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Cocoa for Fun and LongevitySome scholars claim that the ancients used cocoa to treat various ailments including heart pain, emaciation, fever, kidney failure and bowel disruption. Some of these benefits may have resulted from taking cocoa in its pure form. In recent years, traders have begun cutting corners by including emulsifying fats in the cocoa mix. Other additives include milk, sugar, flavors and preservatives. This has reduced the quality and effectiveness of cocoa. Cocoa's journey from the ancient times to the modern world is a long and complex one. It is not possible to discuss it all within a single essay. However, we have only recently become aware of cocoa's potential health benefits. Even as late as 1998, people were yet to be convinced about the full benefits of cocoa. An intensive research project gave lie to previous efforts at skepticism. The antioxidant element within cocoa offered comfort to chocoholics who needed to be weaned off their addiction. It was surprising to learn that cocoa and chocolate helped the heart, since conventional wisdom had always preached otherwise. Studies on cocoa are set to continue. There are already signs that cocoa has many more health benefits. For example, it is credited with increasing blood flow and protecting arterial health. People who consume cocoa regularly tend to feel more energetic than those who do not. It has also been claimed that the product is instrumental in improving the digestive system and boosting immunity. The great thing is that as new information is discovered about cocoa, we find new ways of consuming it. Also Read: |