Cocoa butter, also known as cacao butter, is the pure, stable fat extracted from cacao beans. It is best-known for its use in body lotions, moisturizers and other personal care products. That said, it is also used in cooking to make sweet and savory recipes. Despite the word “butter,” cocoa butter is vegan and contains no dairy products.

The process of making cocoa butter starts with roasting the beans. Roasting strips them of their hulls, revealing the cacao nibs. The nibs are ground into a paste called cocoa liquor and pressed to release the fat. This fat, called theobroma oil, is the cocoa butter. It is separated from the solids, which are made into cocoa powder.

Cocoa butter holds together at room temperature. It has a mild chocolate flavor, and it has been linked to many health benefits, thanks to the nutritive elements found in cacao beans. Those benefits include:

1. Provides nutrients

Cocoa butter is an excellent source of vitamin E and healthy fats. One cup of cocoa butter contains about 20 percent of your daily vitamin E needs and more than 330 percent of your daily fat needs. Mono- and polyunsaturated fats make up a huge chunk of the fats in cocoa butter. These fats have been shown to lower levels of artery-clogging cholesterol, reduce inflammation and build stronger cell membranes.

However, cocoa butter is also extremely high in calories. Just one cup of cocoa butter contains nearly 2,000 calories, so it’s best consumed in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet.

2. Supports healthy heart function

Cocoa butter is rich in compounds called polyphenols. They help reduce inflammation linked to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart disease and stroke. Likewise, the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in cocoa butter help ease inflammation.

3. Reduces skin inflammation

One of the main reasons cocoa butter is often used in skincare products is it can ease skin inflammation. Its rich blend of healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, is responsible for this benefit.

As such, cocoa butter is a great natural remedy for rashes, itchiness or minor burns. If using cocoa butter for its skin-soothing effect, make sure to use the cosmetic-grade kind.

4. Boosts immunity

The polyphenols in cocoa butter have antioxidant effects that benefit the immune system by protecting cells from DNA damage and mutations, which have been implicated in the development of cancer.

How to use cocoa butter

Cocoa butter has a flavor and aroma that are reminiscent of chocolate, and its texture is like coconut oil and coconut butter combined.

Cocoa butter is never eaten on its own but only used as an ingredient in recipes. As an ingredient, it helps add a bit of creaminess to beverages and desserts. Cocoa butter is also typically used as a substitute for butter in vegan or dairy-free recipes. Cocoa butter can also be used in place of coconut oil or coconut butter.

Adding cocoa butter to coffee will give it a creamy texture. You can also add it to oatmeal, grits or pudding. Because of its high smoking point, cocoa butter is ideal for cooking at high temperatures. Note that it should be melted before use as it is often solid.

Cocoa butter is also ideal for making salves, lotions, lip balm and moisturizers because it is non-toxic and melts at body temperature. Its naturally occurring antioxidants prevent rancidity, giving it prolonged shelf life.

Food-grade cocoa butter can be found at health food and specialty grocery stores, and cosmetic-grade cocoa butter can be found at drug stores or vitamin shops. When buying cocoa butter, read the label carefully to ensure that the product is pure cocoa butter and that it does not contain any additives and harmful ingredients.

Note that cocoa butter melts easily, so it should be stored away from light and heat. You can put it in a cool, dry spot in your pantry or in your refrigerator. If stored properly, cocoa butter will last several years.

Recipe for raw vegan chocolate bars with cocoa butter

This recipe for raw chocolate bars is just one example of the many tasty desserts you can enjoy even if you’re on a vegan diet. You can prepare these in just five minutes, but you will need to let them set before eating.

Ingredients for 6 servings:

• 1/2 cup cocoa butter, melted
• 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/3 cup agave syrup

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix all the ingredients together until smooth.
2. Transfer the mixture into chocolate bar molds or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Place the chocolate in the refrigerator or freezer until solid. Serve and enjoy.

Cocoa butter is a healthy, dairy-free alternative to regular butter. It is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and other key nutrients that support optimal health. Incorporate cocoa butter into your daily routine today to enjoy its many health benefits.

Sources:

FoodsForBetterHealth.com

TheSpruceEats.com