Few reasons why you should restrict use of Cocoa Butter

Memories of cocoa butter are always sweet. But cocoa butter has its own kind of bitter memories too, reasons which force people to restrict use of it. There is no chocolate without cocoa butter and cocoa butter has its own medication properties that heals several ailments in many ways. But cocoa lovers all over the world are worried that their favorite cocoa should be used minimally with set restrictions. Why is this? Reason: It is becoming difficult to cultivate cocoa beans.

Demerits of Cocoa Butter: Before knowing about the adverse effects of cocoa butter, let us have a look on the grievances in the cultivation of cocoa beans.

Troubled Labor: Developing countries are the growing bed for most of the cocoa beans. The six largest cocoa producing countries according to the Global Exchange are the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria and Cameroon. Child labor is a heart breaking social evil that is prevailing in many of these developing countries. Would any cocoa consumer be happy and joyful if they know that the tasty end product involves the life killing pain of young talents?

“As of 2002, about 300,000 children worked in cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. Few as feasible victims of human trafficking, while many others were continuing  to adore it as a business for their impoverished family” said The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

We are happy when the delicious chocolates with cocoa butter are labeled as “Best Quality Pure candies made from organic cocoa beans, quality guaranteed.” etc. Any product labeled “Organic” indicates that it is free from chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. But these certifications that make us happy have already made many workers gloomy while harvesting, transporting etc. due to the ill-treatment.

Predominant fears of cocoa butter consumption: Cocoa butter is popularly known as a quick remedy for acne. It is a good moisturizer and has been used for ages past for various skin remedies. But many fail to realize that cocoa butter would have an adverse effect on acne as it is reported to clog pores and lead to increased breakouts.

Cocoa butter is also known as theobroma oil. As per a research study it is proven that the intake of 1,000 mg or more of theobromine (222 g of dark chocolate) may cause excitement, extrasystoles, headache, insomnia, mild delirium, muscle tremor, nausea, restlessness, and tachycardia.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome should restrict consuming cocoa. Instruct the patient with cardiovascular disease or special dietary restrictions to minimize consumption of chocolate products containing cocoa butter because it contains high sodium and fat content.

The arrhythmias or significant cardiovascular diseased patients should be cautioned about the ingestion of large quantities of chocolate products because of the risk of xanthine-induced arrhythmia.

People using cosmetics and toiletries made of cocoa butter should be aware that it may cause some allergic reactions and may lead to itching, prolonged irritation, adult acne, swelling and other such syndromes. So, it is always advisable to consult your dermatologist before opting for any of these products. Every coin has two sides, Cocoa butter is no exception to this principle. It is in the hands of the user to cherish its major significance over its minor drawbacks.