![]() They were also mixed with other botanical ingredients to: cure infections, treat childhood diarrhea, relieve fever and faintness, to reduce phlegm, and also improve the palatability of other medicinal herbs (4,5). TRADITIONAL USESīased on the writings of the Spanish priest Bernardino de Sahagun, the indigenous peoples of Central America used cocoa beans to treat stomach and intestinal complaints and to invigorate the body. These polyphenolics are thought to be the active substances that confer the health benefits associated with cocoa. More recently, clinical trials combined with research on the biochemical composition of cocoa have given us even greater insight into how one of the world’s most popular beans can potentially improve our health.Ĭocoa bean extract refers to an extract of natural polyphenolics or “flavanols” derived from the cocoa bean. We also know about later medicinal uses for cocoa by English, French, and Spanish physicians of the colonial era (4). Thanks to writings by a 16th-century Spanish priest who spent 60 years recording information about native Aztec culture, diet, and medicine, we actually know quite a bit about traditional medicinal uses for cocoa. While most people are familiar with the culinary utility of cocoa, fewer may be aware of how it can be used to improve health. With the subsequent invention of mechanical cocoa bean processing in the 18th century other cocoa confections, often referred to as ‘chocolate’, also became common (3). These drinks, however, were generally consumed for enjoyment and not for medicinal purposes. As cocoa was also used as a Mayan currency, more regular consumption of cocoa was generally limited to people in positions of power and prestige (1).Ĭocoa drinks became popular elsewhere in the world after the Spaniards began trading cocoa beans worldwide in the 16th century (2). These cocoa drinks were likely used by the Olmecs, and later the Mayans and Aztecs, for medicinal purposes and as ritualistic beverages for religious ceremonies. Archaeological evidence indicates that they probably combined ground cocoa beans with water and spices to make a drink. ![]() It’s believed that the Olmecs were the first group of people to discover that cocoa beans were edible and that they made that discovery sometime around 1500 BC. Also Known As: Theobroma cocao extract, Cocoa extract, Cacao extract, Cocoa polyphenols, Cacao polyphenols, Cocoa seed extractĬocoa beans are the seeds of a native Central and South American tree known as Theobroma cocao. ![]()
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