Theobroma grandiflorum, commonly known as cupuaçu, also spelled cupuassu, cupuazú, cupu assu, or copoasu, is a tropical rainforest tree related to cacao. Common throughout the Amazon basin, it is cultivated in the jungles of Colombia, Bolivia and Peru and in the north of Brazil, with the largest production in Pará, Amazonas and Amapá.  The pulp of the cupuaçu fruit is consumed throughout Central and South America, especially in the northern states of Brazil, and is used to make ice creams, snack ...

theobroma grandiflorum

_-1_0

What-are-the-causes-of-dry-skin?

What are the causes of dry skin?

What-are-the-causes-of-dry-skin?_0_0

Dry skin is an unpleasant condition characterized by peeling, itching and cracking of the skin. When this largest human organ loses water too quickly, it becomes dry. In other words, dehydration is at the heart of the problem. It is for this reason that every medical person, including dermatologists, always recommend drinking plenty of water to enjoy nourished and healthy skin.&nbsp;

What-are-the-causes-of-dry-skin?_0_1

And why skin dehydrates and becomes dry - it could happen for many reasons. Routinely used products such as cleaning soaps and other face products can remove natural oil from the skin. Prolonged and very hot showers can also make your skin dry. Living in a cold weather with a stronger wind can also be a prerequisite for drying out the skin. It is also possible that in the summer you could also find yourself with dry skin - for example, if you have not hydrated well and have not used sun protection.

What-are-the-causes-of-dry-skin?_0_2

Age, some drugs (statins, diuretics) and diseases can also cause excessive drying of the skin. Some conditions that affect the skin, including atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, peryoral dermatitis, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, can cause excessively dry skin and disrupt its hydration. Diabetes, thyroid disease or kidney disease are&nbsp; other health conditions that can also cause skin problems, such as acne or dehydration, that makes the skin pale.

What-are-the-causes-of-dry-skin?_0_3

It is also important to mention that in the first place the skin needs nutrients to be healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin D, vitamin A, niacin, zinc or iron, you can get flabby and dry skin.&nbsp;

What-are-the-causes-of-dry-skin?_0_4

"Dermatitis" is the medical term for extremely dry skin. There are several different types of dermatitis:

What-are-the-causes-of-dry-skin?_0_5

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contact dermatitis - develops when the skin reacts to something it touches, causing localized inflammation.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Seborrheic dermatitis - occurs when your skin produces too much sebum. This leads to the formation of a red scaly rash, usually localized on the scalp.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - this is a chronic skin condition that causes the appearance of dry scaly spots.</li></ul>

What-are-the-causes-of-dry-skin?_0_6

Herbs-and-herbal-oils-for-dry-skin

Herbs and herbal oils for dry skin

Almond-oil-(Prunus-Amygdalus)

Almond oil (Prunus Amygdalus)

Almond-oil-(Prunus-Amygdalus)_1_0

Sweet almond oil is a great emollient that softens and soothes the skin. It has been proven to help restore moisture to dry and cracked skin, and this is key to its good condition. In addition, it relieves irritation, inflammation and itching due to dryness. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14452" target="_blank" data-ref="Prunus amygdalus" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Cocoa-butter-(Theobroma-Cacao)

Cocoa butter (Theobroma Cacao)

Cocoa-butter-(Theobroma-Cacao)_1_0

The velvety texture, pleasant aroma and softening properties of cocoa butter have made it a preferred ingredient in skin products. Cocoa butter helps heal and prevents drying and cracking of the skin. This oil also contains antioxidants that can help repair your damaged skin. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Antioxidative_Polyphenols_Isolated_from_Theobroma_cacao_10554262" target="_blank" data-ref="Antioxidative Polyphenols Isolated from Theobroma cacao. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Grape-seed-oil-(Vitis-Vinifera)

Grape seed oil (Vitis Vinifera)

Grape-seed-oil-(Vitis-Vinifera)_1_0

Grape seed oil has an astringent property, and when applied to the skin it helps to tighten and tone it. This oil also supports tissue regeneration and so can help heal scars. Besides these benefits, grape seed oil has hygroscopic properties. Its ability to lock moisture and restore tissue makes it extremely useful and effective as a moisturizer of the skin. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14421" target="_blank" data-ref="Vitis vinifera" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Sunflower-oil-(Helianthus-Annus)

Sunflower oil (Helianthus Annus)

Sunflower-oil-(Helianthus-Annus)_1_0

Sunflower seed oil is extremely rich in vitamins A, C, D and E. It perfectly helps the skin retain moisture and can provide a natural barrier to protection against bacteria and other irritants that cause pigmentation. &nbsp;<a href="https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/helianthus-annuus/" target="_blank" data-ref="Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower, Sunflower, Wild Sunflower) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox" rel="noopener">[Ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

Sunflower-oil-(Helianthus-Annus)_1_1

Coconut-oil-(Cocos-Nucifera)

Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera)

Coconut-oil-(Cocos-Nucifera)_1_0

Coconut oil has a pronounced softening effect and can help create a thin gentle layer that prevents moisture evaporation. The oil can be applied to deposit wrinkles and saggy skin, which usually occur with aging. Cocos nucifera also helps&nbsp;in the treatment of various skin diseases such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14891" target="_blank" data-ref="Cocos nucifera" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;

Colum-oil-(Garcinia-Indica)

Colum oil (Garcinia Indica) 

Colum-oil-(Garcinia-Indica)_1_0

Garcinia Indica - a plant of the Clusiaceae family, widely known as cockum, is a fruit tree that has culinary, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. In cosmetics it is used to nourish the skin, as it is rich in essential fatty acids, which are necessary for the effective processing of nutrients. Cockum oil is also rich in antioxidant vitamin E, which is very important for good skin. By regenerating skin cells, it also maintains the elasticity of the skin and its flexibility. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8708457/" target="_blank" data-ref="Pharmacological Activity of Garcinia indica (Kokum): An Updated Review" rel="noopener">[Ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;

Colum-oil-(Garcinia-Indica)_1_1

Mango-oil-(Mangifera-Indica)

Mango oil (Mangifera Indica)

Mango-oil-(Mangifera-Indica)_1_0

This is a gentle oil obtained from the fruit nuts of the mango and is rich in essential fatty acids necessary to restore the tone, elasticity and flexibility of the skin. Mango oil is a great moisturizer, especially for mature, dry or sun-damaged skin. It also provides relief to dry skin, especially in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14496" target="_blank" data-ref="Mangifera indica" rel="noopener">[Ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;

Wheat-germ-oil-(Triticum-sativum)

Wheat germ oil (Triticum sativum)

Wheat-germ-oil-(Triticum-sativum)_1_0

This oil is rich in nutrients and has a particularly high content of vitamin E, which is a powerful natural antioxidant. Wheat germ oil helps to improve the condition of dry skin due to its high content of minerals and vitamins A, B, C, D and E.&nbsp;

Wheat-germ-oil-(Triticum-sativum)_1_1

It is often used in facial massage oils to soften and rejuvenate the skin. A great remedy for reducing stretch marks, delicate skin around the eyes and as face oil for dry skin. Wheat germ oil also helps to soothe irritation and redness from eczema and psoriasis. It also helps relieve itching and promotes the growth of new cells. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7709457/" target="_blank" data-ref="Investigation of Wheat Germ and Oil Characteristics with Regard to Different Stabilization Techniques" rel="noopener">[Ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;

Papaya-(Carica-papaya)

Papaya (Carica papaya)

Papaya-(Carica-papaya)_1_0

Papaya is a key ingredient in skin whitening products as it contains papain - a natural enzyme that promotes skin renewal and cell growth. It helps in exfoliating the skin to stimulate newer cells and has restorative properties that soften the skin.&nbsp;

Papaya-(Carica-papaya)_1_1

Papaya is rich in vitamins A, C and E and other antioxidants that help to provide the necessary moisture and protect the skin. In addition, the nutrients contained in the fruit papaya help strengthening the skin. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/therapeutic_application_of_carica_papaya_leaf_extract_in_the_management_of_human_diseases_32367410" target="_blank" data-ref="Therapeutic application of Carica papaya leaf extract in the management of human diseases. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[Ref. 9]</a>&nbsp;

Shea-butter-(Butyrospermum-parkii)

Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii)

Shea-butter-(Butyrospermum-parkii)_1_0

The protective and conditioning qualities of shea butter make it an excellent choice for dry skin care. Dry skin reacts quickly to the nutrient-rich moisture of shea butter, with increased elasticity and more effective moisture retention. The texture and elasticity of dry skin improve with regular use of shea butter, making it a superb natural care for dry, cracked and flabby skin. This oil is an excellent moisturizer for sensitive skin and is suitable for use in babies and children. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/" target="_blank" data-ref="Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils" rel="noopener">[Ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;

Shea-butter-(Butyrospermum-parkii)_1_1

Pumpkin-seeds-oil-(Cucurbita-pepo)

Pumpkin seeds oil (Cucurbita pepo)

Pumpkin-seeds-oil-(Cucurbita-pepo)_1_0

This oil is another great source of essential fatty acids, zinc, vitamin E and beta-carotene. This oil is highly conditioned and has been used in lotions, soaps and massage oils in the past, as it helps to retain moisture in the skin and effectively hydrates dry skin. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14715" target="_blank" data-ref="Cucurbita pepo" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>&nbsp;

Aloe-Vera-(Aloe-vera)

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe-Vera-(Aloe-vera)_1_0

Aloe Vera is a natural UV inhibitor (prevents damage to the sun's rays) and its moisturizing, softening and intense moisturizing properties nourish the skin perfectly. Aloe Vera helps your skin retain its natural moisture, and this is key to its full appearance and structure. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14536" target="_blank" data-ref="Aloe vera" rel="noopener">[ref. 12]</a>&nbsp;

Numerous vegetable oils and herbs can help improve skin health. Among some of the most popular are shea butter, cocoa butter and almond oil, but there are many other moisturizers that promote skin elasticity and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Herbal oils help heal and prevent drying and cracking of the skin, restore its fullness and hydration in a natural way. The right oils can potentially help you improve the skin barrier that protects you from toxins and microbes, among other things. Therefore, if you still do not use oils in skin care, try one of the recommended oils and you will discover the right one for your type of skin.

Best Herbs and Herbal Oils for Dry Skin

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/4e6766a7-d74f-4cf3-8b52-94cc7922b55e_middle.jpg

Бетина Цветкова

Author: Elena Marinova, Master of Pharmacy

_-1_1

_-1_2

The cocoa tree is well known to all of us, because it makes delicious chocolate, which is a favorite of young and old. But do you know that in addition to being delicious, chocolate is also healthy when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet?

_-1_3

The cocoa powder from which chocolate is made is derived from cocoa beans. They contain a significant amount of fat (40-50%), in the form of cocoa butter, which is used in cosmetics and in the pharmaceutical industry. All these qualities and applications make the cocoa tree a plant of great economic importance.

The-Cocoa-Tree

The Cocoa Tree

The-Cocoa-Tree_0_0

Cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) is an evergreen tree that comes from the rainforests of South America. It reaches a height of about 8 meters, and its leaves are poisonous and contain a creamy milk-like liquid.

The-Cocoa-Tree_0_1

An interesting fact is that the flowers of the plant are not pollinated by bees, but by small Forcipomyia flies. The fruit is yellow-orange and egg-shaped. It contains between 20 and 60 cocoa seeds.

The-Cocoa-Tree_0_2

Cocoa-in-Antiquity

Cocoa in Antiquity

Cocoa-in-Antiquity_1_0

The name of the cocoa tree from ancient Greek means "food of the gods": Theos - "God", broma - "food". According to the ancient Mayan, cocoa tree has a divine origin and was considered a gift from the gods.

Cocoa-in-Antiquity_1_1

During the classical period of Mayan civilization, a bitter-hot drink was prepared from cocoa seeds mixed with spices.&nbsp;This drink was taken as an elixir that strengthens health.

Cocoa-in-Antiquity_1_2

The Aztecs believed that the fruits of the cocoa tree were a symbol of life and fertility, and their consumption led to the acquisition of strength and wisdom. Cocoa was believed to have nutritional and health-promoting properties, and was also used as an aphrodisiac. <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Chocolate_and_medicine_dangerous_liaisons_19818277" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>

Cocoa-in-Antiquity_1_3

Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to discover cocoa beans and liken them to mysterious-looking "almonds."

Cocoa-Seeds-Are-Valuable---Here's-Why

Cocoa Seeds Are Valuable - Here's Why

Cocoa-Seeds-Are-Valuable---Here's-Why_2_0

Cocoa is the cocoa tree seeds and cocoa powder derived from them. The word "cocoa" again refers us to the Aztecs - in their language cacahuatl means cocoa bean. They used cocoa beans as a currency - a cloth cloak was exchanged for 80-100 cocoa beans.

Cocoa-Seeds-Are-Valuable---Here's-Why_2_1

Cocoa seeds have been valued not only because they have been used as a bargaining chip. Their nutritional and beneficial properties have been known in the past and researchers continue studying them.

Cocoa-Seeds-Are-Valuable---Here's-Why_2_2

Cocoa seeds give us cocoa powder and cocoa butter.

Cocoa-Seeds-Are-Valuable---Here's-Why_2_3

What-Is-Cocoa-Powder

What Is Cocoa Powder

What-Is-Cocoa-Powder_3_0

Cocoa powder has a brown color, a specific pleasant aroma and bitter taste. It is obtained from cocoa beans through the processes of fermentation and drying, which are extremely important for its physical properties - smell and taste.

What-Is-Cocoa-Powder_3_1

Cocoa powder is stored in tightly closed porcelain or glass containers at room temperature to preserve its aroma for a longer time. In water, quality cocoa powder forms a suspension (solid particles evenly distributed in a solvent) which retaina for 2 minutes before settling.

What-Is-Cocoa-Powder_3_2

Cocoa powder is used to make chocolate and cocoa drink.

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder

The Beneficial Properties of Cocoa Beans and Cocoa Powder

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_0

Both seeds and cocoa powder contain biologically active substances - polyphenol compounds, of which flavanols (epicatechins and oligomeric procyanidines), theobromine, etc. are most important.

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_1

Flavanols in cocoa have many beneficial properties <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Cacao_seeds_are_a_Super_Fruit_A_comparative_analysis_of_various_fruit_powders_and_products_21299842" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>:

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_2

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">reduce high blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">reduce aggregation (clumping) of platelets,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">improve blood flow,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">increase the elasticity of blood vessels,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">stimulate the production of nitric oxide,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">have anti-inflammatory effect.</li>
</ul>

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_3

Recently, especially alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about oxidative stress. It is a state of imbalance between the formation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells and tissues and the ability of the body's natural biological systems to "dispose" of these products. Oxidative stress plays a key role in many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, neuro-degenerative, cancer, diabetes and others.

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_4

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_5

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_6

Antioxidants are substances that reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals in the body by various mechanisms. Polyphenols in cocoa are exactly this.

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_7

Due to their antioxidant activity, cocoa seeds and dark chocolate belong to the group of "superfoods" or more to the "superfruits".

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_8

There is plenty of research that proves the antioxidant action of cocoa, but unfortunately it is low with oral administration (a method of administration in which a substance is taken orally).

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_9

In the production of cocoa powder, fermentation and drying are key processes. They greatly reduce the amount of polyphenols, respectively reduce the antioxidant properties. <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Anti_Oxidative_Polyphenolic_Compounds_of_Cocoa_26059107" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a>

The-Beneficial-Properties-of-Cocoa-Beans-and-Cocoa-Powder_4_10

Short-term cocoa consumption has been shown to have an anxiolytic (soothing, fear-eliminating and anxiety-eliminating) effect, and with longer use there is an increase in serotonin concentration (the "happiness hormone"). <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Anxiolytic_effects_of_short_and_long_term_administration_of_cacao_mass_on_rat_elevated_T_maze_test_18976895" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>

What-Is-Cocoa-Butter-Used-For

What Is Cocoa Butter Used For

What-Is-Cocoa-Butter-Used-For_5_0

Cocoa butter is the other valuable product that is extracted from cocoa seeds and used as a raw material in the production of chocolate, in cosmetics and in the technology of certain medicinal forms.

What-Is-Cocoa-Butter-Used-For_5_1

The oil has a pale yellow color and a characteristic smell. It contains large amounts of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic), as well as monounsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid.

What-Is-Cocoa-Butter-Used-For_5_2

Cocoa butter is used in the production of white and dark chocolate. As its price rises, cheaper substitutes have recently been sought, but they do not have the same qualities.

What-Is-Cocoa-Butter-Used-For_5_3

What-Is-Cocoa-Butter-Used-For_5_4

The application of cocoa butter in pharmacy is associated with its main qualities - lack of toxicity, easy modeling (its melting point is close to body temperature), does not interact with medicinal substances. It is used as a basis in the technology of suppositories and globules.

What-Is-Cocoa-Butter-Used-For_5_5

Cocoa butter is common in the composition of cosmetic products. It is used in creams/ointments that nourish the skin, make it soft and elastic, help to erase stretch marks and smooth wrinkles. It is added to products for easier acquisition of summer tan - "bronze tan".

Easy-Cocoa-Butter-Recipe-for-Beautiful-Skin

Easy Cocoa Butter Recipe for Beautiful Skin

Easy-Cocoa-Butter-Recipe-for-Beautiful-Skin_6_0

About 100 g of cocoa butter is melted in a water bath at a low temperature (up to 37°C, because at a higher temperature, cocoa butter changes its properties).

Easy-Cocoa-Butter-Recipe-for-Beautiful-Skin_6_1

A few drops of lavender oil, calendula oil and chamomile oil are added to the liquefied product.

Easy-Cocoa-Butter-Recipe-for-Beautiful-Skin_6_2

The resulting mixture is placed in a glass jar and stored in a cool place, away from light.

Easy-Cocoa-Butter-Recipe-for-Beautiful-Skin_6_3

After a while, the product goes from liquid to solid, which allows easier application to the skin. If you like you may also add coconut oil.

Easy-Cocoa-Butter-Recipe-for-Beautiful-Skin_6_4

If you do not have time to fulfill the prescription above, you can simply take a lump of cocoa butter and apply to the skin - the lump melts on the body and so the oil is applied easily and quickly.

How-to-Store-Cocoa-Butter

How to Store Cocoa Butter

How-to-Store-Cocoa-Butter_7_0

Cocoa butter is stored in a glass or porcelain container protected from direct sunlight at a temperature of about 20 °C.

How-to-Store-Cocoa-Butter_7_1

You now know why dark chocolate (containing a larger amount of cocoa) is so useful, but no matter what you choose (black, white, with nuts or without), the day is always better with a piece of chocolate!

theobroma grandiflorum

"The Food of The Gods": Cocoa and Its Valuable Products