When we hear the word “cocoa” we often think of foods like chocolate bars, chocolate cake and icing, or drinks like hot chocolate. It is true that one of the most essential ingredients of chocolate is cocoa butter. It is responsible for the smooth and creamy texture of some of our favorite desserts. However, cocoa butter is not limited to food and confectionery. It is also an essential ingredient for many dermatological and cosmetic products.
The origin of cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is solid fat from cocoa beans that are extracted from the cocoa tree. The cocoa tree is also found in parts of South and Central America, Africa and Indonesia. The ingredient is popularly referred to as the “food of the gods”. Africans also often use cocoa butter on their skin to heal, protect and moisturize themselves from environmental factors such as high winds and the sun. In addition, it was also harvested for centuries in places like the Caribbean to use as a skin moisturizer. Even the Maya and Aztecs preferred cocoa and used it as currency.
Nutritional components of cocoa The ability of cocoa butter to nourish and moisturize the skin is due to its high content of fatty acids. These fatty acids are responsible for creating a barrier in the skin to protect and retain moisture. Cocoa beans have also been found to contain flavonoid antioxidants and polyphenol, both of which may improve immunity, reduce inflammation and improve heart health. In addition, cocoa butter is also rich in phytochemicals, which are natural plant compounds. These can improve blood flow to the skin and it can also slow down skin aging by protecting it from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
Benefits of cocoa butter
1. Hydrated skin Cocoa butter moisturizes the skin due to the presence of natural antioxidants. Due to its oily condition, the skin also absorbs it easily and can be left on for hours, thus retaining moisture. However, depending on room temperature, cocoa butter can solidify. By adding a little bit of hot water, it will melt and it will become more spreadable and easier to apply to the skin.
2. Cracked lips
Because our lips can't moisturize on their own, they can sometimes become dry and even crack. So a good alternative to lip balm to keep our lips hydrated and soft is cocoa butter.
Cocoa butter can be melted and applied as a lip balm. It also doesn't hurt to add a few oils like vanilla or peppermint to make it flavorful and fragrant. Its emollient property also blocks your lips from hot or cold temperatures, which can cause your lips to dry and crack.
3. Anti-aging The product is rich in antioxidants such as stearic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid, which provide the skin with a protective layer against free radicals and stressors. In addition, studies have also shown that polyphenols from cocoa liquor can soothe skin with rashes and eliminate signs of aging. More research has also shown that the compound polyphenol improves skin tone, skin elasticity, hydration and collagen production. The great thing about cocoa butter is that it is also organic, unlike other beauty products that can contain ingredients that can irritate the skin.
4. Skin conditions
Cocoa butter can also be applied to burned skin. It can also relieve other skin infections such as eczema or rashes.
5. A healthier heart Contrary to the belief that all fats are dangerous for the heart, cocoa butter has been shown to have benefits for heart health. The polyphenolic components have been shown to help lower inflammatory markers that harden the arteries.
