 |
| google images |
When you think of cocoa or cacao beans, you may think about chocolate drinks and bars. But, what many people don't know is that cocoa has a lot of health benefits, too. Here at Sunrider, the cocoa bean plays an integral role in some of our products.
Cocoa beans are the dried and fully fermented fatty seeds of the cocoa or cacao tree. Its scientific name is Theobroma cacao, with Theobroma meaning "food of the gods.” This is because the Mayans and the Aztecs believed that cacao was a gift from the gods. Native to the Americas, the cocoa bean was also used as common currency in Mesoamerica before the Spanish conquest.
Raw cocoa contains catechins or polyphenols of the flavanol group that have antioxidant properties. The flavanols increase blood flow and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Flavanols also assist with the body's insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar levels.
Cocoa is also known to be an effective ingredient in successful weight management. The polyphenols present in the beans can inhibit the digestion of carbohydrates and fats. It also contains chemicals that increase the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that also acts as the body's natural appetite suppressant. Serotonin can curb cravings and make you feel satisfied even if your stomach is not full, allowing you to eat less and lose weight.
Cocoa also helps dieters stay on track with their weight-loss efforts. Together with other components naturally present in the bean, such as B-vitamins and dopamine, serotonin also helps you feel at ease and inhibits emotional eating. It can also help with the body's recovery after a grueling workout or a stressful day. At its rawest form, cocoa is rich in all the chemicals needed to uplift your spirits.
 |
| google images |
However, just eating cocoa is not enough; otherwise everyone who eats chocolate or drinks hot cocoa would be thin. Extraction and concentration are necessary to truly reap the benefits of the cocoa bean. Sunrider extracts the desired nutrients, while discarding the unwanted materials such as fiber, so your body can absorb the nutrients better. Then we concentrate the extract because you could never eat enough cocoa to make a difference. Concentration is the key to effectiveness.
One of our natural weight loss supplements, SunTrim®+, contains concentrated amounts of cocoa beans that can help "pre-satisfy" your appetite. Because of this, you can easily feel fuller without overeating to help you safely achieve and maintain a healthy weight.*
Also, we have other products such as VitaShake®, SunBar®, and NuPuffs® that are available in cocoa. Instead of grabbing chips, crunchy snacks, and junk food containing hydrogenated oils that add empty calories to your diet, you can take these healthy snack alternatives that fill in the nutrition gaps in your diet.
Visit our online shop to look at your options for healthy and nutritious foods, beverages, and supplements that feature this powerful ingredient.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
