Exotic cocoa bean oil and its unique properties for humans. Cocoa butter - useful properties and uses Cocoa butter what is it used for

Cocoa butter, obtained by careful processing of beans, has been known to mankind for more than one century. As well as the positive properties of this product. The Mayan people considered this plant sacred, because magical brown fruits grew on it. They considered magical, with unique properties. After all, this plant gave them an amazing healing liquid. The oil has been used by men and women to heal wounds and maintain youthful skin. The most ancient civilization has long disappeared from our planet without a trace, but its discovery to this day allows ladies to remain beautiful, postponing old age for later.

The method of obtaining cocoa butter and its properties

This product of plant origin is obtained by processing cocoa beans. They are pressed, resulting in cocoa powder and, in fact, the butter itself. It has a creamy tint, the structure turns out to be solid, if you press it, it will begin to crumble. In this form, it happens at an air temperature of 16-18 ° C. When heated above 28 degrees Celsius, the oil begins to melt and becomes liquid, and also acquires a transparent color. When the dense texture of the product interacts with warm human skin, it becomes supple.

What healing substances are included in the composition of the oil?

All the benefits lie in the components that make up the product. cocoa is rich in vitamins, macro- and microelements. Especially a lot in the composition of fatty acids - the most important substances involved in the normal functioning of the skin. That is why the oil is so useful for beauty.

Fatty acid:

oleic;
palmitic;
lanolin;
linoleic;
arachidic;
stearic.

Vitamins:

group P.

Also, the composition includes hormones of plant origin - phytosterols. Paired with fatty acids, they normalize the skin, penetrating into the deepest layers, restoring damaged areas, nourishing and moisturizing the dermis. You need to pay tribute to the trace elements in the composition. Among them are such important substances as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc. And, of course, cocoa butter contains caffeine. All these substances have a beneficial effect on the organ system of the skin.

Healing properties of oil

Tocopherol is a real beauty vitamin. It has had this name for more than a decade. Vitamin E is essential for the skin, responsible for its youthfulness, elasticity and radiance. But K is less known among the people. This vitamin contributes to the removal of the inflammatory process, and, regardless of the causes of its occurrence, starting with burns (including solar) and ending with an infectious process.

Vitamin P in the composition of chocolate tree fruit oil helps to restore the protective forces of the dermis, so that it better resists the effects of free radicals and carcinogens.

Each of the components in the composition of the oil contributes to its effectiveness. Upon contact with the skin, it instantly begins to act, deeply moisturizing, nourishing and softening the dermis. Thanks to this, it becomes more elastic, elastic, soft and takes on a fresh look.

Importantly, the oil is not an allergen and does not contain toxic substances that could be harmful. It has a lot of positive qualities and is considered almost indispensable for everyday care, especially when it comes to residents of the metropolis, whose skin suffers several times more. Other properties of cocoa butter, which will be interesting to know:

restoration of normal skin color;
improvement in appearance;
pore cleansing;
slowing down the manifestations of the aging process of the skin;
elimination of acne, acne;
whitening, getting rid of age spots;
removal of irritation and inflammation;
regulation of fat balance;
restoration of damaged areas, wound healing;
stimulation of skin production of collagen and hyaluronic acid;
protection from negative environmental influences, including weathering and frostbite.

In what cases should you expect benefits?

Even if the skin is in perfect condition, you should not refuse to use this product. After all, from a young age it is necessary to protect not only honor, but also beauty. Only proper and regular care at a young age can be the key to good skin condition in adulthood.

The benefits of cocoa butter are obvious, and it is important to say that it is suitable for those who:

dry and flaky skin;
oily type with enlarged pores;
problem skin;
pale, devoid of vitality;
aging skin.

The oil perfectly restores, protects and heals the skin from various pathological processes. Therefore, the answer to the question of in what cases it will help is obvious - in all.

When should fruit oil be avoided?

As already mentioned, the product is not an allergen, but only in one case - if there is no negative reaction to chocolate. But even if it is available, you can try to use cocoa butter in cosmetology. It is diluted with other components, avoiding use in its pure form. The composition is recommended to be tested by applying a small amount to the elbow. If there is no allergic reaction within a day, you can use it.

Precautions when using oil

It is not recommended to use it too often for women with oily and problem skin. It is better to limit the use to once or twice a week. An allergic reaction to chocolate tree fruit oil is also possible due to individual intolerance to the product. This may occur due to one or more substances in the composition. In this case, the use of oil should be abandoned.

Application in cosmetology

Cocoa butter has found application in several branches of medicine. For example, it is used to prepare a cough remedy, helps restore immunity, normalizes the digestive system, and even helps get rid of gynecological problems. But it has earned the widest application in cosmetology. Today, the oil is used not only in its pure form for permanent care, but also as part of a variety of masks, as well as for the preparation of creams with various properties. The product is sold as a bar or liquid extract in pharmacies and cosmetic stores. Pieces before adding to the compositions or using in their pure form, you just need to melt in a water bath or soften in your hands.

The benefits of oil for the skin of the face and methods of application

Firstly, it can be used in its pure form as an alternative to permanent care cream. It is used to nourish and moisturize the skin of the face, lips and around the eyes. When peeling, it is recommended to apply it on the face before makeup. Cocoa bean oil is also great for eyelashes and eyebrows.

Secondly, on its basis, an excellent cream is obtained, which will give odds to many expensive products. For example, here is a great recipe:

25 g of chocolate tree oil;
5 ml of paraffin and lanolin;
15 g of vaseline.

Put all the ingredients in a bowl and melt in a water bath, stirring the mixture constantly. When there are no whole pieces left, add 45 ml of alcohol-free rose water. Mix well, beat with a mixer until completely cooled. Pour into a convenient jar, and the cream for daily care is ready.

Thirdly, many different masks are prepared on the basis of oil, each of which has its own purpose. For example, to restore skin tone, you need to mix:

6 ml liquid oil extract;
5 ml of chamomile oil;
7 ml of aloe juice;
1 cucumber, grated.

The mask is applied to cleansed skin for half an hour. It helps to smooth wrinkles, moisturize, nourish and brighten the skin, in which all ingredients are directly involved. And to eliminate excessive dryness of the dermis, a cocoa butter mask is suitable, the recipe of which includes only two products. You will need 6 ml of liquid extract and 9 g of chopped parsley. This mask is also applied to the skin for half an hour.

For owners of oily skin type, the composition is ideal, the main properties of which are aimed at regulating the work of the sebaceous glands, cleansing and narrowing the pores, and removing shine. The list of ingredients includes the following products:

9 ml of kefir or sour cream;
1 egg white;
40 g oil extract.

Beat the protein, and then add the rest of the ingredients to it. This mask should work for 10 minutes.

This product helps to lighten the skin, and therefore will help make stretch marks less noticeable. Also, chocolate tree fruit oil can compete with anti-cellulite products. It is allowed to apply to the whole body or its individual parts, which are most often overdried, for example, feet and elbows. However, spreading over the entire area can be expensive, as it will require a lot of oil, and not very convenient, so it is recommended to dilute it with other oils or add it to your favorite cream.

Other healing properties of cocoa butter are aimed at getting rid of stretch marks, increasing skin elasticity, firmness and attractiveness. This simple recipe will help: mix 50 g of melted cocoa butter with 1 teaspoon of grape seed oil, mix and apply to problem areas. With regular use of the composition, you can count on a qualitative restoration of the skin of the body.

In addition, with the help of oil, you can achieve a uniform tan. It will protect the skin from the negative effects of sunlight, and also prevent the risk of burns.

Does it make sense to use hair oil?

It is not only possible, it must be used to restore hair! helps to restore them, stimulate growth, gives shine, making them stronger and healthier both inside and out. So the healing properties extend not only to the skin. After several receptions, the hair will become much more voluminous, which cannot but please the fair sex.

How to use cocoa butter for hair?

It can be used in its pure form as a means for massaging the scalp, as well as in the form of multicomponent masks. Self-massage is an ideal option, since when the oil is rubbed in, blood circulation is activated, the hair follicles receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which makes them stronger and promotes rapid growth.

There are great recipes for masks. Chocolate bean oil is most often mixed with egg yolk and various oils, such as olive, burdock, castor, and so on. Kefir is also good for hair nutrition. It is recommended to use masks in courses of 20-30 days, 2-3 times a week. The duration of action is at least an hour. It is desirable to wrap the head with polyethylene and wrap it with a towel in order to achieve optimal conditions for the ingredients to work (many of them work better in heat).

What are the reviews about the oil found on the Internet?

Young girls and older women leave extremely positive opinions about this product. In reviews of cocoa butter, they write that it is really an indispensable and very effective tool in the fight against the most unpleasant problems like skin aging, wrinkles, acne, dryness and excessive oiliness. Women note that with regular use, very soon you can get rid of fine wrinkles, including facial wrinkles, which often appear even at an early age. The skin becomes more beautiful, smooth, healthy and tender. And this is not a myth, but a reality that is nearby.

More useful information about this unique product can be obtained from the presented video.

Whoever invented chocolate hardly imagined what kind of drug it would become for many. So much so that housewives even decide to cook. However, it can be difficult to buy all the ingredients for them, especially when it comes to cocoa butter. With what it is connected, it is difficult to say. But there are no unsolvable problems. You can always find the place where you can buy cocoa butter for home use. It remains only not to make a mistake in your choice and purchase a really high-quality product.

What is cocoa butter?

First of all, it is desirable to understand what this ingredient is and how it is obtained. Cocoa butter is a dense mass of pale cream color that crumbles easily at room temperature. But at 35-40 degrees it melts perfectly, and thanks to this property it can be used in cooking, pharmaceuticals and cosmetology. It is worth noting that poor quality cocoa butter is white, rancid, and crumbles heavily. It is better to refuse to use it.

However, many are not so much interested in where to buy cocoa butter, but how it is produced. In reality, everything is simple. trees are placed under pressure, and under pressure, the same oil begins to stand out from them. It is collected in boxes and allowed to cool completely at room temperature. Everything, it can already be used, for example, for the production of sweets. Why when cocoa beans are brown? Simply because it is oil.

Where is it applied?

Of course, it is primarily used in the confectionery industry. Without cocoa butter, it is impossible to cook everything and sweets. Although, in order to reduce the cost of the finished product, many manufacturers began to use the equivalent of cocoa butter. After all, the question “where to buy cocoa butter?” is also important for them, and it is also cheaper. And if this is impossible or difficult, then why not replace it with something else?

The second most popular industry where cocoa butter is used is pharmaceuticals. Since already at 36 degrees it melts well, it is used in suppositories and creams. In addition, cocoa butter has wound healing properties, and therefore it is used to treat burns, skin rashes and heal small wounds (for example, on the lips). Because of the stearic and oleic acids it contains, it is used in medicines to help lower and control blood cholesterol levels.

And, of course, do not forget that cocoa butter has excellent cosmetic properties. Soap prepared on its basis has a more delicate texture and perfectly cleanses and softens problem skin. That is why home soap makers, like confectioners, are looking for where to buy cocoa butter. In the cosmetic industry, it is also used in the production of creams, shampoos, shower gels, and so on. All of them have a pleasant chocolate flavor as a bonus.

Looking for a store...

All this, of course, is wonderful, but is it possible to buy cocoa butter in Kyiv, Moscow and other cities without a preliminary order? Are there stores where it is sold not only in bulk, but also in small batches? Of course, due to low demand, it will not be possible to find it in a regular supermarket. However, do not immediately despair.

First, cocoa butter can be purchased in healthy or vegetarian diets. Their customers often prefer to cook even those products that can be easily found on the counter. So they can be sure of the quality of what they eat. And chocolate is no exception. In addition, other vegetarian dishes are prepared with the addition of cocoa butter.

Secondly, it is sold in stores selling natural cosmetics. However, it is necessary to clarify whether this cocoa butter can be eaten. This is due to the fact that fragrances could already be added to it. Often this is done in order to give products and flavor. But there is no longer such oil, you can just get poisoned. Perhaps these are all the options where to buy cocoa butter without pre-ordering.

In the Internet

However, the most common way to get a coveted jar is to visit a specialized online store. You can buy everything you need for home-made chocolate - and even natural cocoa beans. Moreover, the order can be made both individually and in bulk.

However, you should immediately pay attention to the minimum amount of the parcel, how payment is made and where the issuance is carried out. Most online stores send cocoa butter by mail cash on delivery. However, it is better to buy where there are their own points of issue. This way you can ensure that the cocoa butter does not lose its properties along the way. In addition, you should pay attention to the cost and terms of delivery. It can, for example, be carried out by a courier to your home for an additional fee.

Popular manufacturers

Another question that torments all home chocolatiers is: "Which manufacturer makes the best cocoa butter?". "Kargil Gerkens" (Holland) is one of the market leaders that offers everything you need for home production of sweets. In addition, in terms of the "price - quality" ratio, their products can be attributed to one of the best. Although many are deterred by the seemingly high price tag.

Those who are just planning to make their first chocolate bar can choose from other, more budget-friendly offers. cocoa is also produced in factories in South America and Africa. Since most of the deliveries are carried out directly, the cost of the products will be somewhat cheaper. Although the best chocolatiers prefer to use products from European manufacturers.

Finally

Cocoa butter is a unique product that improves well-being without harming the figure. That is why a dark chocolate bar is included in the diet of pilots and astronauts. However, for this to be so, it must be only from natural ingredients. And this, unfortunately, does not apply to most modern confectionery products. That is why it falls under the prohibition of nutritionists.

Instruction

A high concentration of oleic acid helps to restore the lost functions of the walls of blood vessels, increase their elasticity, reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood and normalize the protective functions of the skin epidermis. Palmic acid helps nutrients penetrate deeper into the skin, while tocopherols moisturize the skin and increase its ability to produce collagen. Polyphenols eliminate allergic reactions.

Cocoa butter is quite often used as a natural remedy. It is also effective in asthma. Lubrication of the nasal mucosa during periods of mass epidemics and influenza will reliably protect against infection. Its antiviral, expectorant and antibacterial properties allow it to be used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent.

Massage of the chest and back with cocoa butter improves blood circulation, normalizes blood circulation, thus helping to cleanse the respiratory system from infection.

Cocoa butter is successfully used in the treatment of hair, it restores dry and brittle hair, strengthens it, nourishing the hair follicle. Already the first application of the mask with cocoa butter will restore silkiness and shine to the hair.

This oil is also widely used in face care products. It helps to eliminate age-related skin problems, softens and regenerates the skin, nourishes and maintains its tone, normalizing the water-lipid balance, and, in addition, protects against the harmful effects of the external environment. Cocoa butter also effectively fights spider veins and pigmentation; in the cold season, it serves as a prophylactic against chapping of the skin of the face and lips.

Cocoa butter activates skin microcirculation, fights itching, redness and swelling on the skin, it moisturizes and gives it a healthier and more well-groomed appearance. It is used as a prophylactic against the appearance of stretch marks, and if there are defects, it helps to make them less noticeable. It is also known for its wound healing and anti-cellulite properties. Full body massage with cocoa butter, in addition to making the skin soft and velvety, relieves stress and normalizes sleep.

The use of cocoa butter reduces the risk of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels. It is also used for digestive disorders, fights constipation, hemorrhoids and gynecological diseases. A good result is its use in the treatment of tonsillitis and tuberculosis, as an anesthetic for burns. Applications with cocoa butter treat varicose veins, eczema, fungi. It is shown to the elderly as a prophylactic against atherosclerosis.

We all love delicious chocolate. It literally melts in your mouth and all thanks to its main ingredient - cocoa butter. In this article, we will talk in detail about cocoa butter: properties and applications, where it can be purchased and how to store it properly so that it does not lose its qualities.

It is obtained from the seeds of the chocolate tree - cocoa beans. They go through a long process of processing - from fermentation to drying and roasting, after which they fall under the press. The resulting oil is filtered and poured into molds where it solidifies. The result is a solid and fragrant light yellow substance that melts when heated.

This oil has a wide range of applications and is a universal female assistant.

What wonderful properties does it have, besides a wonderful and delicate taste? Cocoa butter is widely used in cosmetology and traditional medicine, used in most confectionery products. You can also use this product for your home use.

Chocolate is widely used to make various sweets. But cocoa butter: properties and uses are not limited to one cooking. The product has many useful qualities, which include anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties, regenerating and analgesic healing properties.

It should be noted that this product is imported and is not grown in our country.

Cocoa butter is also considered an effective cough suppressant due to its enveloping properties. It perfectly heals small wounds and cracks on the skin, removes wrinkles and dryness, thanks to its nourishing and moisturizing qualities.

This is a versatile lip care product, especially in winter.- oil helps with cracking and drying of the skin. It relieves inflammation and eliminates the effects of acne, hides crow's feet in the corners of the eyes.

Cocoa butter: useful properties and contraindications - if we compare both criteria, we can say with confidence that the product is absolutely safe and natural. The only contraindication to its use may be individual intolerance and allergies.

How useful is cocoa butter?

Useful properties are not unlimited. There are practically no vitamins in cocoa butter. A, D and E are contained in extremely small proportions. But this is well compensated by the absence of trans fats, which can be found in all other vegetable oils.

The benefits of the product are due to the rich content of nutrients and enzymes.

Benefits of cocoa butter , if he has such a composition that is not rich in vitamins?

It is based on fatty acids. These are oleic, stearic, linoleic and palmitic acids. More than half of the mass of the product is occupied by the first of their list. It is useful in lowering cholesterol levels.

If we replace the usual fats that we eat with cocoa butter, the likelihood of strokes and atherosclerosis decreases.

Tannin, xanthine and caffeine in its composition have a good effect on the health of hair and skin, so the oil is often used for cosmetic purposes.

How to use cocoa butter?

The easiest way to use cocoa butter - make chocolate out of it. Melt the product in a water bath and mix with cocoa powder and sugar in a ratio of 1:1. Any ingredients to taste can be added to the mixture, from honey and candied fruit to berries and other dried fruits. In a similar way, you can prepare confectionery glaze.

The possibilities of using this natural substance are very wide. This oil has been used not only in cosmetology and confectionery, but also in gynecology and traditional medicine. This is a universal tool that should be at hand for any hostess.

Cocoa butter for colds is a great helper on the road to recovery

It is used for colds, cracked lips and heels, hemorrhoids and bronchitis. Cocoa butter has properties that help get rid of these diseases as soon as possible and is great for home use.
It is suitable for the prevention of influenza, SARS - lubricate the nasal mucosa with it before going outside and you will protect yourself from infection.
Cocoa butter has no age restrictions in its use, it can be used to treat young children. This is a good natural alternative to cough drops - replace them with small pieces of oil, about 6 peas of the remedy per day. They must be dissolved in the mouth.
Warm milk with honey will be even more effective if cocoa butter is added to it. Add a small piece of this substance and a couple of teaspoons of honey to warm milk. Stir the ingredients until they dissolve and drink warm. Young children can be given a tasty alternative to this healing mixture. Melt 1/4 bar of natural chocolate and a spoonful of cocoa butter in a water bath. Combine them with boiled warm milk 0.5l. Give the medicine a quarter cup at a time.
The folk method of treating atherosclerosis is also based on the use of cocoa butter. It must be taken 15 minutes before breakfast and before dinner, half a teaspoon. This will remove excess cholesterol from the body.
The product is a good choleretic agent. With cholecystitis, they use 1 tablespoon of melted butter on an empty stomach and go to bed, placing a heating pad under their right side for about one and a half to two hours.
In gynecology, cocoa butter is used to treat cervical erosion. A teaspoon of the product is mixed with 10 drops of sea buckthorn oil and a tampon is soaked with this mixture, which is used at night. The procedure is carried out daily for 2-3 weeks.

Cocoa butter: properties and applications in cosmetology

Cocoa butter, properties and application in cosmetology - The composition includes fatty acids and esters of glycerol, it contains many useful amino acids. It is often added to cosmetics to prolong their shelf life.

In cosmetology, most users are satisfied with the results

Anti-cellulite and antioxidant properties - oil softens and moisturizes the skin, regenerates its cells and smoothes wrinkles. It gives it elasticity and elasticity, helps to preserve youth and beauty.
Wound healing and anti-inflammatory - protection from sunlight and help with burns. The substance saves from burning and itching, eliminates redness and swelling.
Soothing and toning - massage using this product helps to cope with stress. It relaxes muscles and calms the body, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, and helps with insomnia.
Revitalizing and nourishing - nourishes the skin with useful substances, restores the structure of damaged hair. Saturates dry and brittle hair, can be used in combination with other folk and cosmetic products. Butter enhances the effect of useful components contained in cosmetics.

Cocoa butter for face

Cocoa butter for the face is popular for its regenerating and softening properties. It is part of various anti-aging masks and creams and has a pleasant smell.

Application of cocoa butter for the face

A good cosmetic effect is achieved due to vitamin A and fatty acids. They stabilize the water-lipid balance, maintain tone, protect the skin of the face from various external factors. Cocoa butter helps to get rid of pigmentation and spider veins on the face

You can carry out cosmetic procedures using it at home.

Use this recipe for wrinkled and dehydrated skin. Mix egg yolk with a teaspoon of liquid honey and a teaspoon of melted butter, add 10 drops of carrot and lemon juice to them. Apply the mask on your face for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. To consolidate the effect - massage the skin with an ice cube.
For all skin types, a universal mask with the addition of milk is suitable. Mix a teaspoon each of melted cocoa butter, whole milk and natural fruit juice. Apply the mixture for 10-15 minutes, then wash with cool water.
For the skin around the eyes, you can use the oil in its pure form - it will not cause complications in the form of swelling and redness, and will help smooth out wrinkles. To achieve the best effect - combine it with peach, almond or sea buckthorn oil in a ratio of 1 to 2 and apply with light movements on the skin around the eyes.
To cope with chapping and cracking of the lips - lubricate them with cocoa butter at night. It will protect the skin from winter frosts, soften and heal cracks in the corners of the lips.

cocoa butter for hair

Cocoa butter for hair is successfully used in cosmetology. It helps to restore damaged and brittle hair, acting on their structure from the inside. This is a great product for dry hair.

The product can be rubbed into the scalp by melting it in a water bath or used as a component for therapeutic masks.

The use of hair oil - enzymes heal each hair and make them healthy and beautiful

Heat a tablespoon of cocoa butter and mix it with egg yolk. Add 1 tablespoon of kefir and burdock oil to the mixture. Massage the mask onto the scalp and spread over the entire length of the hair. Wrap them in cling film and wrap them in a towel. Wash your hair with warm water after one and a half to two hours. Apply the mask every three to four 2-3 weeks.
Pour 2 tablespoons of rosemary into 100 ml of boiling water and leave for about an hour, then strain. Add 3 tablespoons of the melted product to the water and distribute the mixture through the hair. Wrap your head in a film for 2-3 hours, wash everything off with shampoo. The course lasts 2 weeks and consists of 10 procedures.
Heat 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter and mix it with burdock oil 1k1, add 5 drops of vitamins A and E, grapefruit essential oil. Apply the mask to your hair and wash off after an hour and a half with warm water. Use it once or twice a week. The entire course is 10-15 masks.

cocoa butter for skin

Cocoa butter for the skin plays an important role in most of its regeneration processes.

Based on cocoa butter, creams and masks are made to nourish the skin of the face.

It activates microcirculation and strengthens its capillaries. It protects the skin from overdrying and eliminates irritation, great for foot and hand skin care.
Its intensive effect helps in the prevention of premature aging and prevents the appearance of stretch marks. Even with their presence - cocoa butter helps to cope with this problem. It smooths them out and makes them less noticeable.
With weathering, frostbite and burns - the oil eliminates inflammation and wounds on the skin. They can lubricate jams on the lips and cracks on the heels - they will tighten many times faster. The use of the product will serve as a prevention of further damage.
With dry hands and feet, rough skin of the elbows and knees - melted butter will moisturize and soften the skin, protect it from cracking and peeling. For greater effectiveness - it can be mixed 1k1 with olive oil and lubricated with problem areas on the body.
To protect exposed skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation or strong wind with frost, you should use cocoa butter before going out or visiting the beach. The skin will not be weathered and frozen, and the tan will form an even, beautiful layer and last for a long time.

How to store cocoa butter?

Purchasing the product is quite easy. In small dosages, cosmetic oil is sold in pharmacies, and bulk goods can be bought in natural food stores or in the market.

Any product has optimal storage conditions

Another question is how to store cocoa butter?

Thanks to the antioxidants in its composition, it will not go rancid and has a long shelf life of three to five years. Even if a light white coating forms on it, which often happens on chocolate, this does not mean that the product has deteriorated.
The date of manufacture is still worth asking when buying a product, and also paying attention to whether it is a cosmetic oil or not. If so, then you can't eat it.
It is best to store it in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed container. It is not necessary to place the product in the freezer. It will be harder to use and melt. Recommended storage conditions - a cool dark place, sealed dishes, temperature and humidity not higher than 18C and 75C, respectively.

The source of cocoa butter is the fruits of trees from the genus Theobroma. Until recently, this tree belonged to the Sterculia family, today it is a representative of the Malvaceae. The birthplace of the chocolate tree is the American tropics, its gifts were appreciated by the Aztecs. At present, the tree is cultivated in all states with a tropical climate, where it can bear fruit twice a year.

When creating a classification of plants in the 18th century, the naturalist Carl Linnaeus assigned the name "food of the gods" to the tree, from whose fruits cocoa butter is obtained.

The cocoa tree has a rather high trunk (6-12 meters), white-pink flowers break through its bark. After some time, the flowers are transformed into slightly elongated fruits, having a size of 25 to 30 centimeters. The melon-shaped fruits are covered with a leathery shell, painted in yellow-red tones. In the pulp of the fruit there are almond-shaped seeds, whose length does not exceed 2.5 centimeters - they are of particular value. The fruit ripens from 30 to 50 seeds. They consist of a shell, a sprout germ and a nucleus. The taste of seeds is tart and bitter, and the aroma does not differ at all in something noticeable. Cocoa beans take on the desired qualities only after processing.

The fruits are carefully removed from the tree, divided into parts and placed in special containers. After 2-3 days, fermentation or fermentation begins: the pulp contains a large amount of sugar, it decomposes into components - ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. At this point, the temperature of the fermenting mass rises to 50°C. As a result of this process, which lasts up to ten days, the seeds lose their bitterness, acquiring a dark shade and chocolate flavor. Then the beans are dried and packed in bags. Cocoa beans are almost 50% fat, extracted from crushed and grated seeds by hot pressing. Cocoa butter is passed through heated filters that do not allow the product to solidify, and then poured into molds.

The butter is characterized by the smell of chocolate, up to + 25 ° C it is in a solid state, and melts at + 33-36 ° C. The color of the oil can be light brown, cream or have a light yellow tint. It is used in the cosmetic and medical field, in the food and confectionery industry. Often in perfumery, expensive soaps are made using deodorized cocoa butter.

How to choose

First of all, it should be remembered that for better preservation, fresh cocoa butter in most cases is additionally processed, obtaining a deodorized product. This oil, although it has all the original fatty acids, however, loses the wonderful smell of cocoa. In fact, it is vegetable fat. This deodorized product is most often used to make the popular white chocolate.

But even more often, unrefined cocoa butter is replaced with margarine - an artificially thickened mixture of soy, rapeseed or palm oil in different consistencies. The taste and appearance of the consumer may not recognize the fake, but there are quite a lot of harmful trans fats in the “substitute”.

Therefore, in order to choose the right natural oil, use the following recommendations:

Don't save
A natural non-deodorized product is unlikely to cost less than 2 similar servings of margarine.
Check color
A good oil should be yellowish, rarely cream or light brown. But white can be either rancid oil or a substitute.
Natural oil does not need to be stored in the refrigerator
Cocoa butter at room temperature should remain solid, resembling white chocolate. And if at 20 degrees it is soft, like creamy, it is better to refrain from buying.
If the product does not smell like cocoa, it is processed or just fake

When you smell the oil, you should feel the aroma of the drink. And remember - cocoa butter is not made from beans, but from fruits. And when you are told that the oil is made from "exclusive beans", you should think about the honesty of such a seller.

How to store

Store cocoa butter in a cool, dark place. At the same time, the container should be well sealed, the temperature should not fall or rise above +18 ° C, and the humidity should not exceed 75%. If the container is sealed, the oil can be stored for up to 3 years.

In cooking

Of course, first of all, cocoa butter is used to make chocolate. To get it, the product is melted in a water bath, carob or cocoa and sugar or honey are added in a 1: 1 ratio to taste. Also, different manufacturers add other ingredients - nuts, spices, coconut, candied fruits, dried fruits, berries, etc.

On the basis of cocoa butter, icing is also made to cover a variety of confectionery products - biscuits, cakes, muffins and other baked goods.

calories

Of course, cocoa butter and its products are very high in calories. Therefore, overweight people and those who follow a low-calorie diet should limit the use of these products.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of cocoa butter

Composition and presence of nutrients

If we consider the content of nutrients in cocoa butter, then first of all, we can note a small amount of vitamins. They are practically absent here: vitamins D, A and E, common for oils, are found only in trace amounts. Of course, these vitamins do not have a particularly beneficial effect in such small quantities. There are no harmful trans fats in cocoa butter. This vegetable oil compares favorably with the rest.

The basis of cocoa butter is made up of fatty acids - stearic, oleic, as well as palmitic and linoleic. Of these, oleic is contained in the largest amount (almost half the mass) and is useful in that it can lower cholesterol.

Already only these properties allow cocoa butter to be considered one of the most useful products - when it replaces some of the other fats in the diet, the risk of earning a stroke or atherosclerosis is significantly reduced.

But in addition to fatty acids, cocoa butter contains a large amount of tannins, caffeine and xanthine. These beneficial substances have a very favorable effect on the condition of the skin when using oil in cosmetology for the face, hair and body.

Useful and medicinal properties

Due to the fatty acids it contains, the oil has a pronounced regenerating effect on the skin and is suitable for absolutely all skin types - even a child's skin will not give allergic reactions. The oil evens out and heals practically defects - traces of scars, burns and roughness, eliminates dark spots and stretch marks. This product is great for treating eczema, dermatitis and other skin problems.

The rich mineral composition - magnesium, chromium, iron, calcium, iodine - allows the use of oil as a preventive and therapeutic agent for many ailments. So, it will strengthen the walls of blood vessels, prevent the development of varicose veins, atherosclerosis, etc. If you use this product regularly, you can improve blood circulation in the brain, significantly reduce the risk of allergies, heart attacks, ulcers and oncology.

Studies have shown that cocoa butter can reduce the risk of cancer by fifteen times - for this it should be consumed regularly for 5-10 years.

Scientists have also proven that the oil is more effective for treating cough than many drugs: it contains theobromine, so it acts quite gently, but at the same time quickly, without causing side effects, as is the case with synthetic drugs.

You can prepare a cough medicine very simply: 1.5 tsp. cocoa butter is added to one glass of warm milk, stirred and drunk 3-4 times a day. Such a remedy is excellent for bronchitis and acute respiratory viral infections, as well as for asthma or pneumonia. With bronchitis, in addition to ingestion, you can do a chest massage with oil, which will speed up the healing process.

During epidemics of acute respiratory viral infections, it is advised to lubricate the nasal mucosa with cocoa butter: it will protect and soften it, creating obstacles for viruses - because the infection is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Also, the oil has a beneficial effect on the hair, restores the structure and nourishes damaged, dry and brittle hair. It can be rubbed into the roots, preheating in a water bath. To enhance the effect, other components can be added to cocoa butter, for example, vitamins, burdock oil and others.

For all skin types, in addition to oily and problematic, a scrub with cocoa butter is suitable. 2 tbsp. l. put solid butter in a water bath and add a spoonful of honey, mix, remove and add a spoonful of oatmeal and ground nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews). Everything is mixed and left to cool, then applied to wet skin of the face, massaging for 2-3 minutes in circular motions. You can roll balls from the mixture and apply them several times - it will be easy to melt them in your palms and apply to the skin. With flaky and dry skin of the face, such a scrub is especially helpful - it will make it soft and smooth.

Withering combination skin will help to revive the mask with cocoa butter, grape seed and aloe pulp. To a spoonful of grape oil, add a teaspoon of melted cocoa butter and a spoonful of chopped aloe, mix and apply warm on the face. Keep this mask for 15-20 minutes and wash off first with warm, and then with cool water. This tool has a vitaminizing, moisturizing, light rejuvenating and astringent effect.

For oily skin, a homemade cream with cocoa butter (1 tablespoon), almond or rapeseed oil (45 ml), lavender oil (2 drops) and rosemary or basil tea (2 tablespoons) is suitable. The ingredients are mixed, laid out in a glass jar and kept in the refrigerator.

A cream for sensitive skin is also prepared: cocoa butter (1 tablespoon), sandalwood oil (3 drops), sunflower oil (45 ml), rose tea infusion (2 tablespoons).

Hair will also “like” cocoa butter: it strengthens and moisturizes it, prevents hair loss and restores shine. You can prepare a firming mask with cocoa butter and rosemary decoction - 10-12 times, twice a week. Melted butter should be mixed with warm broth, rub the mixture into the roots and distribute them along the entire length. Then the hair is covered with a film and kept for two to three hours. You can wash off the mask with shampoo.

To prevent hair from falling out, you need to make masks with cocoa butter, kefir, burdock oil (1 tbsp each) and yolk two or three times a week. Burdock is added to the heated cocoa butter, then the yolk and kefir, mixed and applied to the hair roots and skin. The head is covered with a film and a towel, held for two hours and washed off with shampoo. In total, it is advised to do 12-16 such procedures.

Cocoa butter is good for protecting the skin from wind and frost - in winter it can be applied to the face before each exit to the street. It can also protect against UV rays and heat - before sunbathing, it is worth applying oil to the body.

Cocoa butter takes excellent care of the skin of the lips and eyelids - it can simply be applied in its pure form or mixed with other oils - for example, almond or sesame.

Eyelashes and eyebrows with the constant use of this oil are also strengthened: they become healthy, even and thick.

Dangerous properties of cocoa butter

It is impossible to use cocoa butter inside and outside only with individual intolerance. Moreover, it is worth knowing that when using oil inside, increased excitability and insomnia are possible, so it is better to refuse this product in the evening.