Ms. Meenu Balaji - a nutritionist at the Pragmatic Nutrition Health Center (India) - said that for most people, enjoying 1 teaspoon (about 5 grams) of cocoa powder per day is safe.
However, the European Food Safety Authority recommends consuming only a maximum of 2.5 grams of cocoa with a high flavanol content per day.
Ms. Balaji suggests that adding cocoa powder to smoothies or using it as a warm drink with milk, including plant or animal milk, is good for health.
According to Ms. Balaji, raw cocoa is rich in antioxidants thanks to its flavonoid content. This is a compound that has the effect of reducing inflammation in the body.
Cocoa powder can also help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, improve heart health, and protect cognitive function as we age thanks to the effects of flavonoids.
Ideal dosage and frequency when using raw cocoa powder
Ms. Balaji said that the recommended daily use of cocoa powder is 1 to 2 teaspoons. If you are new to cocoa, try taking it in small amounts to see how your body reacts.
Are there any potential health risks?
Although cocoa powder has many benefits, some people may encounter problems when using it regularly:
Insomnia: unsweetened cocoa powder may contain high levels of theobromine (about 300 mg in 15 grams). Consuming too much (more than 1,000 mg) of theobromine can cause insomnia, increased heart rate or anxiety.
indigestion: Some people may experience bloating or abdominal pain when consuming too much cocoa powder.
Allergic reactions: Although rare, cocoa can cause serious allergies in some people and require emergency medical intervention.
Interactions with drugs: If you are taking blood pressure medication, be careful when consuming cocoa powder as it can further lower blood pressure, leading to unwanted complications.
Ms. Aishwarya - lecturer and clinical nutritionist at the Institute of Education and Research of Sri Ramachandra University (DU), Chennai (India) - also shared that because of its high oxalate content, cocoa powder can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in vulnerable people.
In addition, cocoa powder contains a moderate amount of caffeine and theobromine, so people who are sensitive to these compounds should avoid using it every day to avoid side effects such as increased heart rate, insomnia and anxiety.
