The best way to boost the health benefits of cocoa beans lies in how you roast them

( Natural News ) Several studies have already determined that chocolate offers various health benefits, but according to researchers from Penn State University (PSU), roasting cocoa beans for a specific length of time and at a certain temperature can both “preserve and even boost the potency of some bioactive and antioxidant compounds while protecting desired sensory aspects of chocolate.” Results from previous studies imply that roasting cocoa beans can reduce their polyphenol content, which offer health benefits, especially for cancer prevention and patients with cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. Joshua Lambert, associate professor of food science at PSU and the lead researcher for the study, explained that even if chocolate is often consumed as a treat, for the last couple of years it has been recognized as a viable source of healthy compounds. Lambert added that their goal for the study was to determine if roasting cocoa beans could help “preserve preferred flavor characteristics and boost health benefits.” (Related: Sensual sweet seduction: Why chocolate is good for your heart, brain, and mood .) Roasted cocoa beans and polyphenol content For the study, the researchers looked into how whole-bean roasting influenced the aroma-related chemistry, pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, and polyphenol content of cocoa after various roasting conditions. Inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity is a feasible method for resolving the problem of obesity. Pancreatic lipase helps break down triglycerides into fatty acids. The fatty acids are then absorbed through the small intestine’s lining. A pancreatic lipase inhibitor restricts the formation of fatty acids, effectively preventing the absorption of dietary fats into the body. Get CLEAN FOOD and help support our mission to keep you informed : The Health Ranger Store lab verifies everything we sell with accredited testing for heavy metals, microbiology and food safety. Certified organic facility, ISO-accredited on-site […]

Click here to view full article