Cocoa [Theobroma cacao]

The cocoa tree [Theobroma cacao] belongs to the Theobroma genus, which grows in the wild in the Amazon basin and other tropical areas of South and Central America. There are over twenty species in the genus, but the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao, is the only one cultivated widely.

Cacao is called the "food of the gods", and has various benefits. With its super-absorbent properties, it helps to protects the skin from harmful UV rays and acts as a natural sunscreen.

Polyphenol antioxidants, belonging to the same group of antioxidants as green tea and red wine, are found in cacao. They have the function of protecting cells from premature oxidation and destruction.