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‘Theobroma Cacao’, as cocoa is called literally means ‘Foods of the Gods’. Cocoa finds its first mention in the literature of the 1500s when a drink called ‘Chocolat’ was served to the king of the Aztecs. The Aztecs believed that each sip of the drink would bring wisdom and knowledge.  Cocoa Overview
The Cocoa is native to the tropics of South and Central America. The tree grows to about 35 feet in height and is cultivated in many hot climates in the world, particularly in the West of Africa.When the tree is mature, it bears fragrant creamy pink flowers that develop into football-shaped fruits. The cocoa seeds are embedded within the pulp of the fruit. The seeds are fermented and dried, roasted, shelled and processed. In the olden times, cocoa has been used by Central Americans to treat fever, coughs and alleviate the pain of pregnancy and childbirth. The primary alkaloid found in cocoa is called theobromine, and it has an effect that is almost similar to caffeine. It helps to stimulate the heart, muscles and kidneys. It also helps to remove any congestion in the bronchial passages during a bout of cold. That is why people suffering from cold are usually made to go to bed after a cup of hot cocoa. The methylxanthines in cocoa makes it an excellent diuretic. Benefits of Cocoa Cocoa has long been used as a cardiac stimulant and coronary dilator. In recent times, it is used in beauty products and is considered to add richness, clarity and elasticity to the skin. Hence cocoa is even used in body and face masks. In olden times, cocoa seeds were crushed and taken as a kidney and heart tonic. Because of its excellent emollient properties, Cocoa butter makes a good lip salve, and unlike other fats, it is not greasy and has a pleasant smell. Cocoa butter is also used to soften chapped hands. Cocoa is often combined with digitalis to relieve the accumulation of fluid in the body resulting from cardiac problems. Many of the tablets we use contain a coating of cocoa butter that makes the pill easy to eat. Patients suffering from high blood pressure also find cocoa useful because it dilates the blood vessels. According to recent studies, the flavanols found in cocoa have a beneficial effect on vascular health. In fact, cocoa is supposed to overtake both garlic as well as Green Tea as a protective antioxidant supplier. The seeds are also supposed to contain low amounts of endorphins, the feel-good hormone. It also helps that the herb tastes so darn good when enriched with a bit of sugar. Cocoa Cautions Cocoa is not reported to have any harmful side effect. It may however exacerbate the symptoms of those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Cocoa is also reported to have a fatal effect on pets, especially young pets. Cocoa butter may cause allergy in some people. Though there is no evidence of this, cocoa is supposed to trigger headaches and acne in some people, especially those who are prone to migraine. Since the herb relaxes the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, it may lead to heartburn if taken immediately after food.
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