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Overview
Cocoa embraces caffeine, anandamide, theobromine, flavonoids, proteins, sulfur, magnesium, tryptophan, and polyphenols. It also comes with many fatty acids such as palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, myristic acid, arachidic acid, linoleic acid, lauric acid, glycerides, and stigmasterol. It is additionally full of antioxidants, which are excellent for enhancing immunity, improving heart health, soothing inflammation, etc. Along with that, it’s used as a great emollient in lip balms, lip glosses, and chopsticks. Cocoa butter also aids in preventing chapped lips and stretch marks and moisturizing the dry and itchy skin. It also works well on lessening the appearance of the scars and promoting the skin elasticity. Last but not least, the antioxidants in it can also nourish the skin and manage the hair as well. This article on Effective Remedies will show you top 25 health and beauty benefits of cocoa butter on hair, skin, face and lips and its uses and side effects.
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Top 25 Benefits Of Cocoa Butter On Hair, Skin, Face & Lips – Uses & Warnings
What Is Cocoa Butter?
Cocoa butter is also known as theobroma oil that is extracted from the cocoa bean. It’s used to make chocolate and some toiletries, ointments, and pharmaceuticals. It shares a very similar smell and taste due to the strong aroma and flavor of cocoa beans. The fat from the cocoa tree has been used traditionally for medicines by the ancient Aztec and Maya people. Its fat is also used to make cosmetics thanks to its healing properties and fantastic plant nutrients. Cocoa butter can improve our lifestyle in many ways.
I. Uses & Benefits Of Cocoa Butter On Health
Cocoa butter is beneficial for treating many health issues. Let us discuss each advantage in detail.
1. Health Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Improve Heart Health
According to studies, cocoa butter possesses anti-inflammatory nutrients and is also rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, all of which can reduce inflammatory levels and plaque around the arteries [1]. Along with that, the polyphenolic components present in it help lower inflammatory markers, which cause atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. A study shows that cocoa polyphenols are related to increased lipid metabolism, lowering the occurrences of heart attacks [2]. As per another study in 2009, 47 patients after using cocoa showed remarkable cardiovascular benefits. Furthermore, it is also helpful in reducing cholesterol levels, improving blood clotting, coronary artery function, insulin sensitivity and increasing HDL cholesterol levels.
2. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Boost Immune System
The antioxidants in cocoa butter can enhance the immunity because they help to battle free radicals causing disease and illness. They also help boost the immunity by eliminating inflammation, DNA damage, and reducing the risk of cancer, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and cellular mutations. Few studies indicate that cocoa butter is effective at fighting fibromyalgia, psoriasis, depression, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
For this purpose, you prepare five drops each of geranium, ylang-ylang oil, lemon oil and jojoba oil along with two ounces of cocoa butter. Then, blend all the oils with the cocoa butter and slightly massage your system. Set it aside for around an hour.
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3. Health Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Enhance Your Mood
As you know, cocoa butter is an important ingredient in chocolate. According to studies, the cocoa butter present in chocolate is excellent for lifting your mood. Serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system, and blood platelets. Lower levels of serotonin can result in many problems such as sleeping disorder, depression, schizophrenia, reduced motivation, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior, etc. Cocoa butter can increase the “happy hormones”, endorphin and serotonin, to help raise the mood and enhance feelings of happiness. Besides, it’s also helpful for preventing swings associated with premenstrual syndrome. Moreover, it also increases stamina and energy and promotes alertness as well. Thus, grab a chocolate bar when you feel low.
4. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Reduce Inflammation
Due to its antioxidants and plenty of fatty acids, cocoa butter can lower inflammation of the wound. It is also a wonderful remedy to battle various skin issues, such as eczema, rashes, psoriasis, etc. Apart from that, the presence of fatty acids and antioxidant property in cocoa butter can ease the skin inflammation. So, it is best to use cocoa butter on a daily basis to fight against inflammation.
5. Health Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Improve Cognitive Function
Cocoa butter is helpful for improving cognitive function and brain health through both indirect and direct mechanisms. As mentioned above, cocoa is full of flavonoids that help protect, enhance the function of the brain and create neutrons that in turn improve brain health. According to a pilot study, cocoa flavanols can increase the flow of blood in the brain. Flavanols are also useful in reversing neuron damage in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
6. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
The enzyme ODC (ornithine decarboxylase) can cause cancer if in excess. Thankfully, cocoa procyanidins and flavanols can reduce the activity of ODC, thus lowering the risk of developing tumors, and kill colon cancer cells. As per a pilot study, cocoa can prevent the reproduction and growth of prostate cancer cells. Apart from that, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents of cocoa butter help to decrease the overall risk of cancer.
7. Health Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Reduce A Cough
Cocoa butter in combination with honey and warm milk is widely used to battle a cough. You can rub cocoa butter on your back and chest to soothe the cough. Some studies figure out that cocoa butter holds two active components, caffeine and theobromine, which are effective in easing cough.
8. Improve Insulin Resistance And Diabetes
According to a study, polyphenol-rich diets can protect against diabetes [3]. Besides, cocoa polyphenols have the ability to reduce blood pressure, improve glucose breakdown, and improve insulin resistance too. Another study shows that consumption of cocoa helps counteract blood vessel dysfunction caused due to diabetes and improve endothelial function.
9. Health Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Improve Dental Health
Oil pulling has been used as an excellent method to take harmful toxins out of the body since ages. Oil pulling can be useful in riding the body of toxin although it may seem as a remedy to clean the mouth.
You can use cocoa butter for oil pulling. Simply, take one tablespoon of cocoa butter and melt it. Then, use the melted cocoa butter in the morning as the first thing for a healthy body and mouth.
10. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Cure Neurodegenerative Diseases
Cocoa butter is rich in phytochemicals and flavonols, which work on curing neurodegenerative problems such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Besides, cocoa and its extracts come with methylxanthines, all of which help regulate the brain’s perfusion and encourage cerebral oxygen consumption, resulting in higher neuronal activity. Therefore, cocoa butter aids in reducing the oxidative stress on your mind and protecting neuronal cell damage and the cellular membrane.
II. Uses & Beauty Benefits Of Cocoa Butter
A. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter On Skin, Face And Lips
1. Beauty Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Act As A Moisturizer
Cocoa butter keeps the skin hydrated since it is high in fatty acids. It also helps smooth away dry, rough skin. Furthermore, it also gets absorbed quickly and easily, which, in turn, keeps the skin supple.
To moisturize the skin, you prepare ½ cup each of cocoa butter, Shea butter, almond oil, organic coconut oil and 20 drops of lavender essential oil. Then, in one pot, combine all the ingredients excluding lavender essential oil. Melt them over medium heat and stir constantly. After that, remove from heat and leave the mixture to cool. Add the lavender oil to it and place in the refrigerator for sixty minutes to let it harden slightly. Use a hand mixer to whip for around ten minutes and return to the refrigerator for fifteen minutes. Finally, store it with a lid in one glass jar in a cool place. Use it when needed.
2. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Fight Aging Signs
Cocoa butter holds compounds named cocoa mass polyphenols that can help fade away signs of aging. They also keep the skin feeling and looking younger. Plus, they can calm sensitive skin suffering from rashes or dermatitis. When used topically on your skin and when eaten, polyphenols can promote health both externally and internally. It is also excellent for preventing sunspots, crow’s feet, and wrinkles. Furthermore, it works as a mild, natural sunscreen and helps decrease wrinkles.
3. Beauty Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Treat Sunburn
Overexposure to the sun may be harmful to your skin. UV rays and sunspots can cause premature aging and lead to severe skin conditions. Luckily, cocoa butter can help soothe the sunburn and heal it effectively and naturally. If you are suffering from sunburn, you try to use cocoa butter. Using a body butter containing cocoa butter also brings the same effect.
4. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Make Your Skin Glow
The skin is often exposed to external conditions. It’s directly in contact with heat, cold, the rays of the sun, and other environmental factors, as well as undergoes cuts and bruises. Thus, proper skin care is important for overall health.
For this purpose, take some solid butter and place it in the palms of the hands. Then, gently rub to melt and apply to your skin with the help of your fingers.
5. Beauty Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Soothe Rashes, Burns, And Infections
Cocoa butter is very useful for calming burns, scars, and rashes on the skin. Simply, get some pure cocoa butter and apply it to your affected region to replenish the skin. Ensure it’s pure and does not include any perfume, alcohol, or other additives, which can cause the skin to become more sensitive and inflamed.
6. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Prevent Dry Skin
Dry skin can lead to itchiness, redness, soreness, flakiness, and even bleeding and cracking. Cocoa butter works as a natural skin moisturizer and helps to hydrate the skin as well. Saturated fats in cocoa butter are absorbed and remain on your skin for a long time, thus healing cracked and dry skin. Besides, it also functions as a barrier for your skin, thus protecting it from external agents.
7. Beauty Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Help Shave Smoothly
Cocoa is a fantastic alternative for shaving cream because it can ease the process of shaving and leave a smooth and soft skin after shaving. You can use cocoa butter to apply before shaving to help prevent cuts and nicks. It also allows the razor to smoothly glide over the skin and adds a pleasant fragrance too.
All you need to do is melting ½ cup each of cocoa butter and organic coconut oil on low heat in a small pan. Later mix everything together by using a wooden spoon. Then, remove from heat and add in 20 drops of lavender or sandalwood essential oil. Let the mixture cool and mix until fluffy by using a hand mixer. Take an airtight container and put it into it. Store it in a cool place.
8. Treat Dry And Chapped Lips
Dry air, wind, and cold all wreak havoc on the thin skin of lips. Luckily, cocoa butter can relieve this problem effectively. It contains emollient properties which help supply and retain moisture in the skin and lips. Using a cocoa butter lip balm will help to keep your lips well-moisturized and soft.
To make your own lip balm, you prepare three tablespoons of pure cocoa butter, one tablespoon of raw honey, five drops of pure vanilla extract, four tablespoons of beeswax, one pure vitamin E capsule and ½ cup of sweet almond oil. Melt the beeswax using a double boiler while stirring occasionally. After it has melted, you add in the almond oil and cocoa butter. Heat the mixture slowly until the cocoa butter melts. Stir in the content of vitamin E capsule, honey and vanilla. Remove it from heat and then pour into containers. Leave the lip balm completely cool before using.
B. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter On Hair
1. Beauty Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Calm Frizzy, Dry Hair
Cocoa butter provides moisturizing properties and antioxidants to improve hair health. Also, it aids in calming down frizzy hair. You get a small quantity of cocoa butter and melt it until it becomes liquefied. Start applying this mixture on the hair before using shampoo or conditioner. Keep it on for ten minutes and shampoo your hair.
2. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Hair Conditioner
Cocoa butter is beneficial for making hair healthy and manageable. It also prevents breakage and moisturizes hair. Here is a simple leave-in conditioner, which will leave the hair looking and smelling great.
All you need to follow is getting two tablespoons of organic coconut oil, two teaspoons of vitamin E oil, ½ cup of cocoa butter and six drops of vanilla essential oil. Then, mix all the components in a small pan excluding the essential oil. Melt it over low heat while stirring often. Remove from heat afterward and pour it into an airtight container. After that, add the essential oil to it and place the container in a freezer for around 15 minutes. Remove it and leave it to soften. Start applying to your clean hair and after several minutes, shampoo as usual.
3. Beauty Benefits of Cocoa Butter – Smooth And Shiny Hair
Cocoa butter can make your hair look smooth and shiny. For this purpose, you get a little organic cocoa butter and later apply it to your hair. Leave the application on for twenty minutes before rinsing with water.
III. Other Health And Beauty Benefits Of Cocoa Butter
1. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Remove Scars
Cocoa butter comprises a moisturizing agent so that it can moisturize the skin caused due to scars. It additionally eliminates harmful germs contributing to your scars. To attain the detailed recipe, you click at the Scars Remedy No. 8.
2. Fade Stretch Marks
A combination of cocoa butter, vitamin E, and Shea butter is effective at making stretch marks on thighs and breasts disappear fast. You can view at the Stretch Marks Remedy No. 6 to get the step by step recipe.
3. Benefits Of Cocoa Butter – Treat Split Ends
The rich content of fatty acids found in cocoa butter can fight against split ends. Regular application of cocoa butter will make hair smooth, shiny and flexible. Please click at The Split Ends Remedy No. 4 to know the exact recipe.
4. Remove Damaged Hair
Cocoa butter in combination with camellia oil and Shea butter is a fantastic remedy for fighting damaged hair. For the specified direction, you click at the Damaged Hair Remedy No. 31.
Side Effects Of Cocoa Butter
For most people, eating cocoa butter is likely safe. It possesses related chemicals and caffeine. So, consuming large amounts of cocoa butter can result in caffeine-related side effects including nervousness, a fast heartbeat, increased urination, and sleeplessness. Plus, it also leads to constipation, allergic skin reactions and can trigger migraine headaches. Apart from that, it also causes digestive complaints such as nausea, stomach rumbling, intestinal discomfort, and gas. Also, using cocoa butter on the skin is likely safe. However, it can cause a rash.
Precautions And Warnings
- Diabetes: Cocoa butter can raise your blood sugar levels.
- Heart conditions: Cocoa butter contains caffeine that might lead to the irregular heartbeat in a few people. So, people with a heart condition should limit or avoid using it.
- Diarrhea: When taken in large quantities, the caffeine in cocoa butter can worsen diarrhea.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: During breastfeeding and in pregnancy, cocoa is possibly safe when used in moderate amounts.
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): When used in large amounts, the caffeine in cocoa butter can worsen the symptoms of IBS.
- Anxiety: When taken in large quantities, the caffeine in cocoa can make anxiety disorders worse.
- Migraine headaches: In sensitive people, cocoa butter might trigger migraines.
- Glaucoma: People with glaucoma should not use cocoa butter because the caffeine in it can increase pressure in the eyes.
- High blood pressure: As mentioned above, cocoa butter is abundant in the caffeine which can raise blood pressure in people with hypertension.
- Surgery: During & after surgical procedures, cocoa may affect blood sugar control. So, before scheduled surgery, stop eating cocoa a minimum of 2 weeks.
Was this article enlightening to you? Start to use cocoa butter to get its impressive health and beauty benefits. Have you ever used cocoa butter for improving your health and beauty? Do you know other health and beauty benefits of cocoa butter on hair, skin, face and lips and its uses and warnings? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.
