Cocoa beans: uses, side effects, interactions

Benefits

What are cocoa beans for?

Cocoa beans are a plant that produces chocolate. Known for a long time as food, now cocoa beans are also used by some people as medicine. Cocoa beans are known to help treat intestinal infections, diarrhea, asthma, bronchitis, and as an expectorant for lung congestion.

While the seed coat is known to help treat liver disease, bladder disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. In addition, cocoa cream is also used topically to treat wrinkles and prevent stretch marks in pregnancy.

Some studies also say that chocolate can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, clogged arteries, congestive heart failure, stroke, dementia, and hypotension.

How does it work?

There is not enough research into how this herbal supplement works. Discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information.

However, there are several studies that show that the benefits of cocoa beans are in the flavanol compounds in them. Flavanols function to activate genes in the body to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide works by relaxing blood vessels thereby increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the body's organs.

Apart from nitric oxide, the antioxidant content in chocolate can also help reduce the risk of disease. Antioxidants help the body ward off the bad effects of free radicals that can cause damage to body cells.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.

What is the usual dosage for cocoa beans for adults?

There is no specific dosage recommendation. The dosage for this herbal plant may be different for each patient. The dose used depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for the right dosage for you.

In what form are cocoa beans available?

Cocoa beans can be available in the following forms and dosages:

• Extract
• Powder
• Syrup
• Cream

Side effects

What side effects can cocoa beans cause?

Cocoa is generally well tolerated when consumed in reasonable amounts. However, for some people, this one herb can cause allergic reactions such as:

• Rash or redness
• Itchy
• Hot sensation
• Irritation

In addition, people who have digestive problems such as stomach acid reflux (GERD) may also trigger symptoms of the disease. The reason is, chocolate is among the foods that are believed to trigger acid reflux by causing the sphincter muscles to relax and stomach acid to rise.

Even so, not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be other side effects which are not listed here. If you have concerns about certain side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Security

What should I know before consuming cocoa beans?

• Be careful if you are sensitive to chocolate. Individuals with hypersensitivity to chocolate should not use cocoa.
• Watch for use if you have heart disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is not recommended that you consume large amounts of cocoa.
• Monitor your blood pressure before and after eating chocolate. The reason is, blood pressure may increase.
• Store cocoa in a cool and dry place, away from heat and moisture.
• Keep products containing cocoa away from pets.

The regulations governing the use of herbal supplements are less stringent than those of drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using, make sure the benefits of using herbal supplements outweigh the risks. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is cocoa?

Use cocoa in moderation in children or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding until further research is available.

Interaction

What kinds of interactions might occur when I consume cocoa beans?

This one herb may interact with other medications or with any health conditions you have. Consult an herbalist or doctor before use.

• MAOIs. The tyramine content in cocoa can increase the vasopressor effect of MAOIs; do not use together.
• Theophylline. Cacao can decrease the metabolism of xanthines such as theophylline, thereby increasing levels of theophylline; do not use together.
• Ephedra, guarana, yerba mate. Cocoa can increase the side effects of these products.
• Coffee, tea and sodaa. Cocoa can increase central nervous system excitability when used with caffeinated foods and drinks.
• Consumption of large amounts of cocoa can cause an increase in catecholamines in the blood when bleeding occurs.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.