Cocoa — It's For So Much More Than Chocolate

Yeah, we know you think we included cocoa in our BEB Organic Diaper Balm because we’re chocolate freaks.

Though we might confess to a chocolate addiction, we absolutely crave the awesome health benefits cocoa provides: decreased inflammation, improved heart and brain health, blood sugar and weight control, and healthy teeth and skin[1].

For your tiny preemie in the NICU

Staying diaper rash free with our Diaper Balm gives little babies so much more than just a peaceful bottom[2]:

Provides antioxidants to keep your baby’s new cells safe from destructive oxidation. Oxidation changes cells and affects heir healthy function. Keeping oxidation to a minimum means that each one of the millions of new cells your baby is making stays healthy, strong, and effective.

Protects against reactive molecules (AKA free radicals) that drain energy away from your baby's growth and decrease the signaling between cells, which makes a baby's biological systems struggle

Fights inflammation that can lead to a laundry list of problems

Inhibits uncontrolled cell growth that can lead to cancer

Induces cancer cells to die

Helps prevent the spread of cancer cells

Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants. They reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and improve cholesterol levels. Not only that, but polyphenols may help the blood flow to the brain and brain function.

But wait—there’s so much more goodness!

Cocoa’s abundant flavanols (the highest level of any food) have their own antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Flavanols help improve nitric oxide levels in the blood, helping your baby’s blood vessels work better by relaxing and dilating them so blood flows easily and blood pressure stays at a healthy level.

Cocoa flavanols can slow carbohydrate digestion and its absorption in the gut[1].

This can lower the sugar concentration in your baby’s blood, improve insulin secretion, reduce inflammation, and increase the removal of blood sugar into the muscles.

And every one of these benefits helps lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

As if that’s not enough goodness from flavanols, there’s another: more and more research is being done on their use as cancer-fighting agents.

They’re not only effective, they have low toxicity and few side effects.

Any person taking cancer medications can relate to the awesomeness of that.

And then there’s asthma. Cocoa contains anti-asthmatic compounds[3] that can help reduce the inflammation that obstructs little airways, making it hard for babies to breathe.

For preemies with still-developing lungs, keeping breathing easy gives them more energy for growing.

Cocoa has positive emotional/psychological effects, too (as any chocolate lover will testify).

Research[4] shows it can improve mood and may affect symptoms of depression while it improves a sense of calmness and contentment.

Diaper Balm – BEB Organic skincare products – Luxury, health-filled skincare for preemies – premature baby - BEB Organic Bubbly Wash - BEB Organic Silky Cream - BEB Organic Healing Gel - BEB Organic Nourishing Oil - BEB Organic Diaper Balm – Kim Walls, Preemie Skincare Expert