Cocoa: composition, calorie content, recipes

Cocoa is a good way to normalize metabolism and eliminate excess weight, and the presence of polyphenols makes it possible to satisfy the feeling of hunger.

Cocoa powder has a unique chemical composition and is able to saturate the body with the fiber it needs and nutrients that a person who is losing weight often needs. In this article you will read about the positive properties of the drink, its composition, how many calories, and also what beneficial substances are contained in cocoa.

Benefit

The product is prepared from bean grains after pressing the oil and is healthy primarily due to its low caffeine content.

Using it, you can:

• lower blood pressure;
• strengthen memory;
• improve cerebral circulation;
• prevent the development of caries;
• strengthen the hair structure;
• cleanse the skin of toxins;
• relieve stress and fatigue;
• strengthen the skeletal system;
• normalize blood glucose levels;
• prevent the development of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases;
• fight anemia, bronchitis, asthma, colds;
• cleanse the body of cholesterol;
• slow down the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood, stabilizing sugar levels;
• restore damaged tissue;
• strengthen the musculoskeletal system;
• increase the level of endorphins in the blood.

In general, the product has a beneficial effect on the immune system, harmlessly activating body functions. The magnesium and zinc content promotes testosterone production in men. The chemical composition of cocoa powder contains many useful substances:

• cellulose;
• tannins;
• mineral salts;
• caffeine;
• starch;
• saccharides;
• water.

Composition and properties

Cocoa contains a number of vitamins essential for health:

The powder also contains a number of macroelements:

Microelements present in cocoa powder include:

Cocoa also contains other useful components:

• cellulose;
• tannins;
• mineral salts;
• caffeine;
• starch;
• saccharides;
• water.

The caffeine level in the powder is much lower than in tea or coffee.

The main positive properties of the drink include:

• help in lowering blood pressure;
• strengthening memory;
• stimulation of cerebral circulation;
• prevention of caries development;
• relieving stress, tension, chronic fatigue;
• strengthening the skeletal system;
• maintaining blood glucose levels within normal limits;
• reducing the risk of developing diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases;
• treatment of anemia;
• reduction of “bad” cholesterol;
• slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates into the blood;
• fight against bronchitis and asthma;
• increasing the content of endorphins in the blood - the so-called “hormones of happiness”.

Calorie content of cocoa powder

The product has high nutritional value: one hundred grams contains the following amounts of proteins, fats and carbohydrates necessary for a person:

Cocoa powder has an average calorie content of 290–374 kcal per 100 grams. It is a rather energy-intensive product.

• One tablespoon contains 74 kilocalories, a teaspoon – 27 kilocalories. This caloric value depends on the type and brand of cocoa drink, as well as on the method of its preparation.
• A regular mug of a drink with milk with a fat content of 3.2% has 255 kcal, prepared with water - 100 kcal, dietary - 70 kcal.

Cocoa: calorie content of the drink in different versions

The powder is sold in its pure form, added to baked goods and muffins, and adds a piquant and original taste to desserts. But still, it is more often used as a tonic drink with the addition of boiling water, milk and sugar . Total calorie content of cocoa powder:

• 100 grams – 290 kcal ;
• 1 tablespoon – 74 kcal;

The calorie content of cocoa powder in 1 teaspoon is 27 kcal, but varies depending on the ingredients used. Here's how many calories are in one mug in various combinations:

• calorie content of cocoa with milk containing 3.2% fat – 255 kcal;
• diet drink – 70 kcal;
• cocoa in water – 100 kcal.

Nesquik cocoa is especially popular among buyers it is even given to small children. The calorie content of 100 g of such dry powder is 373 kcal. Respectively:

• 1 tablespoon – 94 kcal;
• 1 teaspoon – 34 kcal.

To reduce the energy value of this natural drink, replace sugar with a sweetener, reduce the fat content of milk to 1% (lower possible). The result is a lower- calorie drink - 200 kcal, which is even included in the diet menu.

The question also arises of how fair it is to equate the generally accepted calorie measurement system. That is, burning the product in a special furnace and measuring the heat released. And the benefits that this same product brings to the body. Which, in the process of assimilation, breaks down into biochemical compounds, including amino acids and vitamins, and enters into a whole cascade of complex interconnected biochemical reactions. We can experiment by burning harmful and even toxic substances for the body; as a result of measuring in a special oven, we will also get a certain amount of calories of heat. but the product itself will be toxic to the body. It is clear that calorie content is such a conventional measure that a sane person can simply ignore it. And look at other indicators of the chemical composition and focus on the taste of the product.

Calorie content of Nesquik

The well-known delicacy based on Nesquik cocoa powder has a calorie content at an acceptable level.

• One hundred grams of this product contains 377 kcal.
• One serving has approximately 52 kilocalories, but by dissolving it in milk, you can increase this figure to 200 kilocalories.
• Since Nesquik is a typical chocolate dessert, one serving has only 0.6 grams of protein.
• One teaspoon of Nesquik contains 34 kcal. There are 94 kilocalories per tablespoon.

Useful properties and contraindications

Let's leave a little taste of this wonderful product and pay attention to its positive effect on the human body [3][4]. So:

1. Improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system is associated with the presence of the substance theobromine in the product, which has a healing effect on the entire system, is involved in the blood circulation process, strengthens blood vessels, stimulates the heart, helps in the delivery of oxygen to the myocardium, and stimulates mental activity [5][6][ 7].
2. A powerful antioxidant thanks to polyphenol, which has immunomodulatory properties, strengthens the body’s protective functions, and helps protect human hair, skin, and nails from the effects of the aggressive environment [8][9].
3. Prevention of ophthalmological diseases. Beta-carotene, contained in high concentrations in cocoa beans, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the optic nerve, protects the cornea, prevents such serious eye diseases as hemeralopia (night blindness), and also participates in the complex therapy of ophthalmological diseases.
4. Natural antidepressant. The beneficial substances contained in cocoa beans help cope with feelings of anxiety, apathy, relieve tension, improve emotional well-being, and normalize sleep. Caffeine activates mental activity and relieves chronic fatigue [10]. Regular consumption of cocoa products has a positive effect on the entire nervous system as a whole.
5. Normalization of weight. The presence of a large amount of nutrients suppresses hunger and converts them into energy. It is not for nothing that nutritionists have developed “chocolate diets”, where the main food product is a natural ingredient - cocoa.
6. Improving the functioning of the thyroid gland and endocrine system.
7. Rejuvenation and preservation of youth occurs due to the high content of B vitamins in the product, or, as they are often called, beauty vitamins, which are natural antioxidants. Substances such as thiamine and collagen, which regulate all metabolic processes in the body, are also contained in this valuable product [11][12]. It is used in lipstick, in face masks and in the famous chocolate wraps for weight loss, improving metabolism and removing toxins.
8. It is used in pharmaceuticals as a wound healing agent and as part of some medications.

Despite this impressive list, there are also contraindications for consuming cocoa. Restrictions apply to people:

• patients with diabetes mellitus [13];
• with atherosclerosis;
• with liver and kidney disease;
• those suffering from high stomach acidity;
• prone to allergic reactions;
• children under 3 years of age and pregnant women.

Calorie content of cocoa with milk and sugar

By adding two teaspoons of sugar to a drink brewed with milk, you can greatly increase the calorie content.

• A 100 ml cup of powder brewed in milk with two teaspoons of sugar contains 85 kilocalories.
• The milk-soluble powder has a calorie content of 72–75 kcal.

To reduce energy value and calorie content, you can reduce the fat content of the milk used.

Harm from cocoa

Let's say a few words about the harm of cocoa:

• the drink is saturated with caffeine, which is contraindicated for nervous overexcitation and sleep problems;
• cocoa beans, which are the main component of the drink, may contain chemicals. Including high concentrations of pesticides are often found in them. It is clear that such chemical compounds only cause harm to health;

Read: Calorie content of pea porridge with water

• Some people have allergic reactions to cocoa. Chitin, which comes from insects living on beans, provokes allergies.

Consumption standards

The amount of substances necessary for a healthy person contained in 100 grams of product (289 kcal) are:

• 24.3 g of proteins (32% of normal weight, 11.1% of the required energy value);
• 15 g fat (26.8% of normal weight, 9.3% of required value);
• 10.2 g carbohydrates (4.7% of normal weight, 1.6% of required value);
• 35.3 g dietary fiber (176.5% of normal weight, 61.1% of required value);
• 6.8 mg of vitamin PP, NE (34% of normal weight, 11.8% of the required norm);
• 655 mg phosphorus (81.9% of normal weight, 28.3% of required value).

You should avoid using it if you have allergies. The risk of its occurrence may be associated with low-quality raw materials and harmful substances used in their production. Also excluded from use by people with stomach ulcers, gout, or insomnia. Not recommended for pregnant women and children with increased activity.

The question of calorie content is relative, from a medical point of view. In addition to the content of energy-releasing substances, you should pay attention to their absorption by the body. Complex multi-stage biochemical reactions involving amino acids and vitamins primarily determine the usefulness of this tasty and nutritious drink.

Rating

Chemical composition and nutritional value

How many calories are in cocoa is not the only question of interest to lovers of this natural drink. There is also concern about its usefulness. It contains vitamins B1, B2, PP, E, A. In addition, it is a complete source of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Cocoa powder satisfies the body's daily need for iron.

As for nutritional value, 100 g of natural product contains 24.3 g of proteins , 15 g of fats and 10.2 g of carbohydrates , 35 g of dietary fiber, 4 g of organic acids, 7 g of ash. This unique composition has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, improves health, and improves mood.