![]() |
Theobroma means "food of the gods" in Greek though probably "treat of the people" would be more spot on
The cacao fruits and especially the seeds in it need no introduction as everyone knows them as the magical raw material of the magical sweet treat, chocolate (the flavour is composed of more than 1200 substances, and the exact chemical nature of it is not really understood, so it's indeed magic
It is the fat that is often used in chocolate. As for skincare, cocoa butter counts as a rich emollient that can moisturize and nourish even the driest skin (think chapped hands or lips)
It's loaded with good-for-the-skin things: it contains fatty acids, mainly oleic (35%), stearic (34%), and palmitic (25%) and it also has antioxidant vitamin E and polyphenols
Cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, which is why it’s often touted for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin and improve elasticity. The fat in cocoa butter forms a protective barrier over skin to hold in moisture
Cocoa butter is also rich in natural plant compounds called phytochemicals. These substances may improve blood flow to the skin and slow skin aging by protecting against damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays
One common use of cocoa butter is to smooth scars, wrinkles, and other marks on the skin
Some research does suggest that cocoa butter has the potential to prevent and treat skin diseases. It may also protect the skin from damage that can lead to premature aging. These effects still need to be confirmed by future studies