Cacao gives vitality, antioxidants and is a dietary fiber rich in protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats making it an excellent source of high energy and also a good source of minerals like magnesium, iron, copper and calcium. Theobroma cacao L. is the scientific name derived from the cacao tree. Theobroma, in Greek, meaning "drink of the gods', cacao comes from the Nahuatl 'cacahualt'. Cacao is a plant native to America that has been prevalent in the world as a raw material used for cultivation in different agro-industry products.
Scientific Name: Theobroma cocoa
Common Name: Cacao
Used Part: Cacao Butter is obtained from cocoa beans ( Theobroma cacao) , previously selected , roasted and husked . The remaining nibs are crushed by a mill obtaining a uniform paste which is mechanically pressed to extract the fat called cacao butter.
Origin and Distribution: In Peru there are different varieties of cocoa were introduced from the Caribbean , Central America and Ecuador , in addition to the crosses with native varieties. Therefore, it is estimated Peru owns 60% of the varieties of cocoa in the world . The main producing areas are the valleys of La Convencion (Cusco ) , the Apurimac - Ehe River , or VRAE ( Ayacucho , Cusco and Junín ) , the Huallaga ( Huanuco and San Martin), Tambo (Junín ) and the Maranon ( Cajamarca and Amazon).
Recommended Use and Properties:
Suitable for the production of chocolates, ice cream, manufacture of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Cocoa butter pure fat seems solid cubes of pale yellow.
Moisturizing skin : Cocoa butter is used in many products skin care because it is rich in fat, and when used on the face or other parts of the body , greatly moisturizes the skin. It allows moisturize , to pass through the skin , without blocking the pores . It has a pleasant light scent , like chocolate , and therefore is a common ingredient in many lotions and moisturizers for body care . It has a soothing aroma and relieves stress and helps you relax when used for massage.
Skin disorders : As cocoa butter is easily absorbed by the skin, and has strong antioxidant properties when used on the skin, protects it from harmful environmental elements . It is also used to treat and prevent stretch marks. It is also helpful in relieving the symptoms of skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. Antioxidants having also give this long life shortening therefore is one of the most stable vegetable fats , and can be stored for two to five years .
Antioxidant Benefits in the body: The antioxidants in cocoa butter fight free radicals damage cells in the body are considered very good for health . These antioxidants are present in the form of flavonoids .
Pharmaceuticals: Cocoa butter is used to manufacture pharmaceutical products that help relieve arthritis and is used for the manufacture of products that help in preventing heart disease.
Chocolate Manufacturing: Also used for the manufacture of chocolate, including milk and black chocolate, and gives the chocolate a melting soft texture. Because of its long life , it is used to make cocoa powder .
Effect on cholesterol: It has a neutral effect on cholesterol . As contains fat, is good and is not harmful, and therefore has no detrimental effect on blood cholesterol .
Prevention of Cancer: High quality chocolate containing cocoa butter, they contain a chemical called pentamerous . This chemical is supposed to help in cancer prevention .