Cocoa butter: application, properties and composition

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

In ancient times, when no one even thought about scientific medicine, people studied and looked for the use of the beneficial properties of the plants that surrounded them. This was the only way to find ways to cure diseases, and knowledge was passed down from generation to generation. The use of cocoa butter has an ancient history that began long before the seeds of the plant reached Europe.

How did we learn about cocoa

According to historical chronicles and archaeological excavations, cocoa beans were known on the territory of modern Mexico already in the 13-15 centuries BC and were used by the Aztecs. During the wars, Europeans destroyed the ancient civilization without adopting the necessary knowledge about an exotic plant.

Recipes have been preserved in history on how to make a delicious drink from beans, and nothing more. It was only in the 16th century that cocoa was looked at not from the point of view of food, but for medical purposes, based on the culinary knowledge of cocoa butter.

How to get butter from cocoa beans

To date, there are many applications of cocoa butter. Its production is put on stream and is used asfor culinary, medical and cosmetic purposes.

The process of obtaining oil is considered the final process in the processing of the fruit of the chocolate tree. First of all, cocoa beans are dried, kept under certain conditions for some time and roasted.

After obtaining dark and hard beans, they are crushed and ground to a powder state. And the already obtained product is subjected to strong pressure of the oil press.

What does cocoa butter contain

Being naturally a vegetable fat, cocoa butter has a wide range of beneficial micronutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and finally caffeine.

This product contains important vitamins:

• Vitamin E, or tocopherol, which provides great immunomodulatory support to the body, is great for the prevention of muscular dystrophy and anemia.
• Vitamin K, which plays an important role in maintaining normal blood clotting in humans, as well as stimulating the absorption of other vital trace elements.

Among other things, cocoa butter contains a number of fatty acids, most of which are inherent in the human body:

• Stearic.
• Oleic.
• Arachinic.
• Linoleic.
• Lauric.
• Palmitic.

To varying degrees, these acids are produced by the human skin, which makes the properties and use of cocoa butter even more important.

What can behe althy cocoa butter

First and foremost it has proven antioxidant properties and is great for boosting immunity and reducing inflammation in the body.

When eaten, the oil has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, increases the strength of blood vessels and cleanses the blood, it is believed that it can also serve as a prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Regular use of cocoa butter, as an external product, improves skin condition, helps heal wounds and burns, and also fights dermatitis and other skin problems. Natural fat can be used as a remedy for healing sores, cracked lips, as well as for the treatment of problems of the rectum and cervix.

Using a small amount of oil for hair treatments can help rebalance the scalp and get rid of dandruff, as well as prevent dryness and hair loss.

Medicine, having studied all the properties of cocoa beans and their derivatives, seeks to maximize the usefulness of these products.

Cocoa butter in folk medicine

The medicinal properties of cocoa butter and its use in folk recipes is an excellent support for the body, and in some cases can replace traditional medicine. However, the decision must be made by the doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Cocoa for cough

The use of cocoa butter for cough is recommended firstturn in the cold season, when the body loses some of its protective properties and is prone to colds.

Can be used for both prevention and treatment of diseases. Doctors may recommend its use in order to provide additional support to the body.

The properties and use of cocoa butter for coughs often cause controversy and controversy. However, no one will dispute the warming effect that the product has. It is recommended during illness to rub the chest and back with massage movements, which will improve blood circulation and allow you to quickly clear the bronchi and lungs.

It is believed that if you mix butter with cocoa powder, the effect will be better, and more useful substances will enter the body. Here it is necessary to make a reservation that the natural powder should be reddish in color.

A simple and affordable cough recipe (used for sore throat, bronchitis):

• Dilute about 20-30 grams of cocoa powder in a glass of milk and boil.
• After cooling the drink, add a spoonful of honey and a spoonful of cocoa butter.
• Take the drink warm (before going to bed), it will soothe irritated mucous membranes and relieve cough.

Children will like this medicine thanks to the smell of chocolate and sweet taste, and if you rub the oil externally and wrap the patient in the process, then a restful he althy sleep is guaranteed.

Cocoa heals

As mentioned, cocoa butter has healing properties and can help with minor burns, cracks, abrasions and diaper rash.

Prepare the ointmentat home is not difficult:

• All you need is turmeric and cocoa butter.
• It is necessary to mix the components in equal proportions and apply to the damaged surface.

Mixture is recommended to be stored in a cool place, preferably in the refrigerator. Before applying, let it warm up to room temperature, and then apply a bandage to the wound.

In traditional medicine, cocoa butter is used in a number of medicines to treat hemorrhoids and cervical erosion. Such funds are available as suppositories to be injected into the damaged area.

Cocoa against stress

Chocolate, even its smell, causes a positive reaction in a person, so to improve the state of mind during an illness or just after a hard day, making a sweet drink will be an indispensable option.

A cup of hot drink, but always with cocoa butter, will quickly and tasty relieve excessive nervous tension.

Using oil as a massage is a great way to relax the body and promote sound sleep, which can also be an indispensable recipe for stress.

The use of cocoa butter in cosmetology

Chocolate fruit oil is an ingredient in many skincare products. Due to its natural properties, it is excellent for softening, moisturizing, nourishing and, as described above, repairing the skin.

According to the reviews on the use of cocoa butter, it can be judged that it is excellentstimulates the facial skin of older women, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improves elasticity.

An interesting fact is that in frosty times, the oil saves the skin of the face from peeling, and on sunny days it protects from ultraviolet radiation, while nourishing in a balanced way and does not cause unwanted shine.

The skin of the lips in a harsh winter will also say thank you if you lubricate it with cocoa butter at night. This will keep the softness, elasticity and avoid painful cracks.

Products can be purchased at stores and pharmacies, or you can cook at home and see for yourself the effectiveness of the use and properties of cocoa butter in cosmetology.

Easy recipes for a home beautician

Face care for a woman is a very reverent and delicate process, the skin requires increased attention and easily reacts to any adverse factors. Therefore, before proceeding with the procedure, it is necessary to make sure that there are no allergies to components, including cocoa bean oil.

The use of cocoa butter for the face in home cosmetology is considered the best option, as it is suitable for almost any skin type.

Light face mask:

• A non-allergic vegetable or fruit is selected and fresh juice is squeezed out.
• Teaspoon of cocoa butter mixed with juice and milk (in equal proportions).
• The resulting mixture is applied to the skin of the face, without affecting the areas around the eyes.
• Washed off after ten minutes with clean water.

For ladies of age, a mask recipe is suitable:

• Fresh parsley must be finely chopped.
• A teaspoon of cocoa butter is added to a small amount of greens (about a tablespoon) and mixed thoroughly.
• The resulting mass is applied to the face for about half an hour.
• Washes off with clean water.

At home, the use of cocoa butter as a hair care product is also common. Especially useful for dry, prone to hair loss. When the product is rubbed into the scalp, beneficial substances penetrate into the bulbs, filling them and nourishing them with useful microelements. The effect of such a procedure may be noticeable after the first application.

Despite the exotic nature of the plant itself, the oil is quite commercially available. It is best to purchase it in a pharmacy, so as not to doubt the naturalness. Instructions for the use of cocoa butter are attached, but are more of an informational nature, describing the beneficial properties and applications. The most important thing is to pay attention to the composition so that there are no dyes and preservatives.

The role of cocoa butter in cooking

Perhaps this is the most famous application in all circles. In one form or another, cocoa is consumed all over the world every day. Confectionery is unthinkable without the use of cocoa butter.

It is cocoa butter and powder that give chocolate its characteristic smell, taste and satiety. An interesting fact is that cocoa powder is not used for the production of white chocolate, and was created to get rid of excess oil.

Allergic reaction to overeating chocolate is caused precisely by cocoa, which is part of it. It is important to pay attention to the high calorie content of butter, so people who are watching their weight should be careful not to overeat sweet chocolate products.

Storing oil at home

In order for cocoa butter to retain its properties and serve only for the benefit of your he alth, you must follow the rules for its storage.

Quality butter is yellowish or creamy in color, smells like chocolate (cocoa), and remains solid at normal temperatures. If the oil turns gray or white, then this indicates the end of its expiration date and incorrect storage.

Ideal conditions for cocoa butter are considered to be temperatures no higher than 18 degrees Celsius and humidity over 70%, storage containers should not let in daylight.

When buying oil, it is important to ask about the production date, despite the long shelf life, it is better to play it safe. And most importantly, cosmetic oil is not suitable for human consumption.

The correct choice of product is important for effective results.