flavanol-rich cacao powder may help reduce inflammation.While cacao flavanols are natural, they can have mild side effects in some people, especially if they eat in an excessively large amount.Cocoa flavanols have been shown to have beneficial effects on blood vessel function in individuals with normal kidney function. The flavanols found in cocoa and dark chocolate are part of a larger group of compounds called flavonoids that occur naturally in plant foods, in this case, the cocoa bean.
Does cacao raise blood pressure?
The blood pressure‐lowering properties of cocoa have been linked to the formation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) which promotes vasodilation and consequently lowers blood pressure. Antidepressants: Cacao may interact with MAOIs and other antidepressants that affect serotonin levels. Blood thinners: The flavonoids in cacao may enhance the effect of blood-thinning medications, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding.Interactions with Medications Blood thinners: The flavonoids in cacao may enhance the effect of blood-thinning medications, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. Stimulants: Combining cacao with other stimulants like caffeine or certain ADHD medications can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure.