Craving something sweet? Try gut-friendly cocoa
Do you feel like your stomach hasn't been quite right lately, or are you struggling with cold hands and feet?
Are you dealing with concerns like these?
Perhaps the power of cocoa can solve them!
In this article, we will focus on the hidden power of cocoa, specifically the dietary fiber known as lignin, as well as theobromine and cacao polyphenols, and introduce their amazing benefits and recommended ways to drink it.
Amazing dietary fiber! The secret of lignin in cocoa
Cocoa is rich in a special type of dietary fiber called lignin.
What makes it significantly different from common dietary fiber is its resistance to digestion. Remarkably, over 80% of the lignin consumed is excreted as stool!
This indigestible property is the greatest appeal of lignin.
It is believed that as lignin moves through the intestines, it traps unnecessary substances and carries them out of the body.
In fact, studies verifying how cocoa consumption affects bowel movements have confirmed its effectiveness in improving regularity.
If you have been feeling constipated lately, please give cocoa a try.
Reduces stool odor too!? Lignin's ammonia-absorbing power
Furthermore, lignin is thought to have the ability to absorb ammonia, which is a source of foul odors.
Experiments have proven that consuming cocoa can reduce the odor of stool.
It's truly killing two birds with one stone, as it not only improves bowel movements but also suppresses stool odor!
A must-see for those with cold sensitivity! The vasodilatory effects of theobromine and cacao polyphenols
Cocoa is rich in components such as the bitter compounds theobromine, flavanols, and procyanidins (a type of cacao polyphenol).
These components have the effect of dilating peripheral blood vessels, making them especially recommended for those who suffer from cold hands and feet.
Cocoa also contains iron, with about four times the amount found in spinach.
Blood flow is essential for solving coldness from the root.
Women in particular often suffer from hidden anemia, which also affects skin condition, so it is a nutrient you want to replenish thoroughly.
Drink warm cocoa and get nice and toasty from the inside out!
Recommended way to drink cocoa: Use pure cocoa for gut health and satisfy your sweet tooth!
If you're going to drink cocoa, you want to maximize its benefits, right?
That's why I recommend homemade cocoa using pure cocoa.
Commercially available prepared cocoa mixes can contain a lot of sugar and additives, so it's better to avoid unnecessary ingredients whenever possible.
If you want sweetness, I recommend adding oligosaccharides or amazake.
Oligosaccharides serve as food for gut bacteria and can be expected to help improve the gut environment.
Amazake is so nutritious it's often called a drinkable IV drip.
Both go perfectly with cocoa, helping with gut health while satisfying your cravings for something sweet.
Easy! How to make homemade cocoa
Put 2 teaspoons of pure cocoa in a mug and dissolve it with a small amount of hot water (warmed soy milk or milk is also fine).
Add 1-2 tablespoons of oligosaccharides or amazake and 200ml of milk or soy milk.
You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if you like.
It's also great to make it with almond milk or similar alternatives.
Cocoa is
an effective way to improve bowel movements and reduce stool odor thanks to lignin
a way to improve sensitivity to cold through theobromine and cacao polyphenols
and is a versatile drink that can be expected to provide various health benefits.
Be sure to incorporate cocoa into your daily life and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lifestyle from the inside out!