Cocoa and chocolate in the center of attention of doctors
Aztec doctors already knew the stimulating and healing effect of cocoa. It was part of many medicines, e.g. for diseases of the lungs, digestive system, catarrh, it was known as a diuretic, cocoa beans were pressed and the oil was rubbed on injured places. But cocoa was mainly used as a powerful aphrodisiac. The chronicler of the conquest of Mexico, Bernal Diaz de Castillo, claims of the Aztec ruler Montezuma that he daily "drank from golden cups a drink of cocoa, to which was added the effect of the elixir of love, before retiring to his harem." In the Aztec capital, cacao beans were also used to pay for auianime, prostitutes operating in the markets.
Pikoška / One of the recipes from the 19th century states: "A decoction of cocoa beans, which is drunk like coffee, is supposed to be extremely good for hypochondria and keep the body open. We take 30 g of coarsely crushed beans or also several roasted cocoa beans that have already been peeled, pour water and let it stand for 12 hours, then brew them like coffee, strain and drink them with milk and with or without sugar."
The main components of cocoa are caffeine, theobromine, phenylethylamine with an aphrodisiac effect, and theophylline.
Later times brought the best child of cocoa - chocolate, which for decades was considered only a sign of obesity and sweet ignorance. However, in recent years, experts have also explored its positive effects.
Medicinal effects of chocolate:
helps and stimulates the excretion of toxins
improves blood circulation and strengthens vascular walls
increases the elasticity and firmness of the skin
restores elastin and collagen fibers
supports the production of joy hormones
lowers negative cholesterol (LDL)
Chocolate is used, together with cocoa, in massages and anti-stress procedures, it is part of various ceremonial wellness processes.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA - European Food Safety Authority), which approves the so-called however, a health claim, i.e. a claim about a certain health benefit of a food, has actually approved one health claim for chocolate. And it reads that some specially processed dark chocolates, cocoa extracts and drinks containing 200 mg of flavonoids "contribute to normal blood circulation" by maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels.
In any case, there are great discussions about the healing effects of chocolate and cocoa itself, and it is up to us whether we will believe them. For us, ordinary consumers, chocolate is especially a medicine for "nerves", as cocoa releases hormones of happiness (serotonin, dopamine) and has an anti-depressant effect.