The Debate about Olive Oil and Shea Oil

Posted on February 28, 2011 by admin

Crude And Refined Palm Oil1 300x176 The Debate about Olive Oil and Shea OilShea oil and olive oils are both used by cosmetics companies in making soaps and moisturizers. The nature of these two essential oils is similar in nature as it was examined by experts. Their similarity is the reason why it’s a good source of ingredients in making soaps and other cosmetics products. That explains why cosmetics products that contain these two ingredients are becoming popular with women from all parts of the world.  In addition to that, the demand of cosmetics and moisturizing products made from shea oil and olive oils in the market is increasing every day.

Perhaps these present debate about olive oil and shea oils are about the big difference of their healing properties. Did you notice these two ingredients had always been together in almost every cosmetic product? The reason why olive oils should be added in making soaps and other famous cosmetics is that it has the softening properties. It’s really a good source in providing softness due to its extra nutrients.  Even experts regarded olive oils as an excellent deep moisturizing emollient and moisturizer which can penetrate deep into your skin.

il fullxfull.99470047 300x225 The Debate about Olive Oil and Shea OilOn the other hand, shea oils has the therapeutic properties that can actually slow down and eliminates skin aging. It has unique properties that can take out appearances of wrinkle lines. Also, it has the capability of reducing the incidence of fine lines on your faces. These are the healing properties which can only be found in shea oils. While the olive oil has no healing properties, it is only used to help the healing properties of shea oils in penetrating deeply into your skin.

The persons that have skin allergies can use skin moisturizers made from shea oils extensively. It’s a good emollient and moisturizer for eliminating dry scalp, dry skin, wrinkles, and stretch marks. But, shea oils must be in a cosmetics product together with olive oils. One good reason is that, shea oils have the healing properties while olive oils have the capability of penetration deep down into your skin. The point is that these two essential oils should go together and work together for the better good.

These oils are also referred as source of the fountain of youth in the modern world. You need to continue your appreciation while enjoying the richness of these oils healing properties. Now that you understand their benefits, just consider the debate about the healing properties of shea oil and olive oils to a draw.


Posted in Shea Oil | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Make Shea Butter Lotions

Posted on February 24, 2011 by admin

lipandlotionstoppage How to Make Shea Butter LotionsShea butter is a wonderful ingredient in lotions to enhance and moisturizes your skin. The butter is often used as ingredient in making soaps and shampoos to treat skin disorders like dandruff and dry skin. Additionally, it is an excellent moisturizer in taking care of your sunburns and rashes. To the pregnant, it is a great help in preventing and eliminating stretch marks due to its miraculous properties that softens dry and tough skin. These are just a few of the benefits of shea butter that makes consumers and dermatologists agree on it as a helpful necessity in everyday life.

In making shea butter lotions, you need to purchase a few ingredients in a local organic store or in a beauty shop that sells organic and natural ingredients. The ingredients include shea butter, citric acid, stearic acid, glycerin, distilled water, emulsifying wax, honeysuckle fragrance oils, lemon fragrance oils, and germaben II. You may ask for more advice and other information’s such as measurements with the storekeeper. He/she would be able to help and could also offer other specific instructions.

0B618509 How to Make Shea Butter LotionsAfter you obtained all the ingredients you need to mix them all in a container with the exceptions of oils and germaben. To melt the shea butter as well as the other ingredients, you have to microwave them in a low temperature. Take out the container and starts stirring the mixture. After stirring, add the remaining ingredients which are the fragrance oils and germaben. Pour the mixture in a container and shake that container in every ten minutes for at least an hour. Do not forget to shake the container before the mixture gets harder in order to obtain a good mixture of shea butter lotion.

The advantage of learning to make your own shea butter lotions offers another unique skill. Aside from that, shea butter lotions that are displayed in local organic store in your area are pretty much expensive. This new skill that you recently acquired could give you an opportunity of experiencing in making your own beauty products. Additionally, your own homemade shea butter lotions can be an excellent gift for your friends and relative. You may use other ingredients for your fragrance that suits your needs. You can also decorate the jars and containers with the intentions in making an excellent gift.

The dermatologists and health care practitioners had endorsed the great benefits and advantage of shea butter lotions to consumers. And, the consumers had seen its good outcomes that results to an increasing popularity of these moisturizers. The retailers also had felt the demand that gives them an opportunity in raising the prices of these products. This incidence may give you the motivation in making your own shea butter lotions. And, aside from that only few people knows how to make moisturizing lotions. Thus, making your own shea butter lotions from scratch can really be fun and exciting.


Posted in Shea Butter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shea Butter Cosmetics in Body Treatments for Skin and Hair

Posted on February 23, 2011 by admin

Shea Butter is a non-toxic treatment; therefore it was used by African medicine in healing. With time, it was included in many cosmetic products so it is also present in shampoos, lotions, masks, massage oils, soaps, anti-aging creams and lip balms.

Shea Butter has a large amount of vitamins A, E and F along with other substances known under the name of unsaponifiable matter. Doing a little comparison, Shea Butter contains 7-12% of these substances, compared, for example, with avocado oil that contains 2-6%. The high level of unsaponifiable matter is one of the reasons for the price of Shea Butter. In fact, these substances are those that do wonders. The fine texture of Shea Butter easily penetrates the skin, allowing it to breathe, without closing the pores.

unrefined shea butter skin care 300x225 Shea Butter Cosmetics in Body Treatments for Skin and Hair Shea Butter for skin treatment

Shea butter can be used in pure form, having a pleasant smell. It is used directly on the skin to reduce stretch marks and stains, on dry skin after waxing and even after shaving to prevent irritation. Shea Butter can be applied whenever you want.
Before you go to the beach is better to make a peeling before using shea butter as the skin will be protected and so you will get a nice tan. At the same time it is a perfect ingredient as a sunscreen.

Shea Butter is used in healing burns and wounds, to remove scars, dandruff, and stretch marks. It was also noted that Shea Butter was giving good results in reducing wrinkles, in skin cells renewal and in stimulating blood circulation. The wide range of cosmetic products, containing Shea Butter, prevents premature wrinkles and expression lines. Very good results were reported in case of rheumatism, eczema and psoriasis. In other words, Shea Butter is a magical element to any problem in dermatology.

terranova rain massage oil1 109x300 Shea Butter Cosmetics in Body Treatments for Skin and Hair Shea Butter in massage oils

SPA centers use Shea Butter in relaxation massage. For a 100% relaxation, while bathing, add a teaspoon of shea butter. Not only will you feel relaxed, but the skin will become soft and smooth.

Shea butter can be used for legs treatment. After a busy day, a massage with shea butter at the beauty salon or at home is the best choice.

Treatment steps are simple: wet feet in a bath with sea salt for several minutes, use a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells and finally apply the shea butter.

Pearberry Scented Shea Butter Soap 300x300 Shea Butter Cosmetics in Body Treatments for Skin and Hair Shea Butter in soaps

Due to the Shea Butter content, Shea Butter soap can be used to eliminate eczema, dermatitis and many other skin conditions. In addition it re-oxygenate the skin and leave it clean. When used in conjunction with coconut oil, the skin is relieved immediately.

21FLuphON3L. SL500 AA300 Shea Butter Cosmetics in Body Treatments for Skin and Hair Shea Butter in body lotions

For the skin to preserve its moisture and softness longer, it is indicated to use lotions with Shea Butter. Knees, elbows, hands and feet will became and remain fine if this treatment is used. Another remedy for your skin is to mix a little Aloe Vera juice, cucumber and chamomile extract with Shea Butter lotion.
If applying the Shea Butter lotion on your skin, it will be protected from UV rays. Moreover, it will regenerate skin cells and prevent signs of aging.

1254197698 72209 full Shea Butter Cosmetics in Body Treatments for Skin and Hair Shampoos and masks with Shea Butter

External factors such as wind, sun, cold or harsh care products, along with hard water may produce hair damage. Thus, to prevent hair breakage and thinning is advisable to choose products with Shea Butter. They will hydrate the hair and eliminate dandruff. Shea Butter shampoos are beneficial for damaged hair, dry and brittle.

To give your hair a healthy look you may use Shea Butter directly on the scalp. It is easy to apply it by massaging, after being warmed to become an oily solution. Then wrap the hair with a plastic wrap or with a shower helmet, and again with a hot towel. After 30 minutes the hair will be rinsed; it will become soft and silky. In addition, it will stimulate growth. This treatment is recommended to be used at least twice per week on hair and scalp to obtain the best results.

People allergic to latex should avoid the use of Shea Butter and products containing this ingredient!


Posted in Shea Butter, Shea Oil | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Food Value of Cocoa Butter

Posted on February 22, 2011 by admin

2493626515 1740f0c002 The Food Value of Cocoa Butter Cocoa butter is a natural food and a source of body energy that is also helping in preserving human health by heart diseases and even cancer risk reduction.

Cocoa tree is a plant, which produces cocoa pods, holding cocoa beans, so cocoa butter extracted by those beans is a natural plant food. Such as other plant-based foods cocoa butter has many naturally substances which exhibit the biological activity. These substances have been the field of many scientific studies.

Cocoa butter, used in chocolate production, is a source of energy, including minerals and vitamins, which body needs for growth and energy replenishment. Cocoa butter used in chocolate products can provide the needed compaction, portability and well liked form of carbohydrate fuel needed for athletes in training and competition. It can be part of a healthy diet if is consumed moderately.

749200 The Food Value of Cocoa Butter Studies have shown that flavonoid-rich foods could offer cardiovascular benefits. The existence of these substances in cocoa butter has changed the perceived health benefits of the using of cocoa butter, mostly in chocolate form.

In addition to its relating-to-diet properties, the fats and carbohydrates existent in cocoa butter add to its appeal. Cocoa butter contains a large number of phytochemicals that are the physiologically active compounds found in cocoa plants that improve energy levels and feelings of well being after being consumed. The group of compounds called polyphenols has been shown to have antioxidant properties. The most abundant polyphenols in cocoa beans are the flavanols which are a sub-class of flavonoids

In cocoa butter are found different varieties and amounts of flavanols; flavanols levels also vary. The way cocoa butter is processed can influence the level of flavanols in the final product as well. In the processing of cocoa beans to make cocoa butter, some of the substances with health benefits can be destroyed due to temperature and chemical changes. After having certified the health benefits of these substances, cocoa beans processors have begun to adapt their processing methods and succeeded to reduce at minimum losses of these healthy substances.

Flavanols are powerful antioxidants and are considered to contribute to the body’s cells resistance against damage made by free radicals. These free radicals are formed by numerous processes, including when the body’s cells utilize oxygen for energy. Oxidative damage to the cells and tissues is considered to have a contribution to heart diseases. Cocoa butter is a good source of flavanols, catechin, epicatechin and complex procyanidins. The amounts of these natural chemical compounds present are often alike or greater than those present in fruits and vegetables. Studies indicated that cocoa flavonoids can inhibit LDL cholesterol, helping to inhibit the buildup of fibrous plaques on the arterial walls.

chocolate1 300x233 The Food Value of Cocoa Butter Consumption flavanol-rich cocoa butter and chocolate may affect cardiovascular biomarkers in a positive way. In taking of flavonoid-rich cocoa drinks by healthy humans has proved to increase the time taken for blood to clot and inhibit platelet activity. As increased platelet activation and stickiness leads to thrombosis and blockage of coronary arteries, this scientific discovery could be really important. Cocoa butter that is rich in flavanols could be associated with the modulation of the nitric oxide because it is reducing pro-inflammatory enzymes and thereby is reducing inflammation of blood vessels. The major functions of nitric oxide that is produced in the lining of blood vessels include opening up the arteries to increase blood flow, maintain elasticity and prevent platelets from adhering to artery walls. These mechanisms of protection are important for a good cardiovascular health. This is why the effects of nitric oxide may be responsible for possible beneficial effects of cocoa on blood pressure.

Studies have indicated that, one of the main fatty acids in cocoa butter, the stearic acid, is a unique long-chain saturated fatty acid that does not raise blood cholesterol because of being less well absorbed than other saturated fats. Studies on cocoa butter have also shown it to have a minimal effect on serum cholesterol and therefore it does not increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

It have been demonstrated that persons with a regular intake of food containing antioxidants, displayed a lower incidence of various types of cancer. It can be deduced that the intake of antioxidants, including those from cocoa butter and chocolate, inhibit the complex processes leading to cancer.


Posted in Cocoa butter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Negative Side effects of Cocoa Butter

Posted on February 21, 2011 by admin

CocoaButter01 Negative Side effects of Cocoa ButterCocoa Butter

Cocoa butter which is also called cacao butter is from the cacao seeds or cocoa beans. It is an extraction with a color of cream and it is used to add flavor, scent, and smoothness to chocolate, cosmetics, and other topical products. Addressed as a natural moisturizer for the skin, it is widely used to keep the smoothness and suppleness of the skin for years. It melts at the body’s which make it easily absorbed by the skin because of its natural fats content which is highly concentrated. It helps retain moisture by producing a barrier between the skin and the environment if applied in the skin, making it recommended usually for skin treatment.

Cocoa Butter: Side effects

Though cocoa butter has wowed many people by its health wonders, we cannot deny the fact that it also has side effects that need to be careful at.

According to cocoa-butter.com (2010), cocoa butter can induce several conditions to people. Though it is considered as a natural remedy by the many, it should be taken with caution. Here are some effects of taking cocoa butter

Cocoa butter on a spoon image from fotobank.ru 150x150 Negative Side effects of Cocoa ButterObesity: You can gain weight that fast with cocoa butter, leading to obesity. Since cocoa butter contains high fat content which has more calories than the required amount and it is used also as a primary ingredient for chocolates. Because it is also an important ingredient in chocolates, it may increase the caffeine content in the body. Therefore, it will cause different side effects like weight gain or obesity. In the same way, cholesterol in the blood levels which may cause in increasing the risk of heart problems in people with risk factor because of the presence of palmitic acid.

fotolia 191213 XS 150x150 Negative Side effects of Cocoa ButterSkin allergies: Cocoa butter is a common ingredient in skin care products. It may be beneficial to many of its users, but it can cause allergies in certain people especially those with allergies from nuts. Therefore, if a person is not used to with products containing with cocoa butter, allergies may occur resulting to skin allergies and rashes.

il fullxfull.82374817 150x150 Negative Side effects of Cocoa ButterHeart ailments: Cocoa butter is equal to heavy fat. Therefore, cocoa butter cannot be considered good for the heart since it also contains high bad cholesterol (LDL) leading to problems in blood circulation, heart diseases, and chronic ailments like diabetes may occur. It can also cause insomnia or headaches since cocoa butter has high caffeine content. Other side effects include digestion problems, colic in sensitive infants, and chest pain for those with heart problems, breathing pattern difficulties and others. Respiratory problems will be very common with continuous intake of cocoa butter. In additional to that, cocoa butter has been known to clog pores leading to acne outbreak if continued used.


Posted in Cocoa, Cocoa butter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Enjoy the Secret Health Benefits of Chocolate

Posted on February 18, 2011 by admin

chocolate high 4 300x225 Enjoy the Secret Health Benefits of ChocolateEating dark chocolates contributes the lowering of your blood pressure levels. That is one of the secrets in dark chocolates benefit to your health. It was proven by research that shows eating dark chocolates can lower the risk of having atherosclerosis, lowers hospitalization due to hypertension, and lowers the rate of deaths from heart diseases. This research was conducted by a team of researchers that compared the effects and outcomes of women that consumed dark chocolates.

Another secret on the health benefits of chocolate is the feelings of pleasurable sensation after you have consumed a dark chocolate. The reason is that it contains phyto-nutrients that are capable to act as endorphins. The endorphins are peptide hormones which are found in your brain and reduce the sensation of pain and emotions. After you consume dark chocolates, the endorphins are stimulated to produce the sensation such as pleasures and happiness. It is also referred to as the high feelings of sensations to runners and athletes.

Brown and Blond sugar bloom 300x286 Enjoy the Secret Health Benefits of ChocolateYou can also consider the dark chocolates as an antidepressant remedy. That is the reason why some people are consuming chocolates when they feel depressed and down. Why don’t you try eating dark chocolates after you have a bad day? You may notice a feeling of happiness deep inside your heart that gives your face a smile. A recent study shows that consuming dark chocolates in average of forty grams a day can reduce the stress hormones in your blood. If these stress hormones in your bloodstream are lowered, you can have the capability to fight, manage, and reduce the effects of stress. Your eating habit of eating chocolates helps you a lot in your everyday life. This is the secret on the health benefits of eating chocolates that you can enjoy.

Additionally, researchers has shown reports which shows people who ate chocolates once a week has lower risks in having strokes and hypertensions. Another study found out that people who had been stroke were given chocolates to consume once a week, the outcomes was a higher survival rate. These people had much higher chances of survival when compared to people who don’t consumed any chocolates at all. There is no proof that can show any disadvantages of dark chocolates or can show that it is unhealthy. You can enjoy as much as you want and it is essential to your health. These are the facts and the truth about consuming dark chocolates and what it can offer to your health.


Posted in Cocoa | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Dark Chocolate Prevents Damage from Strokes

Posted on February 17, 2011 by admin

dark chocolate Dark Chocolate Prevents Damage from StrokesYour brain cells can function through a continuous supply of oxygen and glucose in your bloodstream. If a disruption in the delivery of oxygen to your brain cells occurs, the outcomes would turn your brain cells to malfunction and die. Thus, brain cells that dies due to disruption of oxygen supply causes you to get strokes. Well, the good news is dark chocolates can prevent yourself from damages of strokes.

One good reason that makes dark chocolates prevent an occurrence of stroke is due to its antioxidant contents. Antioxidants are substances taken from your usual food to prevent the damages of oxidants in your body. The oxygen in your blood produces by products and free radicals that usually cause damages. These free radicals are the scavengers that must be stop through taking antioxidants to help you from damage. Antioxidants are the only ones that can help, repair, and prevent the damages of scavengers and free radicals.

dark chocolate 1 Dark Chocolate Prevents Damage from StrokesThe oxidative damages cause health problems such as strokes, hypertension, heart diseases, muscular damages, and cancer. A recent study has suggested that 5 servings of foods such as fruits and vegetables contribute to lower the risk of strokes and hypertension. That study also suggested that antioxidants can help in lowering the occurrences of stroke. It is also a great help in boosting your immune system and lower risk of infections. And dark chocolates are one of the good sources of antioxidants.

A study in Cologne, Germany suggested that dark chocolates are good sources of antioxidants that prevents stroke. It is not the white chocolates that prevent hypertension, only the dark chocolate can prevent stroke from happening. Another recent study has same results that suggested dark chocolates contain antioxidants. Here are the outcomes, five people that were diagnosed of mild hypertensions were given dark chocolates and another five people were given white chocolates. The result was a drop of an average of five points for the systole and two points for diastole in persons that consume dark chocolates. Meanwhile, those that ate white chocolates had no unusual drop of blood pressure.

Additionally, dark chocolate contribute the lowering of your blood pressure level, prevents tooth decay, stops dental decay, help boost your immune systems, and cleanses your mouth from bacteria. Scientist believes that a flavanols which is a powerful antioxidant can only be found in dark chocolates. It triggers the stimulation of your nitric acid production to regulate your blood pressure and constrict your blood vessels. The fact is dark chocolates contains seventy percent of cocoa and making it as a good source of antioxidants. Although, you’re eating habit of dark chocolates may not help you in lowering your blood pressure, it obtains an ingredients such as antioxidants and flavanols which has the potential in preventing you from getting strokes.


Posted in Cocoa | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Cocoa – A medicine validated by modern science

Posted on February 16, 2011 by admin

canstock5313003 Cocoa A medicine validated by modern science Scientists have decreed: the greater the proportion of cocoa solids, in general the greater the benefits seem to be for the body. The proof backing the health advantages of cocoa continues to become more solid as researchers begin to comprehend better the certain positive health and nutritional attributes of cocoa and cocoa derivate products.

There seems to be an imperative need to get this knowledge to buyers to increase the information and awareness of the beneficial health attributes of cocoa and cocoa products. The most valuable message to be send to buyers now is that cocoa, when utilized with moderation, can take part of a wholesome, well balanced, healthy, nutritive diet. The message in this direction is balanced, well-articulated and credible.

Pro-cocoa campaigns come to develop suggestions and ideas that strengthen the message of the nutritional and health attributes of cocoa. In this respect, cocoa producers have articulated ideas on the content of the message to consumers and formulated suggestions for the format and strategy of a possible campaign to promote consumption. This is made by increasing knowledge and awareness of the nutritional and health properties of cocoa and cocoa products.

cocoa sorbet blog.jpg.scaled.1000 300x215 Cocoa A medicine validated by modern science In recent years it has been observed a switch to higher cocoa content chocolate products. It can be explained by the increasing demand among buyers for taste, convenience and health as well as for ethical products.

In recent times, researchers have increasingly shown the nutritional and health benefits of cocoa products with a high cocoa content. New food products grow with wholesome ingredients has become foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They play a significant role in the upward trend of the confectionery market. The demand for dark and high cocoa content chocolate, in particular, has surged in response to these positive findings.

A major foundation in the dynamism of cocoa consumption in recent years was found in the mature markets of Western Europe and the United States, which represent over 70% of world cocoa consumption. The growth in cocoa consumption in the Far East and in Eastern Europe is largely attributed to an increase in demand for products containing cocoa powder. Although the volume of chocolate eaten has increased at only a low place, the amount of cocoa consumed has boosted rapidly. The trend in chocolate eating has is now by the increasing appeal of premium chocolates and, in particular, of high cocoa content dark chocolate. Chocolate producers that noticed the changing tastes and even companies traditionally known for milk chocolate products have been introducing new dark and high cocoa content products because of its health attributes

OTHERS 65498 28 300x225 Cocoa A medicine validated by modern science In the past years the growth has been mainly driven by single-origin chocolate which grew by over 20% per year as well as by organic certified chocolate that is up by almost 20% and dark chocolate that is up by over 15%. The deterioration of the global economic environment has slowed down the strong place towards premium chocolate products. However, the trend is expected to resume in the short term when economic conditions improve.

There are many ways to consume cocoa but the most frequent it is consumed as chocolate confectionery. Other methods of cocoa consumption are chocolate coated products and other food products containing cocoa powder including cocoa drinks, snacks and cakes. The principal ingredients in chocolate are cocoa paste, which imparts the basic chocolate flavor, cocoa butter which provides the characteristic mouth feel, sugar and a flavoring agent. A filled chocolate is composed by various products such as milk, nuts, biscuits and other fillings including of course the well known cocoa paste.

Cocoa powder is used in a wide range of foodstuff products, drinks and cosmetics. In cosmetic products are used small amounts of cocoa. It should also be mentioned that, in some cocoa producing countries, new products are being manufactured from cocoa by-products too.


Posted in Cocoa | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Physical and Chemical Evaluation of Cocoa Butter

Posted on February 15, 2011 by admin

cacao 3 300x199 Physical and Chemical Evaluation of Cocoa ButterCocoa beans allow the extraction of their fat. This operation can be done in a number of ways.

By horizontal presses is extracted pure press butter. When pure press butter is obtained, it is known that it needs no additional cleaning process. In change, this pure press butter will undergo by a deodorized process, most of the times.

The method of continuous expeller presses is used for sub-standard beans of cocoa, this way allowing them to be pressed without deshelling.

After the expeller process, butter can be extracted from the cake left residue also. In this case the process is done by using the solvent extraction. If the solvent extraction process is used the resulted butter must be refined.

The following proprieties are common in the cocoa butter that is obtained by pressing the cocoa nib exhibits:

  • Brittle fracture below 20 degrees Celsius
  • Melting point about 35 degrees Celsius
  • Softening around 30-32 degrees Celsius

il fullxfull.92089111 300x211 Physical and Chemical Evaluation of Cocoa ButterIt is known that cocoa butter contains glycerides. Specialists have determined the constituent glycerides of a quality cocoa butter and their percentage.

  • Trisaturated – 2.5% to 3.0%
  • Triunsaturated (also known as triolein) – 1.0%
  • Palmito-diolein – 7% to 8%
  • Stearo-diolein – 6% to 12%
  • Monounsaturated – none
  • Diunsaturated – none
  • Oleo-distearin – 18% to 22%
  • Oleo-dipalmitin – 4% to 6%
  • Oleo-palmitostearin – 52% to 57%

The accepted quality for cocoa butter will have physico-chemical features as follow:

  • Humidity (maximum admitted) – 0.1%
  • Oleic Acid (maximum admitted) – 1.75%
  • Unsaponifiable matter (maximum admitted) – 0.35%
  • Refractive index at 40 degrees Celsius  - 1456-1459
  • Melting point – 32-35 degrees Celsius
  • Saponifiablity index – 191-198
  • Iodine (using Wijs method) – 32-42
  • Lead content (maximum admitted) – 0.5 mg / kg
  • Iron content (maximum admitted) – 2 mg / kg
  • Copper content. (maximum admitted) – 50 mg / kg
  • Arsenic content (maximum admitted) – 0.5 mg / kg

dsc 1365 jpg 300x199 Physical and Chemical Evaluation of Cocoa ButterWhen purchasing cocoa butter it should meet a series of conditions that must be checked such as:

  • Color – Light Yellow/Creamy
  • Aroma Indices – 4.45
  • Odor – cocoa and resembling chocolate
  • Peroxide Value – 0.48
  • Free Fatty Acids – 1.01%
  • Total Polyunsaturated – 1 to 5
  • Total Monounsaturated – 20 to 40
  • Total Saturated – 56 to 72
  • Fatty Acids
  • Oleic – 29 to 35%
  • Linoleic – 1 to 3%
  • Palmitic – 20 to 30%

Since its point of manufacture, cocoa butter is packed in special boxes, made by cardboard, doubled with high density polyethylene foil. Box’s usually weight is 25 kilograms, but on demand it can be supplied in various other quantities. Marking packages containing cocoa butter should give more specifications. Each quantity of cocoa butter delivered shall contain the following markings:

  • Product Description
  • The type and product code
  • Manufacturer’s name and logo
  • Date of production and expiry date (month / day / year)
  • Batch number
  • Net weight
  • Country of Origin
  • Details on storage conditions

Posted in Cocoa, Cocoa butter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Nutritional Attributes of Cocoa

Posted on February 14, 2011 by admin

36227 225x300 Nutritional Attributes of CocoaThe cacao tree that produced cocoa beans is farmed in tropical Countries. After harvest, beans have to be processed that result to chocolate liquor where the remains are dried into powder. The steps in processing the beans are through soaking into alkaline low acid solution to taste them better. A cup of cocoa powder contains 12 grams of fats which are divided into 4 grams of mono-saturated fats and 7 grams of saturated fats.

These are the nutritional attributes of cocoa, in a cup of cocoa powder there can be 50 grams of carbohydrates and 17 grams of protein. A cocoa bean contains 50 % fat that composed of two saturated fatty acids. The saturated fatty acids are stearic and palmitic fatty acids and the other mono-saturated fatty acids are the oleic acids. The cholesterol level you will obtain when consuming fatty acids may not comes from cocoa at all. It comes from other ingredients or from other types of fats contain in the product you consumed. For example, the milk and low grade chocolates that contains cocoa will affect the level of fatty acids.

cacao 300x199 Nutritional Attributes of CocoaCacao beans contain 50 grams of carbohydrates that are soluble dietary fibers, insoluble dietary fibers, and starch. Only a small amount of sugar is found in cocoa that Industrial companies of cocoa products has to add sugars during manufacture of cocoa products. It also contains antioxidant properties such as polyphenols, flavonoids, epicatechins, catechins, and procyandins. These antioxidants are commonly found in red wines which are very good to your health. The flavinoids which can be found in the non fat portions of cocoa beans can reduce the risks of heart attacks and stroke due to its clotting factor.

Theobromine which is water insoluble, white, crystalline vasodilator can be found in cocoa. It has functions of mild diuretic action and mild stimulant that increases production of your urine. Although it has health benefits such as vasodilator, myocardial stimulant, and a diuretic to humans, it is toxic to animals like cats, dogs, horses, and parrots. You can also found a low amount of caffeine in cocoa compared to coffees, cola, and tea. The phynylethylamine is also present which is a good stimulant and anti-depressive agent for your body’s dopamine and adrenaline.

Potassium in 1311 grams is found in a cup of cocoa that functions as your regulator of your blood pressure, sodium levels, and heartbeats. Other minerals that can be found are the calcium, magnesium, phosphorous that build bones, tissues, and nerves.  Traces of vitamins found are the choline, lutein, and folates that maintain cell membranes, skin and visions, and your nervous systems. Cocoa is a good enhancer with its nutritional attributes to any products that gives you great flavors. That is the reason why nutritious cocoa is found in most of the products in the market.


Posted in Cocoa | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments