10 Benefits of Cocoa Powder
Cocoa Powder Benefit #9: Better Oral Health
Cocoa has antibacterial and immune-stimulating properties that may contribute to better oral health. Indeed, eating chocolate may even protect against dental cavities and gum disease. To reap the most benefit, consuming dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cacao is recommended.
In one study, rats with cavities showed significant improvement after being given cocoa extract. The cocoa hardened tooth enamel and made the teeth less susceptible to tooth decay. There have not been any significant human studies. However, the majority of cocoa products contain sugar, which can be harmful to dental health and counter the benefits of cocoa.
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