Cocoa solids are the low-fat component of chocolate. When sold as an end product, it may also be called cocoa powder, cocoa, and cacao. In contrast, the fatty component of chocolate is cocoa butter. Cocoa butter makes up for 50% to 57% of the weight of cocoa beans and gives chocolate its characteristic melting properties.[1] Cocoa liquor is the melted combination of cocoa butter and cocoa solids. Cocoa solids are obtained by extraction from the cocoa bean.
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Cocoa solids can range from a light brown to a deep reddish brown color. The varying color corresponds to the pH value of the cocoa. Safe, acceptable pH for cocoa ranges from 5.4 to 8.1 depending on how processed the cocoa powder is. Cocoa with a pH of 5.4-5.8 are considered natural powders and have a light brown color. Lightly alkalized cocoa solids have a pH of 6.8-7.2 and are a darker brown color. Moderately alkalized cocoa solids have a pH of 7.2-7.5 and have a deep reddish brown color, and heavily alkalized powders with a pH of 7.5-8.1 have dark red and black colors.[2]
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 954 kJ (228 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 57.90 g |
| Fat | 13.70 g |
| Protein | 19.60 g |
| Water | 3.00 g |
| Calcium | 128 mg (13%) |
| Iron | 13.86 mg (107%) |
| Magnesium | 499 mg (141%) |
| Manganese | 3.837 mg (183%) |
| Phosphorus | 734 mg (105%) |
| Potassium | 1524 mg (32%) |
| Sodium | 21 mg (1%) |
| Zinc | 6.81 mg (72%) |
| Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
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Cocoa powder contains several minerals including calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. All of these minerals are found in greater quantities in cocoa powder than either cocoa butter or cocoa liquor.[3] Cocoa solids also contain 230mg of caffeine and 2057mg of theobromine per 100g, which are mostly absent from the other components of the cocoa bean.[4]
Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, a type of polyphenolic. The amount of flavonoids depends on the amount of processing and manufacturing the cocoa powder undergoes, but cocoa powder can contain up to 10% its weight in flavonoids.[3] Flavanols are one of six compounds futher classified as flavonoids. Flavanols, which are also found in fruits and vegetables, are linked to certain health benefits linked to coronary heart disease and stroke. The topic of how flavanols benefit cardiovascular health is still under debate. It has been suggested that the flavanols may take part in mechanisms such as nitric oxide and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet effects.[5] Benefiting these mechanisms may improve endothelial function, lipid levels, blood pressure and insulin resistance.[5]
Accordingly, health professionals recommend consuming chocolate in forms that are high in cocoa solids while low in cocoa butter, such as hot cocoa.[6]
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