Cocoa nibs contain numerous ingredients that are good for the whole body. They are full of calcium, magnesium, and even antioxidants.
The main ingredients and their effects are as follows:
N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA)
N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), also known as Anandamide is an endogenous endorphin found in cocoa. It is a fatty neurotransmitter that brings about the feelings of excitement like opioids and morphine.
This receptor interacts with other brain receptors that help to reduce the feelings of pain in the body and trigger positive emotions.
The endorphin is only secreted by the body when we are happy and we feel good, hence the name “Ananda” in Sanskrit, which means bliss or Joy.
This means that, when the body releases anandamide, the endogenous anandamide keeps us feeling well and happy for a longer period.
Antioxidants
Cocoa has a high concentration of antioxidants. Its concentration is even more than in pomegranate, Goji Berry, acai, and green tea.
Antioxidants help reduce free radicals from the body and protect our DNA from damage. It also protects us against age-related diseases and nutritional deficiencies.
Calcium
Another nutrient in high composition in cocoa nibs is Calcium. It is still the largest supplier of calcium, far more than milk because cocoa has about 160 mg of calcium in 100 grams of cocoa.
Therefore, Cocoa nibs are a good alternative source of calcium to milk. Vegans who don’t take milk can take cocoa nibs as tea.
Calcium is very important for healthy bones and teeth. So also it helps the heart muscle and nerves to perform optimally.
For these reasons, cocoa nibs are so popular among athletes. People with calcium deficiency will get a boost after taking it as tea for a couple of weeks.
Magnesium
Cocoa nibs are a good source of magnesium. There is has about 415 mg magnesium in every 100 grams of cocoa.
Magnesium helps in the growth of the bones of the body’s health, boosts brain performance, and on the other hand supports the heart since it improves blood.
Cocoa nibs should, therefore, be an important part of your heart-friendly diet.
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
This organic compound that acts as a stimulant to the brain can be found in cocoa. PEA is a hormone-like secretion that acts as a neurotransmitter in our body.
This chemical is naturally produced in the body when we’re happy and it makes us more focused, result-oriented. This probably also explains why chocolate makes people happy.
Phenylethylamine is also an antidepressant and helps our body to get relaxed and we tend to feel happy and comfortable.
In combination with calcium, PEA among others also acts as an appetite suppressant.
Salsolinol
Salsolinol is an alkaloid that affects the brain in practically the same way as an antidepressant. Therefore, the consumption of cocoa seeds is good for happy hormones and it makes us happy.
In addition, Salsolinol makes you feel positive, motivated, and in a good mood.
Other Ingredients of Cacao Nibs
There are many other trace elements in cacao nibs. One of them is Chromium which may help improve insulin sensitivity, suppress hunger and reduce weight.
Iron is also contained in cocoa, so also Copper and Manganese are important to strengthen the immune system
Manganese and Iron, for example, are important for the formation of hemoglobin,
Zinc is also an ingredient of cocoa and is for the immune system and it’s also important for the liver and the pancreas.
Theobromine
The stimulating substance Theobromine acts much like caffeine, it’s much milder. It ensures that the nervous system is stimulated and also the blood vessels are widened. Without any doubt, the cocoa seed has a stimulating effect.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is also included in a remarkable share in cocoa. The amino acid helps in mind improvement because it is important for the body’s production of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
A high serotonin content improves not only the stress defense, but also reduces anxiety, helps one out of depression, and make you feel happy and motivated.
In addition, high serotonin levels will also help us to feel very good. When the serotonin level is low, on the other hand, leads to despondency and depression, and inevitably leads to a mood swing.
Conclusion
Many studies were carried out on cocoa which could prove that its nutrients have good effects on the body.
For example, a study was conducted in Nigeria which showed that the ingredients of cocoa might prevent high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. This is very interesting, especially for diabetics.
Another study in the year 2013 is on the anti-microbial effect of cocoa. In Indonesia, an investigation was conducted in 2016 which showed that Endothelial dysfunction can be improved with cocoa.
Endothelial dysfunction is a dysfunction of the endothelium, the inner wall of blood vessels. Problems of the inner wall of blood vessels may be due to increased LDL cholesterol.