Cocoa butter – composition and application. The influence of cocoa butter on the work of the heart and brain.

Proven content

Cocoa butter, also known as theobroma oil, is a pale yellow, edible vegetable fat obtained from cocoa beans. It is used in the production of chocolate, as well as some ointments, toiletries and pharmaceuticals. Cocoa butter has a cocoa flavor and aroma. Read about the properties and uses of cocoa butter.

Cocoa butter – what is it?

Cocoa butter (sometimes called theobroma oil) is a natural oil obtained from cocoa beans. Cocoa beans are the seeds of the plant Theobroma cacao L.belonging to the plant family Sterculiaceae.

These grains produce “one of the most important and widespread functional foods in human history”: chocolate. Historians believe that cocoa beans have been cultivated for over 3000 years and were prized among ancient populations, including the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.

Can you eat cocoa butter? Yes! Real cocoa butter is completely edible and has a delicate flavor and aroma similar to dark chocolate. Grain from the plant Theobroma cacao L. are food high in antioxidants because they contain a large amount of polyphenolic and flavonoid antioxidants. In fact, cocoa beans themselves have been shown to be one of the greatest sources of polyphenols in the human diet.

Cocoa beans are native to parts of Central and South America and have been harvested for centuries to produce natural skin moisturizers in places like Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. Because it has a mild fragrance, a smooth texture (thanks to its “softening” properties) and ultra-moisturizing, cocoa products are a very popular ingredient in all kinds of commercial cosmetic products. – including skin lotions, lip glosses, lipsticks, hair conditioners and other beauty ointments.

Pure cocoa butter has a brown color and a creamy texture. Like all fats, butter consists of several fatty acids. It contains approximately 25% palmitic acid, 3% linoleic acid, 35% stearic acid, 35% oleic acid and 2% other fatty acids. In its most natural form, it can be safely used both in food products and in daily skin care.

Also read: Coconut oil – perfect for skin care and use in the kitchen

Cocoa butter – history

One of the main benefits of cocoa butter is that it is 100% natural vegetable fat. Even during the development of the product, it has no negative impact on the environment.

For centuries, cocoa beans have been harvested to produce cocoa butter. The ingredient has been used in medicine for about 3000 years, but has been replaced by synthetic excipients since the XNUMXth century. The ancient Aztecs and Mayans preferred this ingredient and even used cocoa as currency. Half of the world’s cocoa butter is produced in West Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is also referred to as Theobroma Cacao, which means “food of the gods.”

In today’s world, scientists have discovered phytochemicals in cocoa. According to the use of the data, these plant compounds can have many anti-inflammatory health benefits for both heart and skin health.

Read: What do skin pigmentation disorders mean?

Cocoa butter – nutritional values

Cocoa butter is high in fat, mostly saturated fat, as is coconut oil. The content of saturated fat (as opposed to unsaturated fat) ranges from 57 to 64 percent of the total fat content, depending on the type. Among the different types of fatty acids are:

1. stearic acid (approximately 24 to 37% of the total fat content)
2. palmitic acid (24% to 30%),
3. myristic acid (0% to 4%),
4. arachidic acid (about 1%),
5. lauric acid (only about 0% to 1%)

The main chemical components of cocoa butter are also: oleic acids, linoleic acid, vitamin E, vitamin K, alpha-linolenic acid and phytosterols (namely stigmasterol).

Oleic acids are characterized by:

1. maintain the softness, elasticity and shine of skin and hair,
2. stimulate the growth of thicker, longer and stronger hair,
3. eliminate the signs of skin aging,
4. eliminate dandruff and thus support hair growth,
5. increase immunity,
6. have antioxidant properties,
7. prevent arthritis,
8. affect the hardness or softness of cocoa butter.

Stearic acid is characterized by:

1. has cleansing properties that remove impurities, sweat and excess sebum from hair and skin,
2. is an ideal emulsifier,
3. conditions and protects the hair from damage, without reducing its shine and without making it heavy,
4. smoothes the skin,
5. gives cocoa butter a solid consistency.

Palmitic acid is characterized by:

1. softening properties,
2. they soften the hair without leaving greasy or sticky residue.

Linoleic acid is characterized by:

1. moisturizes the hair and supports their growth,
2. facilitates wound healing,
3. is an emulsifier in the formulation of soaps and quick-drying oils,
4. has anti-inflammatory properties,
5. soothes acne,
6. causes the retention of moisture in the skin and hair,
7. soothes the symptoms of eczema and dermatitis.

Arachidic acid is characterized by:

1. strengthens the growth of muscle mass, enhancing the body’s inflammatory reactions,
2. increases immunity,
3. relieves symptoms of depression,
4. relieves pain and discomfort associated with arthritis,
5. affects weight reduction.

Vitamin E is characterized by:

1. has antioxidant properties that slow down the effects of aging and stimulate blood circulation,
2. improves skin imperfections,
3. prevents the loss of moisture from the skin and hair,
4. provide soothing relief for burned skin,
5. deeply cleanses pores and balances sebum production.

Vitamin K is characterized by:

1. increases the body’s ability to clot blood, thus facilitating the healing of wounds and bruises,
2. reduces swelling,
3. helps to prevent acne and reduces the visibility of scars caused by acne,
4. slows down the aging process of the skin, preventing the formation of wrinkles.

Alpha-linolenic acid is characterized by:

1. reduces inflammation,
2. controls blood clotting,
3. relieves pain and stiffness in the joints.

The editorial board recommends: Perfect linseed oil

Cocoa butter – how is it obtained?

There are 2 stages in the processing of cocoa butter from seeds / beans:

1. before sprouting,
2. after sprouting. 

The cocoa seeds, which are processed before sprouting, produce ordinary cocoa butter ranging in color from off-white or light beige to pale yellow. May retain the tempting aroma of chocolate. On the other hand, cocoa beans that are processed after germination produce black cocoa butter which has a brown chocolate color and a roasted cocoa aroma.

After harvesting, fermenting, cleaning, drying and shelling the cocoa beans, they are roasted. They are then ground into small pieces called “nibs” or into a fine powder that is added to the boiling water and mixed to mix thoroughly. During the cooking process, vegetable fat from cocoa beans rises to the surface of the water and is collected in containers. As this oil cools, it solidifies.

Alternatively, the grains can be pressed or cold pressed. This involves placing the ground cocoa bean mass in a hydr aulic press which extracts the liquid known as cocoa oil from which cocoa butter is produced. The solids remaining in the press are called cocoa doughwhich is processed into cocoa powder. Cocoa butter, which is degummed, bleached and deodorized, is known as refined cocoa butter.

Read: Cocoa can protect against colon cancer

Cocoa butter for peeling skin

Why is cocoa butter good for your face? While it is an excellent skin moisturizer, it not only moisturizes the skin – it also contributes to skin condition from within. It is an excellent source of natural antioxidants found in cocoa beansas well as easily absorbed fatty acids that remain on the skin for many hours.

Natural moisturizing products also cause significantly less skin irritation than products made with additives, fragrances, colors and dyes.

If you want to use cocoa butter to prevent your skin from drying out, try mixing peanut butter with other products such as essential oils, argan oil, castor oil, or jojoba oil.

Cocoa butter has a positive effect on the scalp and hair, which is why it can be found in various types of hair cosmetics. Try, for example, the Cleansing Hair Shampoo Bar for all hair types, Mydlarnia FOUR PACKS available at Medonet Market.

Cocoa butter to moisturize the skin

Cocoa butter is an essential ingredient in many skin moisturizers. Some people use pure cocoa butter to soothe dry skin.

Like other natural moisturizers such as coconut oil, cocoa butter is made up mostly of fatty acids. These fats can help to form a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping and thus preventing the skin from drying out.

Some also use cocoa butter to soothe dry skin caused by common skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. While this works for some people, there is no scientific evidence that it will work for everyone.

Cocoa butter on the lips

One of the most popular ways to use cocoa butter is in lip balms and lipsticks. Cocoa butter can be applied to the lips with grapefruit, vanilla, orange or mint oil. Cocoa butter moisturizes the lips and reduces chapped lips.

Cocoa butter is an emollient, meaning it provides the lips with a protective layer of hydration, useful for blocking the effects of very cold temperatures, sun damage, or indoor heat that can dry out your lips.

See: What are the white dots on the lips?

Cocoa butter and heart health

While saturated fat was once unwelcome and blamed for contributing to heart problems, many scientists today believe that plant-based saturated fat may actually be beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Some studies have shown that the polyphenols in cocoa butter help lower inflammatory markers involved in atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which is why cocoa is now considered an anti-inflammatory food.

Cocoa also appears to help metabolize lipids (fats) and is associated with a reduced risk of vascular events such as heart attacks.

Read: The risk of heart disease has to do with your blood type. Who is the most affected by a heart attack?

Cocoa butter – effects on brain health

The fats in our diet are extremely important for brain health and maintaining a positive mood, in addition to supporting hormone production and controlling appetite. Fats are the building blocks of brain cells and are needed to make sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, which control many processes in the body.

Cocoa butter – anti-inflammatory properties

Some antioxidants remain in cocoa butter even after it is separated from the solids of the grain, meaning it may be beneficial in reducing inflammation.

Many studies have shown that plant polyphenols exert antioxidant power in the immune system, by fighting inflammation, DNA damage, and cellular mutations that are at the root of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.