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Which is Healthier Coffee Or Cocoa?
Cocoa and coffee both provide many health advantages, with cocoa’s flavonoids having greater impact on gut microbiome health than coffee’s polyphenols; coffee may also help prevent diabetes, lower blood pressure and improve brain function, while cocoa’s flavanols boost cognitive performance while decreasing risk of stroke according to research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research journal.
Cocoa beans are roasted, fermented and dried into cocoa powder for optimal consumption, packed full of phenolic antioxidants and minerals. Cacao is particularly high in antioxidant content compared to tea; boasting more phenolic antioxidants than green, black or white tea combined. Although low in calories compared to coffee, cacao contains more sugar per cup; therefore if you enjoy drinking cocoa make sure your choice contains no added sweeteners to avoid extra calories.
Coffee and chocolate both offer substantial health benefits; the debate between which is healthier often centers on caffeine content. Although coffee contains slightly more than cocoa in terms of total caffeine intake, both beverages still offer similar amounts and can bring similar health advantages if taken in moderation. Some individuals, however, cannot consume either beverage due to caffeine sensitivities.
Caffeine is an natural stimulant and anxiolytic that can improve alertness and cognition while simultaneously improving concentration and decreasing fatigue, but can have unwanted side effects for some individuals. Caffeine may cause anxiety, upset stomach and insomnia as its stimulating properties may make sleep difficult if consumed late in the day; cocoa’s naturally occurring amines phenylethylamine and theobromine boost energy levels and cognition without producing adverse side effects like those seen with caffeine use.
Cocoa and coffee both provide essential dietary fiber that’s vital for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. While Americans on average don’t consume enough dietary fiber, increasing your consumption can help meet recommended levels more easily; one tablespoon of cocoa powder provides two grams of fiber – quite impressive for one beverage!
Cocoa and coffee both contain high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber, helping regulate blood sugar and weight loss while insoluble fiber in cocoa provides a slow release of energy that keeps you feeling full longer. Both beverages also support gut health by alleviating symptoms associated with IBS such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea; insoluble fiber helps treat constipation too! Moreover, both contain beneficial probiotics.