WHAT IS CACAO (CHOCOLATE)?

February 26, 2025

WHAT IS CHOCOLATE?

In general, chocolate is the result of fermenting, drying, and roasting the fruit (beans) of the Cacao Tree, which is native to the Amazon region and grows in many different tropical climates.

The Latin name for chocolate is Theobroma cacao, which translates to “food of the gods.” It has been recognised for having many medicinal properties acknowledged as far back as the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations.

GENERALITIES OF CACAO VS. COCOA (CHOCOLATE)

Cacao for consumption is produced by fermenting, grinding, and cold pressing raw cacao beans (the temperature never exceeds 47 degrees Celsius). This process ensures that the bioavailable enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are all preserved. Pevonia uses raw cacao extract.

Cocoa looks similar to cacao, however, is different in its medicinal properties and its processing. Cocoa is the result of processing cacao further; it is produced by first roasting the fermented cacao beans at high heat, then grinding the roasted beans into a mass now called cocoa, which is then pressed to remove the fat (butter). The remaining defatted cocoa is then ground into a fine powder. Dark chocolate is cocoa, graded by percentage of purity. Pevonia does not use cocoa extract.

Dutch processed cocoa powder adds an extra step using an alkalized chemical solution early in the process, which gives the end-product a richer, less acidic taste, but removes even more of the nutrients. Pevonia does not use Dutch cocoa.

CHOCOLATE IS AN ANTIOXIDANT POWERHOUSE

Why are antioxidants important for the skin? Because they limit the production of free radicals that can damage skin cells, helping to restore a healthy appearance and reduce the signs of ageing.

Antioxidants help repair the damage done to skin cells by free radicals from multiple sources like environmental toxins, ultraviolet light, household chemicals, cigarette smoke, etc. Antioxidants can help boost blood flow and assist the growth of new cells.

Chocolate is rich in vegetal antioxidants (flavonoids). Studies have shown that these flavonoids help repair skin damaged by UV sunlight and other environmental aggressors.

Ongoing studies validate that chocolate-derived phytochemicals and bioactive compounds could serve as an effective approach for skin protection.

CHOCOLATE AND SUN PROTECTION

When a person exposes the skin to the sun, UVB rays generate erythema (redness). The amount of UVB rays that cause erythema can be measured with MED (Minimal Erythemal Dose), which is the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin 24 hours after exposure.

Studies have shown that MED can increase and even double after the skin has received the benefits of high-flavanol chocolate for 12 weeks. The result is that the skin has better protection from too much sun when used for this extended period of time.

This would be ideal as a face and body treatment recommendation in the prior weeks or months before summer, to help strengthen the skin’s resistance against sun exposure. However, it is not a replacement for the use of sunscreen or other forms of excess sun protection.

GENERAL CHOCOLATE SKIN FACTS

As it is nutrient-dense, those elements can help keep the skin looking youthful and plump by preventing or reducing the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Knowing that chocolate is rejuvenating for the skin because it is laden with antioxidants and fatty acids (such as stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid), it grants its use in topical treatments that help keep the skin looking and feeling smooth and protected.

Cacao is the major source of theobromine, a bioactive antioxidant that gives chocolate its properties and benefits.

Theobromine, along with other flavonoids, helps stimulate the internal lining of blood vessels to produce nitric oxide and promote vasodilation for increased blood flow to the skin’s surface. The increased blood flow brings oxygen and repairing nutrients, which encourage skin renewal for a more radiant and youthful look and feel.

Also, both theobromine and caffeine in chocolate help stimulate healthy skin cells metabolism for optimal functioning and protection.

THE PLEASURABLE AROMA OF CHOCOLATE

The combination of many volatile compounds in cacao beans produces the alluring chocolate scent.

Researchers have found that these aromatic components called beta-ionones are inhaled and come in contact with over 900 nostril receptors, activating an aromatherapeutic-like response in the brain that promotes the release of endorphins.

These endorphins generate feelings of pleasure, enhance the mood, and help reduce stress

GENERAL CHOCOLATE SKIN BENEFITS

Antioxidant, restorative, and rejuvenating
Mitigates cellular breakdown and helps repair and prevent further UV damage
Boosts local skin circulation
Enhances skin elasticity that is diminished through the ageing process
It can help soothe blemishes and redness, improving the skin’s complexion
It is also excellent for sensitive skin and considered a natural anti-inflammatory
Helps reduce the appearance of scars, while smoothing lines and wrinkles
Can help even out visible and textural skin tone
Helps keep the skin taut
Protects the skin and restores a healthy skin barrier
Helps increase skin density
May help reduce the appearance of cellulite by enhancing blood flow, clearing fluid retention, and promoting texture smoothing
Its natural, delightful aroma elicits a feeling of wellbeing and invigoration (aromatherapeutic effect)