What is Cocoa Powder?
Cocoa powder is an unsweetened dark brown colored powder that is extracted from cocoa beans. Cocoa beans grow in pods in the cacao tree.
To get cocoa powder, the cocoa beans are fermented, dried, roasted and cracked. This forms cocoa nibs which are then ground up which gives up two substances: cocoa butter and a brown paste called chocolate liquor. After pressing out the fat, the chocolate liquor is dried again and the mass is ground to powder. This gives us unsweetened cocoa powder!
1. Skin Repair
Yes, cocoa powder helps repair skin cells! That’s because it is packed with antioxidants that fight off free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that steal oxygen from skin cells to balance themselves. In the process, they make skin cells lose oxygen and become lifeless. This causes a variety of skin problems like blemishes, dull looking skin and more. So make a cocoa powder face mask to repair your skin cells and rejuvenate your face!
2. Improves Skin’s Hydration
Did you know that cocoa powder can actually improve its natural hydration? This works when you consume cocoa powder or apply it on your skin!
3. Exfoliates Dead Cells
Cocoa powder has a gentle exfoliating texture that helps slough off dead cells on skin. It is good for carefully exfoliating sensitive or acne prone skin without irritating it.
4. Fights Acne & Pimples
I recently shared a cacao face mask for acne and it works wonders in reducing the appearance of acne and pimples. Cocoa lessens redness and inflammation caused by acne.
5. Prevents Sun Damage
You know when they say ‘eat your sunscreen.’ Well add cocoa powder to your list of sunscreen foods because it helps prevent sun damage! A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2006 showed that a group of women given a flavanol rich cocoa drink showed 15% less reddening of the skin when exposed to UV light. This is due to its high antioxidant content which fights off free radicals generated when UV light hits the skin.
6. Improves Skin Complexion
Cocoa can improve your skin complexion, making it brighter and clearer! The flavonoids in it nourish the skin, boost its elasticity and help reduce blemishes that make skin dull.
7. Firms Skin
The caffeine and theobromine found in cocoa powder make skin firm, taut and toned. That’s because they help break down fats and eliminate excess fluid retention. So if you have sagging skin, puffy skin and even under eye bags, try making a mask out of cocoa powder and applying it to your face for a few minutes.
8. Makes Hair Shiny & Soft
Cocoa powder isn’t just good for skin, it’s great for hair too! It contains a significant amount of sulfur, which is one of the most important minerals for hair health. Consuming cocoa powder makes your hair shiny and soft naturally.
9. Darkens Hair Naturally
This delicious powder doesn’t just stop at making hair soft and shiny! It also gradually darkens hair and helps cover up grays. So if you’re a brunette, try making a cocoa hair mask or even mixing cocoa powder in warm water and using it as a hair rinse.
10. Slows Down Aging of Skin
Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants called flavonols. The powerful antioxidant properties of flavonols help fight free radicals, hence making skin youthful for longer. Consume cocoa powder and also use it externally to plump your skin cells and fight premature wrinkles!
11. Reduces Cellulite
Enjoy the cellulite clearing powers of cocoa powder! Because of its caffeine and theobromine content, cocoa powder helps drain fatty cells, promote flow of excess fluids out of the body which helps clear off cellulite by firming and tightening the skin. Drink cocoa powder and also make a cocoa coffee scrub to help you with this!
12. Add to your Dry Shampoo
DIY dry shampoo is all the rage these days and what’s more is that it’s so easy to make! Cocoa powder is one of the main ingredients for brunette or dark hair types. Here’s how to make dry shampoo with cocoa powder:
SOURCE: https://beautymunsta.com/beauty-benefits-of-cocoa-powder/
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Zanabella Products that contain pure COCOA!
Mint Chocolate Lip & Hand Butter Balm
​Invigorating Tea Soap