Overview
Cocoa beans are the seeds of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao). The beans are used to make chocolate and are a source of many antioxidants.
Cocoa contains a variety of chemicals, including antioxidants called flavonoids. It's not clear how these might work in the body, but they appear to relax the blood vessels. This could lead to lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation and blockage of blood vessels.
People most commonly use cocoa for heart disease and high blood pressure. It is also used for high cholesterol, memory, aging skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- Heart disease. 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. But these benefits are only seen when cocoa comes from plain, unsweetened chocolate. Eating cocoa from desserts might increase the risk for high blood pressure.
Possibly Ineffective for
- High cholesterol. Consuming cocoa by mouth does not seem to improve cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
- Stretch marks. Applying a cream containing cocoa butter during pregnancy does not seem to prevent stretch marks.
There is interest in using cocoa for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
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.
Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas.
When applied to the skin: Applying cocoa butter to the skin is likely safe for most people. It can cause a rash in some people.
Special Precautions and Warnings
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.
Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas.
When applied to the skin: Applying cocoa butter to the skin is likely safe for most people. It can cause a rash in some people. Pregnancy: Cocoa is possibly safe when used in moderate amounts or in amounts commonly found in foods during pregnancy. But be sure to monitor your intake. Consuming cocoa in larger amounts is possibly unsafe because of the caffeine and heavy metals it contains. Caffeine found in cocoa crosses the placenta. High doses of caffeine during pregnancy might increase the risk for premature delivery, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Keep caffeine consumption below 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Chocolate products provide 2-35 mg caffeine per serving, and a cup of hot chocolate provides approximately 10 mg. So these products probably aren't a big concern. But unsweetened, dry cocoa powder can contain up to about 200 mg of caffeine per cup.
Breast-feeding: Cocoa is possibly safe when used in moderate amounts or in amounts commonly found in foods while breast-feeding. Consuming cocoa in larger amounts is possibly unsafe because of the caffeine and heavy metals it contains. Breast milk concentrations of caffeine are thought to be about half the level of caffeine in the breast-feeding parent. If too much chocolate (16 oz per day) is consumed when breast-feeding, the nursing infant may become irritable and have frequent bowel movements because of the caffeine.
Children: Dark chocolate products, which contain high amounts of cocoa, are possibly unsafe for children. These products can contain high levels of lead and cadmium, which can cause serious health issues in children. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other chocolate products, which usually contain lower amounts of cocoa, are safe in children.
Anxiety: The caffeine in cocoa might make anxiety disorders worse when consumed in large amounts.
Bleeding disorders: Cocoa can slow blood clotting. Consuming a lot of cocoa might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
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.
Diarrhea. Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa, especially when taken in large amounts, can make diarrhea worse.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Cocoa might make the symptoms of GERD worse.
Glaucoma: Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa increases pressure in the eye and should be used cautiously in people with glaucoma.
High blood pressure: Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa might increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. But for people who consume caffeine regularly, it might not be a big increase.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa, especially when taken in large amounts, can make diarrhea and IBS symptoms worse.
Rapid heartbeat: Cocoa from dark chocolate can increase heart rate.
Seizures: Cocoa contains caffeine. High doses of caffeine might cause seizures or decrease the effects of drugs used to prevent seizures. If you have ever had a seizure, don't use high doses of caffeine or caffeine-containing products such as cocoa.
Weak bones (osteoporosis): Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa might increase how much calcium is released in the urine. People with osteoporosis should limit their intake of cocoa.
Dosing
Many different types of cocoa products are available, including dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and isolated cocoa flavanols (antioxidants). Cocoa oils and cocoa butter creams are also available. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Cocoa is regularly eaten in chocolate products. Bitter chocolate is produced by pressing roasted cocoa beans between hot rollers. Cocoa powder is produced by squeezing the fat (cocoa butter) from bitter chocolate and powdering the remaining material. Sweet chocolate is produced by adding sugar and vanilla to bitter chocolate. The percentage on a chocolate bar tells you how much sugar has been added. For example, a 70% cocoa bar contains 70% cocoa and 30% sugar.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
