The word cacao hails from the Olmec people from today’s Mexico. It describes the fruits of the Theobroma Cacao which is the botanical name of the cacao tree. Cacao and cocoa adorn the packages of sweet snacks and other foods for indulgence. Even healthy products are using these two in their information cards to describe their ingredients because they are both natural, versatile, and sometimes delicious ingredients.
The Mayans introduced cacao to the Spanish. Cacao was the only word used by Hispanic languages to describe what English speakers refer to as “cocoa” [1]. Nowadays, more manufacturing companies are using the word cacao to distinguish themselves from others.
Is Theobroma Cacao Safe In Baby Products- Yes. Whichever word used, this “food of the gods” has become more than a delicacy used in special ceremonies like betrothals or marriages [2]. Today, it is used in manufacturing sweets, delicacies, and even baby products. Sometimes, manufacturers use these words to denote slight differences when it comes to processing and products derived from the original plant.
Is Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Safe For Baby
Organic Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Origins Of Cocoa / Cacao (Theobroma Cacao)
Benefits Of Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) For Babies
Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Use In Baby Products
Organic Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Cacao is considered to be the best form of chocolate available. It is raw and there is less processing required compared to cocoa powder or chocolate bars. It is believed to contain the highest amounts of antioxidants which are beneficial for your health [3].
Theobroma cacao produces cacao pods that, when cracked, release cacao beans which are then processed in a variety of ways.
Cacao butter is extracted from the bean while in production. The rest of the fruit is used to create raw cacao powder.
Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao)
Cocoa is often used to describe the heated form of cacao which is typically purchased from a local grocery store in powdered form.
Cocoa powder is produced similarly to cacao with the exception that the former is processed using higher temperatures. Even with the high temperatures, it maintains its antioxidants hence it is good for your blood pressure, skin, heart, and reduces stress levels.
This type of powder is a good source of protein, fiber, and fats.
Origins Of Cocoa / Cacao (Theobroma Cacao)
The cocoa or cacao bean is the dried and fermented seed that comes from Theobroma cacao where solid chunks of cocoa and cocoa butter can be removed. The beans themselves were used to making chocolate [4].
The Olmecs were the first to discover that the cacao tree’s fruits were edible, and they were the first that tasted it in beverage form. They crushed the cocoa beans found in the seeds of the tree and added water, chilies, spices, and even herbs to make it more palatable. During 600 BC and 400 AD, the Mayans and the Aztecs respectively came up with specific methods to cultivate the tree. Cocoa beans were also used as a monetary unit with 400 beans amounting to a Zonti and 8000 beans to a Xiquipilli [5].
Is Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Safe For Baby
Organic Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Origins Of Cocoa / Cacao (Theobroma Cacao)
Benefits Of Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) For Babies
Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Use In Baby Products
Organic Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Cocoa butter is one of the main ingredients of chocolate which on its own makes it worth exploring.
The cocoa beans found in the fruits of the cacao are used to produce cocoa butter and cocoa powder. The beans are cleaned, roasted, and stripped before being milled to create the liquor. The cocoa liquor is then pressed using high pressure to produce the fats that are known today as cocoa butter [6].
Is Theobroma Cacao Safe In Baby Products? Because of their mild fragrance, ultra-hydrating, and smooth properties, Theobroma Cacao is safe for babies. The beans were harvested as skin moisturizers in the Caribbean and Mesoamerica for ages. The beans themselves are considered one of the best sources of antioxidants to deliver polyphenols to our systems. Even in cocoa butter, these amazing nutrients remain in spite of the fats being extracted. Raw cocoa butter is considered to be the pure form since it is not subjected to intense heat during extraction thus it retains most of its benefits [7].
This butter is also mixed into chocolates to create that creamy and even smooth texture. It is also used in medicines, ointments, and toiletries. This butter is rich in natural antioxidants which is why it is commonly incorporated into cosmetics and various skin products. In Africa, cocoa butter is used to heal, moisturize, and protect the skin from constant exposure to the sun and wind.
Benefits Of Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) For Babies
Is Cocoa Butter Safe In Baby Products? There are several cocoa butter baby products that use cocoa as their base ingredient. Cocoa butter is edible and one of the best ingredients to use for the hair and skin. It is a pale yellow extract with a distinct flavor and smell that is harvested from the cocoa bean.
Organic cocoa butter baby products offer many benefits like delicious foods and drinks, but also personal care products.
Is Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Safe For Baby
Organic Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Origins Of Cocoa / Cacao (Theobroma Cacao)
Benefits Of Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) For Babies
Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Use In Baby Products
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Use For Scarring And Rashes
Babies with scars or skin conditions such as rashes can use cocoa butter lotion as an effective relief and treatment for the damaged skin. Apply it regularly until the scars fade without worrying about any harmful side effects.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Use For Dry Skin
Babies with dry skin are susceptible to peeling and chafing when wearing diapers. This can lead to skin infections. Using cocoa butter delivers moisture which creates smooth, soft, and plump looking skin. If your baby is suffering from a lack of moisture, cocoa butter is highly recommended.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Use For Body Butter
Cocoa butter can be combined with essential oils to create a body butter that treats dry and itchy skin. This simple recipe requires mixing and melting half a cup each of cocoa butter, organic coconut carrier oil, shea butter, and almond carrier oil while constantly stirring over low heat. Remove the mixture from the heat, and let it cool before adding about 20 drops of lavender essential oil. Let it harden in your fridge for an hour, then whip it using a hand mixer until it has become fluffy. Put it back in the fridge before transferring to a container. Apply it on yourself or your baby to deal with dry and itchy skin.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Use For Inflammation
The fatty acids, vitamins and minerals present in organic cocoa butter treat inflammation of the skin. This is ideal for babies who develop rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and the like because this soothing formula is all natural and heals the skin.
Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Use In Baby Products
Is Theobroma Cacao Safe In Baby Products? Parents tend to question anything related to their children, especially first-time parents. It is natural to be protective, and products with harmful ingredients should be avoided. Cocoa butter baby products are a safe alternative to harmful ingredients, and it can be used in a variety of ways in baby products.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Moisturizer
Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and a host of vitamins and minerals that protect skin from dryness and help it become soft, smooth, and supple. If you want to get the best cocoa butter, choose the cocoa butter stick because it tends to be of purer quality.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Use For Relaxation
Fussy babies that have trouble settling at night may relax with the use of cocoa butter. Unrefined cocoa butter combined with a massage can relax and calm children before bed. The sweet scent of cocoa butter can ease a disgruntled temper when used as a massage lotion.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Use For Hair Health
Cocoa butter treats hair troubles for babies such as dandruff or hair fall. As mentioned, this butter is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that improve babies’ hair and scalp health. Melt some coconut butter (make sure it is not too hot), then apply it on your baby’s hair and scalp. Wash their hair and scalp after a few minutes to prevent this oil from clumping. This product is guaranteed to make your little one’s hair stronger, shinier, and healthier.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Hydrates Lips
A little bit of cocoa butter heals dry and cracking lips. The moisturizing properties of cocoa butter let the natural beauty of you and your baby’s lips emerge in very little time. This product is quite safe and can be used as often as necessary.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Lightens Pigmentations
There are instances when babies have scarring or dark pigmentations on their skin because of various skin conditions. Applying organic cocoa butter will make the darker spots disappear, and the skin will be restored to its natural health.
There is no doubt that cocoa butter is better than other beauty and skincare products for you and your baby. When applied, it does not leave any greasy residue like oil-based products do. Using cocoa butter on your child is safe, effective, and benefits their skin, hair, and senses.
Is Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Safe For Baby
Organic Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Origins Of Cocoa / Cacao (Theobroma Cacao)
Benefits Of Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) For Babies
Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Use In Baby Products
Is Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) Safe For Baby Resources:
[1] Encyclopaedia Britannica; Cocoa, Noember 01, 2018.
[2] World Cocoa Foundation; History of Cocoa.
[3] One Green Planet; Cacao vs. Cocoa: What You Need to Know, Heather McClees.
[4] Encyclopaedia Britannica; Cocoa, Noember 01, 2018.
[5] World Cocoa Foundation; The discovery of Cocoa by the Olmecs.
[6] United Nations Conference On Trade And Development; Cocoa industry: Integrating small farmers into the global value chain, April 2016.
[7] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Assessment of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) butter content and composition throughout fermentations, Servent A, Boulanger R, Davrieux F, Pinot MN, Tardan E, Forestier-Chiron N, Hue C, May 2018.
