Chocolate chip ice cream, brownies, fondant cakes, and bars are some of the rich foods that may come to mind when one thinks of cocoa butter. However, this delectable component is also an essential part of many cosmetic and health-related items.
One of the several fats extracted from cocoa beans is cocoa butter. Extraction of cocoa beans from the cacao plant yields cocoa butter. After that, the cocoa butter, a type of fat, is extracted by roasting, stripping, and pressing the beans. Cocoa powder is made from the leftovers.
Cocoa’s medicinal properties date back almost three thousand years. The ancient Maya and Aztecs loved it so much that they even used chocolate as money. Recent studies have shown that cocoa’s phytochemicals may have health benefits for the body and skin.
Among the many products that include cocoa butter are:
- Chocolates including dark, milk, and white
- Gianduja chocolate, a confection made with hazelnuts and cocoa
- Delicacies such as chocolate bars, ice cream, cakes, and cookies; drinks like hot chocolate and lattes
Cocoa vs Cacao Butter
Many people think “cocoa butter” and “cacao butter” mean the same thing, but that’s not necessarily the case. They maintain that cocoa butter is an improved version of the original raw butter, but cacao butter is the authentic raw butter.
Because of the low temperatures used in processing, cacao is sometimes referred to as “unrefined.” However, high temperatures are used to refine cocoa butter. They may seem different to some, but they’re really quite similar in function and application, and you can reap the same rewards from both.
Benefits of Cocoa Butter
Chapped Lips and Skin
When it comes to DIY lip balms, cocoa butter is one of the most common ingredients used to soothe dry, cracked lips. Infuse it with peppermint, grapefruit, vanilla, or orange oil to create lip balms that are nourishing and tasty, perfect for sensitive skin.
Emollient cocoa butter coats the lips in a protective film of moisture, shielding them from the drying effects of extreme cold, sun exposure, or interior heating.
Prevents Aging Signs
Cocoa mass polyphenols are a class of chemicals present in cocoa butter that have shown promise in several trials for a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis, rashes, and symptoms of aging. Antioxidants known as polyphenols have dual benefits: they improve health when consumed orally and when applied topically to the skin. Research has shown that the polyphenols in cocoa can ward off a wide range of chronic diseases, skin aging, allergies, and even genetic abnormalities.
Studies have shown that cocoa butter’s polyphenols have numerous beneficial effects on skin health, including lowering the signs of photoaging, improving skin tone and elasticity, retaining and producing collagen better, and keeping the skin more hydrated. Research has demonstrated that both cocoa butter and commercially available products can have beneficial effects, but only cocoa butter does not include any additives that could be hazardous or irritating.
Calms Skin Inflammations
For faster skin healing after a fire, try massaging some pure cocoa butter into the affected area. Be sure it is pure and free of alcohol, scents, and other ingredients that could exacerbate skin inflammation and sensitivity.
With its mild formulation, natural remedies for skin rashes, eczema, and dermatitis are possible. Aloe vera and tea tree oil are wonderful additives when applied to burned or injured skin.
Shaving Cream
If you want to shave while also moisturizing your skin, try using cocoa butter in the tub. It dissolves in hot water and won’t block your pipes. For smooth, nick-free skin after shaving, try using a small amount before you hit the razor. Another fantastic time to apply it is right after a shower when the steam from the water helps to open pores and absorb the products more effectively.
Promote Better Heart Health
Although saturated fats have a bad reputation for adding to heart problems, many scientists now think that saturated fats found in plants can help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Cocoa is now recognized as a food that helps reduce inflammation due to research showing that the polyphenolic components in cocoa butter can help lower inflammatory indicators associated with atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries).
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Cacao Ivoire Québec uses only natural cocoa beans in its production. Cocoa butter, a naturally occurring fat derived from cocoa beans, is an ingredient in chocolate, other sweets, and skin care products. Although it solidifies at room temperature, it melts at body warmth and has a thick, creamy consistency. The abundance of antioxidants and other beneficial components in cocoa butter has led many to conclude that it has medicinal properties.