In addition to cocoa powder, there is also cocoa butter. Here we will talk about its properties and application in cosmetology today.
Cocoa butter is obtained by pressing the beans of the cocoa tree. This is a fairly hard and brittle substance, which becomes watery and oily after heating, and it is enough to heat up to 35 degrees. Cocoa butter is known in the culinary and cosmetic industries. It has a pleasant aroma and numerous beneficial properties.
Useful properties of cocoa butter:
1. natural natural antioxidant
2. Healing and tonic effect
3. Strengthening capillaries
4. Prevention of oxidative processes
5. Reducing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease
6. Protecting the heart muscle from weakening
7. Reducing the likelihood of developing cancer
8. Improving collagen synthesis and skin hydration
9. Normalization of cholesterol in the blood
10. Improving blood circulation in the brain
11. Skin protection from UV rays
Cocoa butter is used as a fatty base in cosmetics and recipes. It is based on, which improve the condition of the body, create a rejuvenating effect. Cocoa butter is also added to medicines - against peeling lips, burns and other skin damage.
Everyone is familiar with a depressive state, for many it occurs in autumn and winter, and for some in the spring there are such ailments. Cocoa butter will help protect yourself from this disease. With the help of oil, the work of the whole organism improves.
Is there any harm in eating cocoa butter? Yes, there is, but from excessive consumption, as, indeed, from all other foods, vegetables and fruits, which we sometimes get carried away with excessively.
If you love sweets, chocolate and other products that contain cocoa, you should also be aware of the results of abuse. And here are the main ones - metabolic disorders can occur; the appearance of excess weight and as a result, the appearance of acne is possible.
And hence the contraindications of cocoa butter: for those who have diabetes; obese or with impaired metabolism, as well as young children (up to a year), since the oil contains a small amount of caffeine.
Maybe someone will ask - what about allergies? Specialists - doctors and nutritionists say that cocoa beans themselves will not cause allergies, but we should not forget that when we use our favorite sweets and other chocolate products, before we put this tidbit in our mouth, it goes through various stages of processing, where other chemical products.
Composition of cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat. The composition of cocoa products includes the same substances, but in different amounts and ratios. In cocoa butter, the highest fat content is approximately 95%, the remaining 5% is water, biologically active substances of a lipid nature (oleic, stearic, lauric, palmitic, linolenic fatty acids) and other substances.
The lowest fat content in cocoa powder, however, it contains more carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Cocoa powder is rich in vitamins and microelements, as well as biologically active compounds of the protein structure, which includes dopamine and serotonin.
Cocoa beans contain the largest amount of biologically active substances. So, back to cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is very fatty, hard, pale yellow in color. It has a high calorie content. The most useful and fragrant is natural, unprocessed oil. As a result of processing, the product loses some of its properties, and even the aroma partially disappears. In terms of antioxidant properties, cocoa butter is superior to other natural remedies.
The quality of an oil is determined by its purity from chemicals. It is easy to confuse it with substitutes, which is sometimes used by dishonest sellers. The oil is in a solid state at 20°C, starts to melt above 35 degrees. If it melts at 20 degrees, then this indicates its poor quality.
When buying cocoa butter, you may encounter a rather poor-quality product. Most best oil, obtained from cocoa beans grown without chemicals. Its cost is high. The first thing to pay attention to is the color of the oil. As already mentioned, cocoa butter has a light yellow color, but not white. With white color there can be a substitute. The oil has an aromatic smell of cocoa. If the oil does not smell, this is also a substitute.
As a substitute, it may be Palm oil with low cocoa content. Hence the conclusion - do not choose the cheapest oil.
Cocoa butter can be stored in a cool place, and not necessarily in the refrigerator, as long as it is not in direct sunlight. If the room is too hot, you can put it in the refrigerator. Shelf life up to 2 years.
Properties and application in cosmetology
Due to the content of biologically active components in the oil, it is used in cosmetology, for the manufacture of creams, shampoos, soaps and other products, in salon cosmetology - for body, face and hair care. Cocoa butter is used to soften, mainly in the care of dry skin. It is also used for skin rejuvenation.
What are the results of using cocoa butter?
The oil has regenerating, moisturizing properties. It nourishes the skin, smoothes fine wrinkles, restores the cellular structure and strengthens the capillary walls. Cocoa butter can eliminate peeling, redness, flabbiness of the skin, promotes the healing of small wounds.
This is one that boosts immunity. Cocoa butter can also be used as a night cream if the skin is dry. During winter, when going outside in windy and frosty weather, you can lubricate your lips and face with oil. Covering the surface of the skin with a thin film, it protects the skin. Moisturizers that have a high water content are not suitable for this purpose.
Cocoa butter can also be used for hands, it nourishes, softens and protects the skin. The oil is suitable for use in home cosmetics. It can be used both in its pure form and as part of masks. It is suitable for any type of skin.
If you want to use it in its pure form, take a piece of oil in your hands and massage it over the skin. The piece will melt and remain on the skin as a greasy layer. But all this will pass quickly, as it is well absorbed. Cocoa butter can also be used for the eye area. There are also other options for using oil at home. Slightly melt the oil and add it in the amount of a few drops to any face cream.
In the summer, this miracle remedy can be used not only as protection from the sun's rays, it will also help to achieve a beautiful tan. The latter property is best used by those who need a tan.
Recipes with cocoa butter at home
Of course you like the flavor of chocolate. And if you also remember the benefits of oil, then try preparing the following masks.
Mask for nourishing and rejuvenating facial skin
Mix 1 teaspoon of melted cocoa butter, 1 yolk, 1 teaspoon of liquid honey and any fruit juice, add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to face and neck for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. After this mask, the cream can not be applied.
Melted butter can be mixed with an essential oil of your choice and applied in a thin layer to your face. This procedure will help with extreme dryness and flaking of the skin.
You can make a face cream based on cocoa butter. To do this, melt a teaspoon of our product in a water bath, add the same amount of jojoba, peach, olive oil. Mix everything, remove from heat and add a few drops of essential oil. Place the container in which the mass was prepared in cold water for cooling. The cream is ready.
The pleasant aroma of cocoa butter, its emollient properties and velvety texture have made it one of the most popular ingredients in cosmetic products. It can be found in lotions, soaps, creams, and other types of cosmetics.
The oil can be used to treat chapped skin, to prevent dryness and itching, and to care for lips.
For example, lip balm.
15 ml of beeswax, 20 ml of cocoa butter, heat until completely dissolved. Add 15 ml of shea butter, which should also dissolve in this mass, 3 drops of honey and 5 ml of sweet almond oil. Balm is ready. It can be used daily.
Oil for body
Melt 1 gram of cocoa butter, add 30 ml of shea butter to it, mix. Then add 12 drops, 15 ml of jojoba oil and 5 drops of vitamin E oil to the resulting mass. Mix everything and transfer the resulting mixture to a dry container, closing until it cools completely. This oil can be used as a body moisturizer.
If use natural oil in your home cosmetics, then in a short time you will see an amazing result. In almost all homemade masks, just one teaspoon of melted butter is enough.
The most commonly used masks, body wraps and massage. As for the hair, the use of oil gives them an extraordinary shine, softens well, perfectly strengthens the roots, preventing brittleness and loss. Hair, well-groomed with this tool, lends itself well to styling.
Cocoa butter masks can be purchased at pharmacies and cosmetic stores. However, many who have used this oil contained in products purchased from these sources say that there can be no better oil than at home. Here we mean, of course, that natural remedy, and not a substitute or a fake, in which the presence of chemical impurities or other components that our skin does not need is possible.
Hair masks
Rosemary mask
Heat the oil, add the same amount of rosemary tincture to it. To prepare the tincture, take 2 tablespoons of dry rosemary, pour a glass of boiling water and let it brew. Use after cooling, after straining. This mask is best applied to damp hair 1-2 hours before washing. Then wash off with warm water and shampoo.
Rum mask
Well warms up and stimulates hair growth mask of cocoa butter with the addition of rum. To do this, mix oil and rum in equal proportions, apply to hair, and rinse with warm water after an hour.
Mask with kefir
Mix cocoa butter, burdock oil and kefir (each component one tablespoon), add one yolk. Rub the whole mass well and apply on the head - on the skin and hair roots. It is enough to hold for 1 - 2 hours, then rinse with shampoo. In general, a mask with fatty oils can be kept much longer.
You can add oil solutions of vitamins A and E to the masks, 3-5 drops each. You can use various herbal infusions, to which add 2 teaspoons of cocoa butter. Cocoa butter for skin and hair care is most often recommended for those who have dry skin and hair. And owners of oily hair can replace oil with powder.
Besides nutritional benefits, the powder also colors the hair, but more on that another time. This method of staining deserves more detailed study.
This product is made from the fruits of an evergreen tree and is of great importance for the food industry. And what about the uses and properties of cocoa butter for humans? You can learn more about this from the article.
There are two kinds of this product, one is natural and the other is past additional processing and in the process, having lost most of its healing properties. If we talk about the first, then it is considered quite useful, including in its composition the substances necessary for a person, for example, amino acids: oleic, stearic and linoleic.
Cocoa butter contains useful amino acids.
It is completely free of harmful cholesterol and carbohydrates. Like butter is 100 grams of fat. Its calorie content is high - about 850 calories per 100 grams.
As for vitamins, there are few of them in it - B 4, E and K. There is also phenylethylamine in the oil, which is considered a love drug or "happiness hormone". Now it’s clear why after chocolate the mood rises.
In fact, these are fatty acids mixed with triglycerides.
Useful and medicinal properties
The product is an environmentally friendly, natural, healing agent that does not have any side effects even with prolonged use.
Cocoa butter has a beneficial effect on a person. Let's look at the properties of cocoa butter.
- If this product replaces some of the other fats that should be present in a person's daily diet, then diseases such as stroke and atherosclerosis can be avoided.
- Tannin, caffeine and xanthine will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin if included in the face mask.
- The fatty acids included in the oil regenerate the skin and are suitable for both oily and dry skin, without causing allergies even in a small child. It well levels various defects, removes scars, eliminates pigmentation, relieves stretch marks and even treats eczema, dermatitis and other similar diseases.
- Minerals help strengthen blood vessels, prevent the occurrence of varicose veins.
- Regular consumption of cocoa butter will improve cerebral circulation, reduce the risk of developing ulcers, allergies and cancer.
- This oil is also suitable for the treatment of cough, due to a substance called theobromine. It has a mild effect on the body, quickly relieving an unpleasant symptom without an adverse reaction.
- Removes bad cholesterol from the body, preventing it from settling on the walls.
In addition to all this, various mixtures are prepared on the basis of cocoa butter to help with nasal congestion, pneumonia, tonsillitis, bronchitis, cholecystitis as a choleretic agent, and even for the treatment of cervical erosion.
Benefits of cocoa butter for women
In addition to the general beneficial effects of the product on the body of an adult, there are some others that women will especially like, for example, the properties of cocoa butter for the skin.
Women will appreciate the effect of cocoa butter on the body. - If you apply a cream based on cocoa butter on your face and body, you can protect the skin from the bad effects of ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
- Another plus is skin regeneration, acceleration of hair growth.
- It is no less useful for nails - it strengthens them.
- There are some women's diseases that can be cured or significantly improved by using this product.
Benefits for the body of a man
As for the strong half of humanity, by including oil in your diet, you can significantly improve erectile function and cause blood supply to the genitals.
It is also noted that the quality of sperm is changing for the better.
Use in cosmetology
The use of cocoa butter in cosmetology has long been popular, because the product really has a wonderful effect on the skin and hair, eliminating many defects. And besides, it is not as expensive as many creams or salon procedures.
Cocoa butter is widely used in cosmetology. - The oil has anti-cellulite and antioxidant properties.
- Promotes skin regeneration, moisturizes it, smoothes wrinkles, improves appearance, makes it more elastic and elastic.
- Relieves itching, redness, inflammation and even swelling.
- Well heals wounds, helps with burns, protects from the sun while not having any detrimental effect on the skin, keeping it healthy and young.
- If you want to remove cellulite, relieve stress and calm down, then do a massage with cocoa butter.
- Masks and shampoos based on the product restore the hair structure, nourish it, make it more elastic, shiny, and healthy. It can simply be rubbed into the roots, warming up in a water bath.
- Scrubs, masks for facial skin are suitable for absolutely any type, making it soft and smooth.
- With the help of cocoa butter, you can also take care of the skin of the lips and eyelids, especially in the cold season. The best hygienic lipsticks are made on the basis of this product.
- Constant use for eyelashes and eyebrows will make them thicker, healthier and stronger.
Cocoa butter for cough - how to apply
Cocoa butter helps with cough, it is enough to apply it correctly. This remedy is especially good in winter, when the protective functions of the body are weakened, and it becomes susceptible to colds. Moreover, there is no need to use pharmaceutical products that can cause allergies or other side effects.
Cocoa butter can cure cough. Cocoa butter also helps with pneumonia and bronchitis. Its antiviral, expectorant and antibacterial properties make it possible to use the product as a prophylactic.
If you have a cough, then with the help of oil you can massage the chest and back. This will increase blood circulation, normalize circulation and lead to an improvement in the condition of the capillaries of the lungs and bronchi. This means that the respiratory system will begin to be cleansed and freed from infection.
You can also make a drink. To do this, you need half a teaspoon of cocoa butter and a glass of hot milk. Just melt the product in liquid, stir well and drink once a day. You can add a little honey to taste, it will only enhance the effect, unless, of course, there is an allergic reaction.
For children, a little melted chocolate is mixed with cocoa butter and milk, brought to a homogeneous state and given 50 milliliters twice a day.
Contraindications and precautions
In general, the product is considered natural and therefore completely safe. Suitable for both children and adults. And even an allergy to it is extremely rare, but it still happens, so it’s better to check the reaction in advance and exclude it.
One of the contraindications is individual intolerance. It is also not recommended to ingest for people with diabetes, but this does not prohibit making masks based on it.
Do not consume large amounts of cocoa butter, as it can cause allergies. Large amounts of caffeine will be harmful to young children, and high calorie content and fat content will not benefit people who are overweight and have problems with metabolism.
Moderate consumption of cocoa butter, both for food and for cosmetic purposes, will not harm the body, but on the contrary, you can notice a significant improvement in your general condition.
In the article we are talking about cocoa butter, its beneficial properties, use in cooking, cosmetology and medicine. You will learn how to use a natural remedy for the skin of the face, body and hair, and how to take cocoa butter for a cough.
Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat that is obtained from grated cocoa.
Grated cocoa is ground grains (beans) of the fruits of the chocolate tree.
Cocoa butter has a hard and brittle texture, a whitish-yellow color and a characteristic chocolate aroma. At a temperature of 32-35 degrees, the oil melts and becomes liquid.
Ingredients of cocoa butter:
- oleic acid;
- stearic acid;
- lauric acid;
- palmitic acid;
- linoleic acid;
- arachidic acid;
- vitamin E;
- vitamin D;
- vitamin K;
- tannins;
- caffeine.
How does cocoa butter affect the body:
- eliminates inflammatory processes;
- reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood;
- improves blood circulation;
- increases the level of hemoglobin;
- contributes to the acceleration of regeneration processes;
- improves digestion.
The main use of cocoa butter is confectionery. The cocoa bean product is used as a fat base for making chocolate, chocolates, baking and other products.
Apply natural product in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries - as a fragrance, for the preparation of suppositories, cosmetic creams and ointments.
Cocoa butter has been widely used in cosmetology. The tool is used in its pure form and as the main ingredient for the preparation of masks at home. The presence of tannins and caffeine provides wound healing and tonic properties of the product, so the oil is used to improve appearance facial skin and stretch marks on the body. The benefits and harms of cocoa butter depend on its use.
Types of cocoa butter
On sale you can find unrefined and refined cocoa butter.
Unrefined butter is a product squeezed from the beans of the chocolate tree and has not undergone subsequent purification. This product contains the maximum amount useful substances, has a thicker texture, bright aroma.
Refined oil is a product that has undergone special purification. It is softer and more delicate, includes a smaller amount of fatty acids. This oil is lighter, it has no smell at all. After the refining procedure, the shelf life of the product increases. Refined oil can be used by pregnant women without fear of developing an allergic reaction.
For cosmetic and medical purposes, it is more appropriate to use an unrefined product, as well as for flavoring chocolate and desserts.
Cocoa butter in cosmetology
In cosmetology, cocoa butter is valued for its beneficial features. The product has a moisturizing, regenerating and softening effect. The fragrant agent acts on the skin of the face and body as an antioxidant, has an anti-cellulite effect. Oil smoothes wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, promotes better absorption of nutrients.
For face
A natural product is used to care for dry and aging skin. With systematic use, cocoa butter smoothes wrinkles, retains moisture on the surface of the skin, and eliminates dark circles under the eyes.
The tool can be used for the face in its pure form. You don't even need to melt it for this. Upon contact with the skin, the oil will become thinner and easier to spread. You can apply the product instead of a cream before going to bed.
To combat fine wrinkles on the skin around the eyes, mix cocoa butter with liquid vitamin E, adding 2-3 drops of tocopherol to a portion of the product. Gently apply the mixture on the skin and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off after time.
For body
For the body, cocoa bean oil is used to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin and eliminate existing stretch marks. Natural remedy improves skin elasticity, promotes the production of collagen and elastin, moisturizes the upper layers of the epidermis.
For these purposes, lubricate the stomach, thighs and chest daily. The product can be applied neat, mixed in equal proportions with olive oil or sea buckthorn oil. Apply the product with light massage movements, rinse off after 20-25 minutes.
Cocoa butter helps to eliminate cellulite. Use a tool for lymphatic drainage massage, massage problem areas for 10-15 minutes. It is possible to carry out wraps with the product. To do this, grease the zones with cocoa butter, wrap with cling film and leave for half an hour. Wash off with warm water.
For hair
Chocolate tree oil is also used for the beauty and health of hair. The agent is melted in a water bath and applied to the entire length of the curls or only to their tips. The product is used both in pure form and as part of various masks. The exposure time depends on the specific recipe; in its pure form, the oil can be kept on the hair for 30-50 minutes.
Regular use of hair oil makes them obedient, shiny, lush at the roots. The tool improves the structure of each hair, seals split ends.
Cocoa butter has a dense texture, so it is not recommended to use it in its pure form for oily hair types.
For lips
Since the oil has a wound-healing effect, it is used to treat cracked or dry lips. The agent is applied in a thin layer 3 times a day. The oil is used to protect against frost in winter and sunlight in summer.
If you add sugar or honey to melted cocoa butter, you can use it as a home scrub. Scrub your lips for 3-5 minutes, and then rinse with warm water, apply a moisturizing or nourishing balm.
Cocoa butter for cough
Chocolate tree oil is used not only in cosmetology, but also in home medicine. The product is actively used to treat cough in adults and children. You can cure a cough with a remedy for colds, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. However, do not forget that the main treatment should be medication.
To eliminate a cough, melt ½ teaspoon of cocoa butter in a glass of hot milk and drink the drink. With the help of a remedy for diseases of the respiratory system, a back and chest massage is performed.
Cocoa butter in cooking
Cocoa butter is one of the main ingredients of white, milk, dark and bitter chocolate. By the way, if dark and bitter varieties of slab sweets can be prepared without vegetable fat, then White chocolate You can't do it without cocoa butter.
The product is also used in the manufacture of sweets, bars, cakes, creams, icing. You can add cocoa butter to pastries, cereals, puddings and even drinks.
Cocoa butter for children
Products with cocoa butter can be safely given to children if they do not have an allergic reaction to it.
Also, the remedy is used to treat cough, this is most relevant for young children, when not all medications are allowed.
Cocoa butter during pregnancy
During pregnancy, cocoa butter should be used with caution - products containing fat from cocoa beans can be consumed in the absence of personal intolerance.
But even with a normal reaction of the body, it is recommended to limit the consumption of chocolate and other desserts. The caffeine in cocoa butter helps increase blood pressure. The product impairs the absorption of calcium by the body.
External use of the product will help to avoid the appearance of stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs and chest, improve the condition of the skin of the face and body, hair. So cosmetic application cocoa butter during pregnancy is possible.
What is the cocoa butter equivalent
The cocoa butter equivalent is a substitute for a natural product, or to be more precise, a whole group of substitutes. The cocoa butter equivalent is hydrogenated vegetable fats - cottonseed, rapeseed, soybean, palm and others. Such oils undergo special processing, which allows them to acquire the properties necessary for use in the preparation of chocolate.
The cocoa butter equivalent is used to make chocolate bars, sweets and other confectionery products cheaper.
How to melt cocoa butter
You can melt cocoa butter in a water bath, the product begins to melt at a temperature of 32-35 degrees. If you want to use the product in its pure form for the skin of the face and body, you do not need to melt it first. Upon contact with the skin, it will become liquid.
Contraindications
The use of cocoa butter has no categorical contraindications. Do not use the product internally and externally in the presence of individual intolerance. It is also not recommended to use cocoa butter and products containing it for insomnia and overweight.
How to store oil at home
Store cocoa butter in a dry and protected from sunlight place at a temperature of 16-18 degrees.
The shelf life of the product is 2 years from the date of production.
Where can I buy
You can buy oil from cocoa beans in a specialized store or online stores of natural cosmetics, organic products.
The average price for 100 g of cocoa butter is 150 rubles.
Cacao butter is the fat that is squeezed out of cocoa beans or grated cocoa powder. This product is the main ingredient for the manufacture of confectionery products. Cocoa butter has a whitish-yellow hue and is firm but brittle in texture. The product has a characteristic aroma that cannot be confused with anything - the smell of chocolate.
After the discovery of America by Columbus, Europeans were able to learn about a plant unknown to that time. It was a tree with cocoa beans. The conquistadors who came to the lands of the Aztecs were greatly surprised by the wealth and grandeur of the palaces. But most of all, Europeans were struck by the fact that instead of money, the Aztecs used the fruits of the cocoa tree.
Since then times have changed. The demand for cocoa has skyrocketed. Confectioners and culinary specialists tried in various ways to bring liquid chocolate into a solid state, but they did not succeed.
Everything changed when, in 1825, Konrad van Heyten used a completely new technology as an experiment. He came up with the idea of separating cocoa bean butter not only by heating, but also by pressure. His experience was successful, and therefore, after only three years, the inventor announced his know-how to the whole world and was able to patent the hydraulic press. Therefore, people are indebted to van Hoyten for another discovery - a fat-free powder for the production of beverages, the production of which was put on stream. Based on this product, another, more significant one was discovered - cocoa butter.
This invention made it possible to mass-produce the favorite delicacy of both children and adults - chocolate. It was no longer considered a confection reserved only for kings and nobles. Now a completely simple person could afford to buy chocolate.
There are two types of this product: natural and deodorized cocoa butter, which is further processed. The product is usually used as a fatty base for the manufacture of chocolate products, cakes and various pastries, in pharmaceuticals and perfumery. A variety of suppositories, medicinal oils and ointments are prepared on its basis. Cocoa butter has been widely used in cosmetology. It has a wound healing and tonic effect due to its special composition, which contains methylxanthine, tannin and caffeine. A cocoa-based product helps to effectively cope with a rash on the skin of the face, age spots, burns, coughs and SARS.
According to GOST, cocoa butter equivalents and substitutes must comply with the necessary standardized requirements and established standards. The organoleptic of the product must also comply with GOST.
Namely:
- product must have natural taste, without the presence of foreign taste or smell;
- at a temperature of 18 ⁰С, the shade of cocoa butter should be from snow-white to cream;
- the consistency of the product at the same temperature should be uniform, hard and prickly.
Based on this document, cocoa butter analogs and SOS-type product substitutes must be made from natural and fractionated butter. It can be modified or refined, with or without food additives and other components.
Upon reaching a temperature of 16 to 18 ° C, the product is able to maintain a solid structure. If it is heated, then cocoa butter will become like a fatty oily substance. The product is able to soften in human hands. Natural cocoa butter is a balanced delicacy that can not only provide gastronomic pleasure, but also have a therapeutic effect. Moreover, the cocoa product has a positive effect both on individual parts of the body and on the whole organism as a whole.
By palatability the natural product is quite pleasant and has a chocolate flavor. It can soften and “lubricate” a sore throat. Therefore, this product is useful to give in order to treat coughs for both children and adults.
About what other properties cocoa butter has, you can read in the next section of the article.
The composition and useful properties of cocoa butter
In the context of this article, we will dwell in more detail on the composition and beneficial properties of cocoa butter.
Cocoa butter and products based on it are very high-calorie products, so they must be eaten in limited quantities.
Nutritional value of 100 grams of product:
- fats - 99.8 grams;
- water - 0.01 grams.
Calorie content - 899 kilocalories per 100 grams of product.
Ingredients of cocoa butter:
Oleic and stearic acid. The third part of the fats in the product is stearic acid, which prevents the formation of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. Another third was occupied by oleic acid, which reduces the content of this substance. The main feature of this product is that cocoa solids contain antioxidant substances that can activate the immune functions of the human body. Oleic acid, contained in large quantities in cocoa beans, helps to normalize the weakened functions of the vascular system, increase vascular flexibility, lower cholesterol and completely cleanse the blood. Due to its emollient effect, this substance can improve the condition of the skin.
palmitic acid. This substance is able to increase the entry of nutrients into the human body. Palmitic acid is also found in breast milk, and it is known to be very beneficial for babies.
Vitamins of groups A, B, C, E and F. Vitamins of group A are the most important fat-soluble substances that can affect the condition of the skin, mucous membranes and vision. Vitamin B is involved in the process of growth and repair of cells and tissues. Vitamin C has the property of moisturizing and boosting collagen production. If a person has a lack of vitamin C, then this can lead to lethargy and anemia. Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a very important vitamin with numerous functions in the human body. It may also act as an antioxidant, which helps protect the body from toxins and poisons such as lactic acid. Vitamin E is very useful in neurosis and anemia.
Polyphenols. These substances help to increase the production of immunoglobulin, eliminate various allergic reactions, rashes and dermatitis. Polyphenols have a positive effect on the process of fat metabolism. They consist of plant pigments that are present in the product. The main advantage of these substances is that they are able to degrease heavy food, in which there is too much fat.
With frequent use of a cosmetic product based on cocoa butter, it can have a positive effect on the condition of any type of skin without causing allergies. This product can even soften the skin of a baby. Cocoa butter for the body and face can even out and heal some skin defects (stretch marks, burns, age spots, scars, eczema and dermatitis).
Due to the rich composition of minerals such as Ca, Fe, Mg, Cr and I, cocoa butter can be used for therapeutic and preventive purposes in various diseases. It can be a heart attack, slow blood circulation in the brain, atherosclerosis, allergic reactions, varicose veins, stomach ulcers and cancer.
According to the results of studies by scientists from Latin America, it was found that the frequent use of this product in food (from 5 to 10 years) will reduce the risk of malignant tumors by 15 times. The British found that cocoa butter is great for coughing, even more effective than some medications. A positive result is achieved due to the natural theobromine contained in it, which has a very delicate effect on the throat. This component is much faster than synthetic drugs, it is able to cope even with a strong cough without causing side effects.
For which diseases is it useful to use the product:
- Cough. It is very easy to prepare a cough remedy based on cocoa butter at home. To do this, a small spoonful of the product is diluted with a glass of warm milk, mixed thoroughly, and then drunk. If such a mixture is taken 2-3 times during the day, then in a short time there will be no trace of coughing.
- Colds. It is useful to use such a product for ARVI, bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchial asthma. To enhance the effect of treatment, patients with bronchial asthma can additionally undergo a course of chest massage using cocoa butter as a rubbing. This procedure will speed up the course of the disease. In the season of colds and outbreaks of various epidemics, as a preventive measure, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by lubricating your nose with cocoa butter from the inside. This procedure will help soften and protect the mucosa from the penetration of bacteria and viruses, since almost all infections are transmitted through the air.
- Tuberculosis, pneumonia or tonsillitis. In the presence of these diseases, it is necessary to take cocoa butter inside, after melting it in a water bath, to which a little crushed propolis is added. If you take the remedy 2-3 times a day, then the course of the disease will pass much faster and easier.
- Atherosclerosis. With a similar disease, it is advisable to take a cocoa product on an empty stomach, in the morning and in the evening 15 minutes before meals. Cocoa butter will help to remove accumulated "bad" cholesterol from the patient's body before it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels.
See the next section for other uses for cocoa butter products.
Application in cosmetology
In modern cosmetology, this product is used in many products. It can be:
- Lotions and body gels.
- Masks for hair and face.
- Balms for hair and lips.
- Scrubs.
- Creams for hands, skin around the eyes, stretch marks and wrinkles.
In fact, the list is quite extensive. We have only listed the most requested funds. The use of cosmetics is necessary depending on the type of skin.
Who can use these tools:
- with combination and aging skin, a special mask based on cocoa butter with grape seed oil and aloe juice will help to normalize the condition of the skin;
- for oily skin, as a daily care, a face cream with cocoa butter, almond and rapeseed oils is suitable;
- for sensitive skin, you can use a cream with cocoa butter, to which a few drops of sunflower and essential oils are added, as well as rose tea tincture.
If you need to strengthen your hair, reduce hair loss or add shine to curls, then you can purchase a special mask with a cocoa product. If the hair falls out very much, then it is advisable to make a mask by adding a little burdock oil, kefir and raw yolk to it. Useful composition means will help strengthen and restore split ends, dry and brittle hair. A natural product will help nourish the hair roots with vitamins and minerals from the inside. After applying the mask, the curls will smell pleasantly of chocolate. In addition, long hair will become much easier to comb and will look beautiful, and will also acquire incredible shine literally from the first time.
This product is used to protect the skin of the face from exposure to cold. If there is frost or strong wind outside, then 15-20 minutes before leaving the room, it is necessary to apply a special cream to the skin of the face. There is also a tool that can protect the face from ultraviolet rays. The product is especially relevant to those people who are going on vacation to the seaside. They must be used in the same way as in the previous case. This procedure will ensure an even tan and prevent burns.
As a care for lips and eyelids, cocoa butter, which can be mixed with almond or sesame oil, will serve as an excellent tool. In addition, this tool can strengthen and accelerate the growth of eyebrows and eyelashes.
In fact, there are a fairly large number of special body, face and hair care products that you can buy in the store, or you can make yourself at home.
In the winter season, cocoa-based products come in handy. This product can protect the skin of the face and lips from chapping. Cocoa butter is also able to heal wounds: it can be used to treat small wounded areas and lips that are chapped in the cold. To do this, before going to bed, it is necessary to lubricate the corners or cracks of the lips with the product, as well as the wounded area.
With the help of this product, you can enhance the process of blood circulation, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, eliminate itching, redness, burning and swelling. If you generously lubricate the skin with oil, then this procedure will help relieve irritation, make the skin on the hands and body even softer and give it a velvety feel.
You can use a special cream based on cocoa butter to tighten the skin around the eyes. When using the product, the skin in this area is nourished, moisturized and softened. After that, the process of smoothing fine wrinkles around the eyes takes place. Cocoa butter is an absolutely hypoallergenic product, unable to cause redness and swelling. For this reason, it can be used in its natural form without dilution. If you make mixtures with various oils yourself, such as almond, peach or sea buckthorn, then you will get a good face and body care product. The cocoa butter product must be preheated in a water bath, and then diluted with any of the oils in a ratio of 1:2, respectively.
The product also takes great care of the feet. Cocoa product is able to protect the human body from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, from which the skin on the body becomes too dry. After using cocoa butter, the skin condition noticeably improves, and it looks younger and well-groomed.
If this product is used as a prophylactic, then it is possible to prevent the formation of stretch marks even at the stage of pregnancy. If measures were not taken in time and postpartum folds remained on the body, then the cocoa product will help get rid of small stretch marks and make them less noticeable. It can be used as a massage oil.
And cocoa butter will help solve the problem of nipple cracks in young mothers who are breastfeeding a baby. For this procedure, it is only necessary to treat the nipples with the product in between feedings. Cocoa butter absolutely does not harm the health of mom and her baby. Therefore, even if a small dose of the product enters the stomach during feeding, it will not harm him.
In gynecology, this component is also an indispensable thing. It is used to eliminate erosion on the cervix. Only this procedure must be agreed with the attending physician. If the doctor has given permission, then a tampon is dipped into this product and inserted into the vagina before going to bed. To achieve a positive result, the procedure must be repeated every night for ten days.
This is not the whole list of useful properties of the product. For more information on where else cocoa butter is used, see the next section.
Use in cooking
Many people know that cocoa butter is most often used in cooking for the production of chocolate products.
In order to get sweets or chocolate, the raw materials must be melted in a water bath, adding cocoa beans and sugar in equal proportions. Sometimes manufacturers use carob instead of cocoa, and honey instead of granulated sugar. It all depends on the recipe and the standards that the manufacturer adheres to. Each confectionery factory uses different ingredients: spices, nuts, dried fruits, coconut flakes, candied fruits, fruit fillers and berries. Cocoa butter is used as the basis for the preparation of icing, which is covered with all kinds of confectionery: biscuits, cakes, cupcakes, pastries, rolls and other baked goods.
In addition, cocoa butter is good ingredient for salads, cereals, seafood dishes, home baking, chocolate, creams or glazes for confectionery and desserts. This supplement is sold in a specialized store, or it can be ordered online.
Contraindications and harm
However, confectioners do not always add real cocoa butter to chocolate. Instead of a natural product, manufacturers can put its analogue in confectionery - hydrogenated palm, soy, rapeseed or cottonseed oil. Such substitutes are of great harm to human health, because all these products are composed of trans fats.
Cocoa butter is very high in calories. Therefore, people who are prone to overweight and overweight, as well as people who strictly monitor their diet and calories, need to eat this product in small doses.
If cocoa butter is natural, then in rare cases it can cause allergic reactions. It can be eaten by both children and adults. Although there are exceptions.
Contraindications for use:
- individual intolerance to the product;
- neurosis;
- insomnia.
Another controversial issue is the use of cocoa butter during pregnancy. The opinions of doctors are divided: some argue that this product is incapable of harming both the expectant mother and the fetus, while others, on the contrary, believe that during childbearing it is worth limiting the consumption of this harmless, but still allergen. In any case, it is up to you to decide whether to include this product in the diet during pregnancy or not. It is worth consulting with your doctor and getting the appropriate recommendation in this regard.
Remember that it is undesirable to use cocoa butter before bedtime, as it can cause insomnia and increased excitability. After a person has eaten chocolate products in which cocoa butter is present, at least 3-4 hours must pass before he goes to bed.
Storage
The storage of cocoa butter also has its own secrets, which we will share with you.
What are they:
- store the product in a dark place with good air circulation;
- the packaging in which cocoa butter is located must be airtight;
- the optimal storage temperature should not exceed 18 ⁰ C at a relative humidity of not more than 75%;
- it is permissible to store the product on the refrigerator door;
- under proper conditions, cocoa products can be stored for three to five years.
As you can see, the shelf life of the product is not so short, if the storage conditions are correctly observed. This is due to the presence of antioxidants in cocoa butter, which prevent the product from becoming rancid. And yet, before buying chocolates made using cocoa butter, or a cosmetic product based on this component, always pay attention to the production date.
Cocoa butter is not only the most important component of the favorite treat of all the kids and many adults, but it is also amazing useful product for our skin. Its effectiveness in skin care is significantly higher than any expensive cream. Due to the presence of vital fatty acids and flavanoids in the composition, the skin after applying cocoa butter is transformed before our eyes, moisture and tone increase, wrinkles are smoothed out.
Composition and properties of cocoa butter.
Cocoa butter in conditions room temperature It has the appearance of a hard and brittle bar of white color with a yellowish tint, which has a pleasant aroma of cocoa. There are no additional impurities or any chemical additives in such an oil, it undergoes a high degree of purification, and no heat treatment, due to which the level of useful substances is preserved in such an oil to the maximum. This natural product is good to use in face and body skin care, upon contact with which it begins to gradually melt.
This useful product mainly consists of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (lauric, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, oleic, etc.), which cause such an incredible effect from its use. Cocoa butter has excellent moisturizing, softening, protective, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, regenerating, rejuvenating and antioxidant properties that help slow down the aging process. In addition, the regular inclusion of this oil in your diet helps to increase vascular tone and elasticity, which, in general, improves their condition.
The use of cocoa butter in skin care.
This oil is ideal in the care of any type of face (combination, oily, sensitive), but it is especially recommended for owners of excessively dry, dehydrated skin, with flaking and loss of elasticity, firmness and tone. It is worth noting that it is also recommended as a rejuvenating agent for mature women with aging and aging skin. In the case of constant use, the skin becomes smoother, nourished and moisturized, noticeably looks smooth, elastic and radiant, fine wrinkles disappear, including those around the eyes. It is also recommended as a caring lip balm and prophylaxis. crow's feet» around the eyes and in general wrinkles on the face.
Cocoa butter can rightfully be considered an ideal skin care product, in particular for the face and body (especially the hands) during the winter months. In addition to the emollient effect, the oil protects the skin from frostbite, overdrying or chapping. In addition, due to its mild and delicate effect, cocoa butter is one of the few allowed for use in the care of delicate and sensitive skin, especially children. It should also be noted that cocoa butter, in some not very neglected situations, copes with minor cosmetic skin defects that appear against the background of cuts, furunculosis, etc. (scars, scars, spots after acne and acne or post-acne) and is considered an excellent means of preventing and eliminating stretch marks, including during pregnancy. Regular use of this product fights the harmful activity of free radicals, preventing the penetration of toxic and any other harmful substances into the skin. It is also useful for defensive purposes. In this case, we are talking about ultraviolet, so the oil is allowed to be used as a protective ointment before and after tanning.
Using this oil in facial care is quite simple, you do not need to have certain skills for this. In addition, it easily penetrates the skin, leaving almost no oily sheen on the surface of the face. It can be used respectively as an independent remedy, or it can be mixed with other oils of natural origin in a ratio of 1: 2 (almond, peach, sesame, linseed, olive, rosehip) and cosmetics. On its basis, it is good to make homemade creams and skin masks with a nourishing and regenerating purpose. In its pure form, drive with a piece of oil with light movements over the skin. It literally instantly melts, absorbs into the skin, making it velvety. Such a session is best done before bedtime, but with very dry skin, this procedure can be done in the morning. This procedure gives a special effect in combination with self-massage, which relaxes and soothes. nervous system and muscles. Remove excess product from the skin by blotting with a paper towel. Cocoa butter is an excellent base for pairing with essential oils for facial skin.
The use of cocoa butter in nutrition and medicine.
Cocoa butter is also an indispensable food product. Only in order for the product to retain all its qualities and useful properties, it cannot be brought to a temperature above forty or fifty degrees. A honey-oil mixture is very useful for consumption (in a ratio of 1: 1). It serves as a preventative colds and also increases vascular tone. Such a “delicious, and most importantly, remedy can be given even to kids.
In the field of medicine, this product has been used for a long time, since about 1710. Nowadays, it is used to make lipstick, suppositories, etc.
Recipes for the use of cocoa butter for the skin of the face.
To improve the condition of the skin with acne or acne and various inflammations, it is recommended to use this mask three times a week: melt a teaspoon of base oil and combine with the same amount of wheat germ oil. After that, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh avocado pulp to the mixture. Apply the composition on the face and hold for half an hour. Wash off the mask with warm water.
To nourish the skin, you can make an excellent mask based on cocoa butter. To do this, you need to combine the base (teaspoon), preheated in a water bath, with the same amount of chamomile oil. In the resulting mass, add a tablespoon of fresh cucumber chopped with a fine grater in the amount of a tablespoon and the same amount of aloe juice (pre-rinse the leaves, dry them, hold them in the refrigerator for an hour). This mask is best applied before going to bed, as usual on a cleansed face, and after twenty minutes, rinse with warm water. Do the mask twice a week.
Medical recipes based on cocoa butter.
To normalize the stool, it is recommended to eat a teaspoon of this product at night. The course of treatment is at least three weeks.
To improve the condition with atherosclerosis, it is recommended to take half a teaspoon of cocoa butter twice a day, in the morning (just fifteen minutes before meals) and in the evening also before meals. Such treatment effectively removes bad cholesterol from the blood, and also reduces the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels.
Adding cocoa butter to hot milk (half a teaspoon of butter per 200 ml of milk) is an excellent antitussive and expectorant for colds.
In case of exacerbation of hemorrhoids, immediately before the act of defecation, a small piece of cocoa butter should be introduced into the rectum.
For preventive purposes, to prevent SARS and influenza, the nasal mucosa should be lubricated with this product. Such prevention is also suitable for babies, especially those who go to the garden or attend other preschool educational institutions.
With angina, it is useful to take cocoa butter in combination with propolis. To prepare the product, ten grams of propolis are thoroughly crushed and added to melted cocoa butter (one hundred grams). Mix everything well. Take in a warm form, half a tablespoon three times a day, half an hour after a meal.
This product is effective to use for cracked nipples in a nursing mother, for pain relief of mild burns, to lubricate areas affected by eczema, a fungal infection. In addition, it effectively relieves itching.
Regular use of the oil contributes to the manifestation of the maximum of its properties in the absence of side effects. By the way, this oil has practically no contraindications. The only limitation in this case is individual intolerance to the components of the product. In addition, its use is not recommended for sleep disorders and increased excitability.
