Why cocoa butter is useful, how to make it at home

Many chocolate lovers dream of a chocolate tree growing near their home. In fact, the fruits of such a tree are not eaten without processing. The beans are used to obtain valuable cocoa and fatty base from its pomace. The benefits and harms of cocoa butter depend on the conditions of use and rules of use.

What cocoa butter looks like

Everything related to chocolate products has a special shade of dark brown. The fatty base of cocoa looks different from what it is presented in commercials and illustrations for colorful cookbooks.

This is a product that is obtained after roasting the fruits of the chocolate tree, grinding them into small cereals and pressing them in hydraulic machines.

Its physical characteristics:

• white-yellow color;
• property to freeze at low temperatures;
• melt at a low temperature;
• specific aroma of chocolate.

Types of cocoa butter

Two main types of oil are obtained from the fruit of the chocolate tree:

1. Unrefined... This is a natural fat with the maximum content of nutrients, without the last stage of cleaning.
2. Refined... Contains less fatty acids, is free of impurities, has no odor. This type has an increased shelf life.

The chemical composition of cocoa butter

The main advantage of the cocoa butter base is the content of vegetable fats, which have unique properties.

The basic composition is a mixture of organic substances with fatty vegetable acids, among which the content is increased:

• oleic;
• stearic;
• palmetinic;
• linoleic.

In addition, traces of arachidic acid are present.

Oleic acid belongs to the group of monounsaturated Omega-9 fatty acids and is a component of vegetable and animal fats. It has beneficial properties to influence many chemical reactions in the body.

The oil also contains vitamins E, D, K. Among the substances that give it a unique taste and endow it with useful properties, the presence of tannins and caffeine is increased.

Useful properties of cocoa butter

The health benefit or harm from using cocoa butter is determined by the way it is used. It is suitable as an external agent and also as a base for the preparation of sweets.

Omega-3, -6, -9 acids are necessary for the human body in order to:

• maintain immune strength;
• to provide natural growth, development of musculoskeletal tissue;
• help strengthen hair, nails.

Unsaturated acids in cocoa butter tend to have a healing effect on the human body:

1. Replacing the base of other fats leads to the prevention of atherosclerosis, stops the harm from the development of cholesterol plaques.
2. Tannins and caffeine are beneficial for the condition of the hair, the upper layers of the epidermis.
3. The substances contained in the composition have a positive effect on the state of blood vessels, prevent the appearance of varicose veins.
4. Regular consumption helps to improve brain function and also reduces the harm from developing ulcers.

Cocoa butter treatment

The benefits of the use of cocoa butter for the body lies in the unique effect of compounds of substances.

Various mixtures are used for treatment:

• sore throats;
• pneumonia;
• bronchitis and other inflammations of the upper respiratory tract;
• pancreatic diseases;
• nasal congestion and other manifestations of cold symptoms.

The beneficial properties help with cough relief. This becomes possible due to the ability of the substances contained to have an expectorant effect.

For colds, coughs and runny nose

The appearance of cold symptoms requires immediate action to eliminate the harm from them. Cocoa butter is used as part of a variety of oral products and benefits not only as a curative effect on health, but also improves mood. Thanks to the production of the "hormone of joy", all products made on their basis have such a useful property of the fruit of the chocolate tree.

To get rid of cough spasms, a drink is prepared based on:

• 1 tbsp. warm milk;
• 1 tbsp. l. cocoa fat.

The drink is drunk 2 times daily for 7 days. The mixture softens the inflamed larynx, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the mucous membrane.

Colds are treated with an unrefined remedy, applied externally. The mucous membranes of the nose are lubricated with a fatty base 4 - 5 times daily. The benefit of this method lies in softening the tissues, acting on them from the inside. This helps to get rid of a runny nose without resorting to the method of vasoconstriction.

The harm of a severe cough is reduced by using a tile, which is used as a lozenge. This method helps to relieve cough spasm, helps relieve inflammation of the larynx.

With angina, tuberculosis and pneumonia

The properties of cocoa butter are beneficial in treating complex respiratory conditions, not just coughs. To do this, it is mixed with additional components.

With badger fat

Both fats are taken in equal amounts, melted, mixed. Eat before meals 2 times daily.

With propolis

The composition is prepared in the proportion: 10 parts of cocoa fat to 1 part of crushed propolis. The components are melted and mixed. Take 1/2 tsp. 3 times daily. The composition helps to soften the sore throat, and also has the beneficial property of activating the regeneration processes, which is especially valuable for those who are sick with tuberculosis.

With hemorrhoids

Fat may be beneficial when used topically to treat hemorrhoidal fissures. The regenerating property promotes healing and prevents the spread of inflammation.

To relieve symptoms and relieve itching, lotions are made 4 to 5 times daily.

For diseases and skin lesions

The components of cocoa butter can be beneficial for skin lesions and allergic skin diseases. It tends to soften damaged areas after frostbite, as well as reduce pain after burns.

Frostbite is treated with a mixture of two fats: sea buckthorn and cocoa. They are taken in equal proportions, mixed, applied to the skin in a thick layer or under a lotion from a gauze bandage.

The use of cocoa butter in cosmetology

Useful properties are used in the industrial production of cosmetics, as well as in home cosmetology recipes.

They benefit the skin of the face, scalp, and improve the structure of the hair. This is possible due to several actions of the product:

• anti-inflammatory;
• regenerating;
• bactericidal.

On an industrial scale, cocoa fat is used to prepare hair products, face masks, and lip balms.

For facial skin

The use of the product for facial skin is due to a whole list of beneficial properties.

• it softens and moisturizes dry skin;
• helps to smooth out fine wrinkles;
• increases the natural elasticity of the epidermis;
• is beneficial in terms of normalizing complexion.

The properties of cocoa butter are used to treat the delicate skin around the eyes. It is able to moisturize and also prevent the formation of dark circles under the eyes.

Universal face care

Grease the skin with a fatty base, leave it for 10 minutes, then wipe the face with warm milk. This method using cocoa butter has the beneficial property of softening and restoring the moisture balance of the skin.

Rejuvenating mask

Combine equal parts of oils:

• cocoa;
• jojoba;
• olive.

This beneficial remedy is applied to the face, avoiding the eyelid area. After 30 - 35 minutes, remove unabsorbed residues with a cotton swab. The benefits of cocoa butter for facial skin in this mask is to restore elasticity to the top layer.

For the beauty and health of hair

The benefits of regular use of cocoa butter for hair lies in improving the appearance of the hair: it strengthens the structure, stimulates growth and reduces inflammation around the hair follicles.

For moisturizing, eliminating brittle hair

A natural product is used. It is melted in a water bath, rubbed in, wrapped in a towel and left for 30 minutes. Then it is washed off with a regular shampoo.

For thin hair

The mask has the property of helping to strengthen the hair along its entire length.

• 2 tbsp. l. cocoa fat;
• vitamins A, E 6 drops each;
• orange extract 3 drops.

The mixture is rubbed into the scalp, lubricated hair along the entire length, wrapped in a towel, and left for 2 hours.

For lips

The properties of cocoa butter from the fruit of the chocolate tree can be beneficial for the skin of the face and the surface of the lips. Lip cracks appear after being in severe frost, after taking antibiotics, a high temperature, which lasts for several days.

Damaged lips are smeared with a small tile several times during the day. The tool is not only effective in eliminating this trouble, but also tastes good.

For the treatment of regularly appearing cracks, an ointment is prepared based on cocoa fat and beeswax. They are melted, mixed and poured into a storage jar. Over time, the mixture becomes similar to an industrial lip balm.

For eyelashes

Lashes are lubricated with a fatty base. This activates growth due to the content of beneficial vitamins. The product also tends to help thicken the eyelashes.

For hands

Application for hands and nails does not require additional preparation. Take a tile and rub it into the skin of your hands. The remedy is especially useful for the cuticle. It is often used before starting a manicure.

For feet

A few drops are taken from the heel spur or cracks in the feet, lubricate the feet, put on socks and leave such a compress overnight. In the morning, the feet become smooth and even.

For a beautiful tan

The product is actively used for tanning, it has the property of activating the production of melanin and partially reducing the harm from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

It is applied as a stand-alone product or added to nutritional and protective products.

Cellulite

The benefits of cocoa butter for the body are in the anti-cellulite effect. It is actively used in massages.

Before the massage, the skin is warmed up with a warm shower or light rubbing, then the procedure is performed.

Chocolate wraps are a success. To do this, rub the problem areas with a few drops of the product, then wrap them with plastic wrap and leave for several hours. The effect of this method appears after the first application.

For stretch marks

The beneficial properties of fat are used to get rid of stretch marks that appear on the body after drastic weight loss. This phenomenon often provokes pregnancy or unbalanced diets without taking into account physical activity.

The product is rubbed with light massaging movements into the abdomen, buttocks, sides. The components affect the upper layer of the epidermis, activate the recovery processes.

For the elasticity of the breasts

Increasing the elasticity of the skin on and around the breasts helps to tone and shape the breasts.

To do this, after carrying out hygiene procedures, the product is rubbed in with massage movements. This method will be especially useful when performing massage in a lying position.

How cocoa butter is used in cooking

The unrefined product is used to create special chocolate desserts. The fat base is used for the preparation of glaze, drinks, sauces. There is almost no harm from such dishes, if they are not overused.

The product has become an essential ingredient for the preparation of filled chocolates, simple chocolate bars and chocolate baked goods.

Harm of cocoa butter and contraindications

The benefits of ingestion or external use can be minimized if use is contraindicated due to the presence of diseases incompatible with the product, as well as in cases:

• the tendency to accumulate extra pounds;
• to allergic reactions: harm can be caused even by external use;
• if consumed excessively: Caffeine and tannins can harm the nervous system.

How to make cocoa butter at home

Cooking at home will require additional tools, as well as the original product - the fruit of the chocolate tree. The beans are quickly fried, then peeled and placed in a juicer. You can use a meat grinder or grater. The processed product should be a yellowish liquid, which will begin to solidify when the temperature drops.

How to choose and store cocoa butter

The product is chosen according to several parameters. Poor quality oil or fat prepared in violation of technological requirements can harm the body.

Any deviations from the norms are evidence that the product is tampered with. Such a substance can be harmful if used in its pure form or when added to dishes.

A cool, dark place is suitable for storage. At elevated temperatures, fat deteriorates and loses its beneficial properties.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of cocoa butter depend on the methods of production and preparation. The fatty base of the fruit of the chocolate tree is distinguished by its special taste and useful properties. The ancient Aztecs called cocoa beans "the sacred gift of the gods", and drinks and liquids obtained after pressing - "sacred drink".

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