Cocoa Bean

Health Benefits:

Aids in red blood cell formation
Aphrodisiac
Diuretic
Fights free radicals
Helps control LDL cholesterol levels
May reduce cholesterol
May reduce risk of heart disease
May reduce stress
Promotes heart health
Protects against DNA damage
Relaxation
Relieves PMS
Relieves constipation
Relieves cramps

Nutrition:

Serving size: 1 cup; Calories: 196; Fat: 12g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 18mg; Carbs: 50g; Sugars: 2g; Protein: 17g; Potassium: 0%DV; Vitamin A: 0%DV; Vitamin C: 0%DV; Calcium: 11%DV; Iron: 66%DV

Did You Know?

• The difference between cacao and cocoa: Cacao is the bean. Cocoa is the product that is made from it
• There are three different main cocoa varieties: Forastero, Criollo and Trinatorio
• Amsterdam is the world’s most important cocoa port: 500,000-600,000 tonnes of cocoa go through the port each day

Ways to Eat:

• Raw
• In drinks
• In baked goods

Farming Trivia:

• It takes 3 to 5 years before the cocoa tree bears fruit
• Over 70% of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, which provides the bulk of cocoa used for mass-produced chocolate
• The UK is the world’s largest “chocolate” consumer with annual average consumption per capita of 11.5 kg