Oluji Pure Cocoa Powder is a 100% pure cocoa powder with no additives, it is produced in the cocoa rich South West region of Nigeria. According to available data, Nigeria produces over 250 thousand tons of cocoa beans annually. Oluji Pure Cocoa Powder is produced by Cocoa products (Ile-Oluji) Limited, a leading player in the cocoa processing industry with about 40 years experience in the sector.
Oluji pure cocoa powder is a rich source of polyphenols such as catechins, flavonol glycosides, anthocyanins, and procyanidins. It also contains stimulants like theobromine and caffeine. In addition to this, cocoa powder contains minerals like magnesium, copper, and iron. To obtain the benefits of cocoa, it is important to consume the correctly sourced product like the Oluji pure cocoa powder.
Health Benefits Of Oluji Pure Cocoa Powder
May Lower High Blood Pressure
Researchers found that consuming cocoa-containing foods helped lower blood pressure levels in a small sample size of participants. A meta-analysis also revealed a positive change in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure as a consequence of consuming cocoa-based products as compared to an intake of black or green tea for seven days. These favorable changes are attributed to the presence of antioxidants in it that stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which helps keep blood vessels relaxed.
Antioxidant Capacity
A comparative research study published in 2003 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, has made it evident that cocoa exhibits higher antioxidant activity than black tea, green tea, and red wine. Antioxidants help neutralize the oxygen-based free radicals that are present in the body. Cocoa powder is also abundant in phenolic phytochemicals and flavonoids. Zinc, present in it, helps protect against oxidative stress, which is a major cause behind accelerated aging.
May Improve Brain Health
Cocoa contains a high amount of flavonoids, like flavonol that may aid in maintaining a healthy brain. These neuroprotective benefits could also have favorable effects on learning and memory functions. The findings have advocated that the consumption of cocoa-based products enhances the flow of blood to the brain and they have provided evidence of the therapeutic potential for curing vascular disorders.
May Lower Risk Of Heart Attacks & Stroke
Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids – namely, procyanidin, catechin, and epicatechin, which have antioxidant properties. In moderate amounts, it can help in protecting the cells from damage, while strengthening the heart. It prevents the formation of fatal blood clots, which can lead to stroke or cardiac failure. The flavonoids possess anti-platelet aggregating effects and modulate primary hemostasis, which is the measure of time blood takes to clot. This ultimately helps prevent atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Balances Cholesterol Levels
A 2004 study shows that cocoa may possess hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on both glucose and cholesterol levels, respectively. It helps reduce triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body and gives a noteworthy rise to HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
A research study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that consumption of cocoa powder is effective in improving insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. These mechanisms, in turn, aid in regulating sugar levels in the body. The proanthocyanidins derived from this product may help in inhibiting the cataract formation occasionally induced by diabetes, according to one animal study. The intake of this flavanol-rich bean also has therapeutic potential in improving the vascular function of people with diabetes on various medications.
Relieves Bronchial Asthma
Cacao beans contain xanthine and theophylline, which aid in relaxing bronchial spasms and opening constricted bronchial tubes. This gives it anti-asthmatic properties and is valuable in curing various allergies, including asthma and shortness of breath. Research published in 2014 in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology suggests that unsweetened powder has anti-asthmatic properties as it contains theobromine.
Weight Management
A study has shown the potential benefits of cocoa in preventing high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Its intake helps in modulating lipid metabolism and reducing the synthesis and transport of fatty acids. It also improves thermogenesis, which is the mechanism of heat production in white adipose tissues and the liver. However, remember that if you are consuming cocoa powder in foods and beverages that contain high amounts of sugar and fat, it will be detrimental to weight loss.
Enhances Mood
Consuming cocoa powder has shown antidepressant-like effects on certain physiological processes. Its flavonols help enhance the mood, fight depression, and promote cognitive activities during persistent mental exertion. The presence of the neurochemical phenylethylamine in cocoa also helps in enhancing feelings of contentment and promoting aphrodisiac effects.
Skin Care
Research findings suggest that the consumption of flavonol-rich cocoa helps in decreasing the effects of UV-induced erythema, and reducing skin roughness and scaling. It may also aid in enhancing skin elasticity, hydration, and density. Epicatechin present in cacao aids in increasing the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, stimulating the healthy flow of blood in the dermal (skin) tissues, and contributing to endogenous photo-protection. It is also used in the preparation of various skin care products.
Neuroprotective Properties
Cocoa has flavonoids, such as epicatechin and catechin, which have been found to have an anti-neurodegenerative effect. In a rat model study conducted by Cho et al., cocoa procyanidins (a type of flavonoid) had a protective effect against oxidative stress, which is strongly linked to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Further human studies are required to research the potential benefits of this bean against neurodegenerative diseases over time.
Other Health Benefits
Speeds up Healing: Cocoa extracts have been trusted for their therapeutic and wound-healing properties in the manufacturing of natural medicinal products.
Treats Constipation: According to a study done on pediatric patients, consumption of fiber-rich cocoa products resulted in faster colonic, rectal, and intestinal transit times.
Aids in Copper Deficiency: It may be added to the diet to maintain normal levels of copper, as well as a remedy for treating copper deficiency in such conditions.
Reduces Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Cocoa powder has been shown to exert calming effects on people suffering from chronic fatigue as it helps release neurotransmitters like serotonin, anandamide, and phenylethylamine in the brain.
Prevents Magnesium Deficiency: The regular consumption of cocoa products may prove beneficial in preventing the adverse effects caused by a diet lacking in magnesium for an extended time. ALSO SEE: Milo: Ingredients, Health Benefits, Side Effects
