Cocoa Butter Cocoa or Cacao "What is the Difference?"

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa Butter is a rich natural fat derived from the cacao beans contained inside the pods of the Cacao Tree. The Mayans recognized the botanical as the Cacao Tree and the Chocolate Tree, the latter name being derived from term “Xocolatl” – their word for chocolate, which they derived from the Cacao tree. The difference between the words Cocoa and Cacao is that Cacao is the name given to the raw, unprocessed beans found in their fruit pods, whereas Cocoa is the name given to the beans after they have been harvested and processed.

Cocoa has many names, the most common one being Theobroma, meaning Food of the Gods. The word ‘chocolate’ is derived from the Aztec word Cacahuatl, meaning “black nut,” “cacao fruit,” or “gods’ food.”

Then the Cacao fruit came to be known for its medicine properties used for intestinal infections and diarrhea, to regulate the thyroid, to reduce secretions, and used as a mild stimulant. The tree’s young leaves were used for disinfecting wounds and the peels of the beans were used for diabetes as well as ailments affecting the liver, bladder, and kidneys. Cacao beans and leaves were brewed into concoctions for addressing cough, asthma, colic, loss of appetite, weakness, malaria, fractures, parasites, pneumonia, and poisoning. The butter made of the beans was used to soothe and relieve fatigue, split lip, uncomfortable skin conditions, and burns.

The cultivation of Cacao trees in Europe soon migrated East, eventually allowing them to become internationally known. A scientist named Conrad Von Houten, in 1828, invented the Cocoa press to extract a purer chocolate. It was during the Cacao bean pressing process that Cocoa Butter was discovered.

Benefits

• Used topically, Cocoa Butter melts at body temperature and works to naturally soothe dry, sensitive skin while reducing and preventing the appearance of scars and unwanted marks. It is believed to have photo-protective properties that protect against harmful UV radiation.

• Used in hair, Cocoa Butter moisturizes strands to make them more manageable. While repairing damage, Cocoa Butter replenishes naturally-occurring oils, adds volume and shine, boosts strength and resilience, increases thickness, and reduces frizz.

• Used medicinally, Cocoa Butter works as an anti-inflammatory moisturizer that offers relief to skin afflicted with swelling, irritation, and redness. It is reputed to enhance the body’s immunity by promoting relaxation, and it is gentle enough to use for on burns and infections without causing further sensitivities.

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New Directions Aromoatics, " ALL ABOUT COCOA BUTTER", 12/06/2017

https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-cocoa-butters.html

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