14 Benefits of Cocoa Butter

An image of cocoa butter

What is Cocoa Butter?

Cocoa butter is edible and nourishing. It is a yellow-colored oil extract from the cocoa bean. Cocoa butter is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, monosaturated and polyunsaturated fat, and loads of other nutrients. It has a unique flavor and aroma. Let`s see some of its health benefits.

14 Benefits of Cocoa Butter

Balances Mood Swings

Cocoa butter increases the levels of serotonin that the brain produces, hence balances hormonal mood swings. It also calms the body and mind and reduces hormonal imbalance people experience during premenstrual syndrome.

Enhances Weight Gain

There are health conditions such as anorexia that are characterized by drastic weight loss. To recover, such patients may need to make efforts to gain some weight, among other things. Cocoa butter is a healthy option for weight gain. Slowly incorporating it into your meal in its raw and unprocessed form does the work. Simply add it to your smoothie or oatmeal to enjoy its weight gain benefit.

Prevents Aging

Cocoa butter is rich in essential fatty acids such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, all of which contain antioxidant properties. Whether you ingest it or apply it topically, cocoa butter prevents aging. It particularly prevents wrinkles, crow`s feet, and sunspots.

Clears Stretch Marks

Stretch marks appear for some reasons, some of which are pregnancy and fat loss. Mixing cocoa butter with coconut oil and applying it topically is quite helpful in preventing stretch marks. What`s more? It is safer than conventional products that contain harmful chemicals and additives.

Treats Sunburn

Regular exposure to the sun can be more damaging than beneficial, causing various skin conditions. Cocoa butter soothes and heals sunburn. It also calms inflammation.

Gives Relaxation

Try adding cocoa butter to some warm water to have a refreshing bath. You will enjoy its lovely scent of vanilla and chocolate, and also enjoy the silky smoothness it gives, which relieves stress.
Simply add two tablespoons of melted cocoa butter into your bath water to enjoy this benefit. You may also add some drops of essential oil to the water to add to its effectiveness.

Dental Health

You can melt cocoa butter and use it for oil pulling. It`ll remove harmful toxins from your mouth. Simply melt a tablespoon each morning and use it for cleansing, to improve your dental health.

Heals Damaged Skin

Cocoa butter contains exceptional healing qualities, owing to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It is one of the best remedies to get rid of scars. It also serves as an effective lotion for people who have dry skin patches and other skin conditions.

Prevents Diabetes

Vinegar: Types and BenefitsCocoa butter contains flavonols that improve insulin secretion and slow down carbohydrate digestion and absorption in the gut, hence prevents diabetes. Studies also show that cocoa polyphenols prevent and treat diabetes.

Provides Energy

Cocoa butter from pure, unprocessed organic cocoa enriches the body and provides energy, due to its vitamin and fatty acid contents.

Boosts Immunity

Cocoa butter boosts immunity and does more: it reduces inflammation, enhances hormonal balance, and boosts brain health. Its antioxidant benefits are responsible for its ability to boost immune health. It is relatively healthier than refined vegetable oils.

Reduces Cancer Risk

Cocoa butter has a high concentration of flavonols which are linked to reduced cancer risk, owing to their ability to protect cells against damage from reactive molecules, inhibit cell growth, and combat inflammation.

Good for Shaving

Cocoa butter is effective for shaving and hydrating the skin. It works so perfectly and leaves your skin feeling smooth.

Improves Skin, Nails, and Hair

Ashitaba benefitsCocoa beans, from which cocoa butter is derived, is a rich source of sulfur which is popular for healthy skin, shiny hair, and healthy nails. Cocoa butter is particularly great for dry skin, as it adds moisture to it.

Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil — Any Difference?

Cocoa Butter Vs. Shea Butter

Both have similar uses and benefits, especially for skin care. They are effective at treating chapped lips or skin, they`re hydrating, and they prevent dryness. They also treat eczema and psoriasis, and are mild on sensitive skin.

How are they different? A major difference is their smell. Cocoa butter has a tropical smell, while shea butter has a mild fragrance which blends well with essential oil scents. They`re also different is methods of application, as cocoa butter is used to cook and applied topically, while shea butter is only applied topically.

Cocoa Butter Vs Coconut Oil

Cocoa butter and coconut oil are both hydrating, and have other similar benefits for the skin, however, coconut oil has more skin benefits, owing to its antibacterial properties. Coconut oil is also useful in the bathroom and kitchen for many reasons.
What`s more? The fatty acids such as lauric acid, capric acid, and caprilic acid in coconut oil keep the skin clean and healthy. You may even use cocoa butter and coconut oil together for greater effects.

How to Make Body Butter

Body butter is a skin moisturizer that is made with cocoa butter, coconut oil, or any other vegetable-based oil. It is used for rejuvenating dry skin. Let`s see how to make it.

What Do You Need?

  • Raw Cocoa butter, half a cup
  • Coconut oil, five tablespoons
  • A few drops of essential oil (don`t include this if you`re pregnant)

Method

Melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil in a bowl, over boiling water.
Once melted, add a few drops of essential oil, if you`re using it.
Put this mixture in a mixer, and keep the setting on low.
The oil and cocoa butter will slowly form into butter.
Let it cool, then store it in a container and refrigerate.

Cocoa Butter Tips and Facts

  • Cocoa butter is quite expensive, and this is why manufacturers mix it with some other oils; pure cocoa butter usually has a lighter color than adulterated ones which have a deeper yellow color.
  • A jar of cocoa butter can last two to five years because its saturated fat is resilient against rancidity.
  • Avoid buying cocoa butter in pump and squeezable bottles, as a number of them contain additives.
  • To make cocoa butter, you need to first ferment and roast cocoa beans.
  • People have grown cocoa beans for over 3,000 years
  • Cocoa butter is the fat source used in making various types of chocolate.
  • The chocolate industry is the highest consumer of cocoa butter.

Side Effects of Cocoa Butter

Risk of Weight Gain

Cocoa butter contains high amounts of triglycerides in the form of stearic, oleic, and palmitic fatty acids. It is high in fat, hence it increases the risk of weight gain, obesity, and diabetes.

Heart and Respiratory Issues

Cocoa butter may increase unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels, and this has its side effects on heart health. Some people also experience rapid heartbeat after ingesting cocoa butter. It has other side effects like difficulty breathing, chest pain, insomnia, and headaches.

Risk of Allergic Reactions

Cocoa butter may not be safe for people who are prone to allergic reactions. It may trigger or worsen breakouts such as acne, or cause itching, skin rashes, hives, or swollen skin.

Now That You Know…

Would you like to ingest it? Or would you rather apply it topically? As long as it goes well with your body system, cocoa butter would serve as a healthy part of your everyday life. Just remember that moderation is key.