Cocoa butter is the luscious fat or triglyceride derived from cocoa beans. Also known as Theobroma oil, cocoa butter is routinely used in skincare products. However, it's also a key ingredient in rich chocolates and is responsible for their melting properties.
Cocoa beans are first made into cocoa liquor, which is then turned into cocoa butter. Due to its unique properties, cocoa butter is the most expensive of all vegetable fat and oils.
It is also a healthy vegan alternative to butter and ghee. It's also used in the ketogenic diet. Here are some of its health benefits.
Health benefits of cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is a rich source of vitamin E, which benefits brain, blood skin and eye health. It is also rich in vitamin K, linoleic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid. When applied topically, it can nourish the skin and keep it youthful and smooth. Here are some of its health benefits.
Improves liver health: Cocoa butter has the micronutrient choline that helps boost liver health and prevent liver diseases caused by choline deficiency.
Supports bone health: Cocoa butter also has good amounts of vitamin K, which improves bone health.
Benefits heart health: Cocoa butter has stearic acid, which is a precursor for oleic acid. Oleic acid helps in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol, improving heart health.
Other key health benefits of cocoa butter
- Improves mood
- Boosts immunity
- Softens skin
- Has anti-ageing properties
- Heals wounds
- Benefits eyes
Nutritional Benefits of Cocoa Butter
| Nutrients | Measurement |
| Calories | 884 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g |
| Fat | 100 g |
| Saturated Fat | 59.7 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 32.9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g |
| Omega-3 | 100 mg |
| Omega-6 | 2800 mg |
| Protein | 0 g |
How to use cocoa butter
Cocoa butter can be used in baking cookies, cakes and shortbread; however, it is advisable to use another fat along with it. It has a light chocolate scent, which will add a rich and delicious fragrance to your baked goods.
Cocoa butter hardens up while cooking. So some cooks also use it like vegan gelatin.
With a smidgen of beet powder and a few drops of vanilla essence, cocoa butter can also be turned into a delicious, edible lip balm.
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