"Ciao, Kakao"?! No, we say "Hi, cocoa"! Because there's more to chocolate than just sugar and calories. Cocoa is a real superfood. But what health benefits does it offer? Can cocoa really improve our wellbeing without the negative aspects associated with processed chocolate?

What makes cocoa a superfood?
Cocoa is not only a key ingredient in chocolate, but also a nutritional powerhouse:
1. rich in essential minerals:
Cocoa is an excellent source of important minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc. These play a crucial role in your immune system, muscle health and nerve function.
2. flavonoids - valuable antioxidants for your heart:
Cocoa contains high amounts of flavonoids, natural antioxidants that are known to support the cardiovascular system. They help to regulate blood pressure and promote healthy blood vessels, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. natural mood enhancer:
The theobromine contained in cocoa, similar to caffeine, provides a mild stimulating effect. It improves alertness and mood without the typical side effects of caffeine such as restlessness.
Want to find out more about superfoods? Click here for our article
The effect of antioxidants and free radicals
Free radicals are unstable molecules that steal electrons from other molecules to achieve their own stability. This process, known as oxidation, can cause a chain reaction that ultimately damages cells, proteins and DNA in the body. This oxidative stress is linked to a variety of health problems, including skin ageing, inflammatory responses and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Antioxidants are like the body's heroes, standing by to ward off this damage. They donate electrons to free radicals without becoming unstable themselves, which stops the oxidation process and thus protects the cells. Cocoa is particularly rich in a group of antioxidants called flavonoids, which are especially known for their protective properties in the cardiovascular system.
A good example of the effect of these flavonoids is their ability to keep blood vessels healthy. They improve the elasticity of blood vessels, which regulates blood pressure and improves circulation. This reduces the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Studies have also shown that flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory effect, which contributes to the general reduction of inflammation in the body.
Another example is protection against neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants in cocoa can help maintain brain structure and improve cognitive function by reducing neuronal injury and neuroinflammatory processes.
Regular intake of antioxidants through nutrient-rich foods like cocoa is an effective strategy to protect the body from these free radicals and promote overall health. When combined with other healthy lifestyle habits, cocoa can help build a strong antioxidant system that protects the body from many diseases.

Why not all chocolate is equally good for you
For many of us, chocolate is a sweet comfort and a temptation that is hard to resist. But before you savour that next piece of chocolate, it's important to understand that not all chocolates are created equal. The ingredients and the way it's made can vary significantly and make a big difference to how healthy - or unhealthy - chocolate actually is. Here we take a look at what goes into typical chocolate products, and why you might want to think twice before you reach for it.
What's really in your chocolate?
- Sugar: Sugar is usually the main ingredient in chocolate, which unfortunately makes it quite unhealthy. Too much of it can quickly lead to a sugar crash, which is the sudden drop in your blood sugar levels after an increased sugar intake. In the long term, high sugar consumption can lead to more serious health problems. Here you can find out how to eat a low-sugar diet.
- Cocoa butter and cocoa mass: These are natural and come directly from the cocoa bean, but their quality can vary.
- Milk powder and whey powder: These ingredients make the chocolate creamier, but are not so great if you don't tolerate lactose well.
- Clarified butter: Although it makes the chocolate delicious and creamy, it also contains a lot of saturated fats.
- Emulsifiers such as soya lecithin: These help to mix everything together nicely, but can trigger allergies.
- Nuts: Healthy in itself, but problematic if you have an allergy.
- Flavours: These can be natural or artificial and are there to enhance the flavour, but offer no added health benefits.
Why you should take a closer look
Although these ingredients make chocolate irresistible, they are not necessarily healthy. The high sugar content can mask the natural benefits of cocoa. In addition, fats and emulsifiers can put a strain on your cardiovascular system and artificial flavourings are not for everyone, especially if you are sensitive to additives.
The better cocoa experience: chocolatey indulgence without negative side effects
If you really want to enjoy the benefits of cocoa without all the extras that aren't good for your health, look for products that focus on the essentials. A good example of this is the Cocoa muesli from Wacker.
We use real cocoa and crunchy cocoa nibs that come directly from the cocoa bean - so you get the pure, unadulterated cocoa flavour. Our muesli is sweetened only with dates, without any industrial sugar or artificial additives. Not only is it delicious, it is also packed with protein and fibre, which will fill you up, support your digestion and give you long-term energy.
Wacker's cocoa muesli is an excellent option for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of pure cocoa without the disadvantages of added sugar and fat. So you get the chocolate flavour you love and do something good for your body at the same time.

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Cocoa for snacking
Would you prefer a chocolatey snack between meals? Then our Oat bar "Mannheimer Quadrat" cocoa hazelnut just right for you! Made from natural ingredients and only with the sweetness of dates, but still super tasty!

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Are you interested in cocoa as a superfood? Find out everything you need to know in our article on ernaehrungsexperte.de!
Photo cocoa: Adobe Stock, kaiskynet, #162579454
Photo chocolate: Adobe Stock, photocrew, #177164862