Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.  

Cacao is the source of chocolate. But it can do a lot more beyond just providing a unique flavor. There has been a growing interest in the use of cacao powder for hair strength and health benefits over recent years. But does it really help? Let’s together try to figure it out. 

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cacao powder for hair strength and health according to scientific studies. But before we get into how cacao powder can benefit hair health, it’s worth having a basic knowledge of cacao powder a little bit more. So, let’s get started. 

Table of contents

• What is cacao powder? 
• Nutritional facts about cacao powder
• Benefits of cacao powder for hair strength and health 
• How to use cacao powder 
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What is cacao powder?

Cacao powder comes from the same tree that produces chocolates commonly called cacao tree or cocoa tree and botanically known as Theobroma cacao. The tree produces fleshy pods or fruits that contain brown seeds fondly called cocoa or cacao beans. 

Unlike cocoa powder which is prepared from roasted cocoa beans, cacao powder is made from raw, unroasted, and relatively less processed cacao beans, making it the purest form of chocolate with the maximum nutritional value intact. 

Due to the presence of some potent micronutrients, cacao powder is often valued as a superfood and is sometimes called “raw cocoa”. Cacao powder does not contain any sugar or dairy in its pure form, making it a high-potential plant-based ingredient suitable for people who do not want to take animal-based ingredients.    

Nutritional facts about cacao powder 

Cacao powder is densely packed with vital nutrients. It’s considered a healthier substitute for standard chocolate as it provides more nutrition compared to normal cocoa powder. 

Here’s a list of the common ingredients found in cacao powder: 

• Protein 
• Dietary fiber 
• Unsaturated fatty acids
• Potassium 
• Phosphorus 
• Calcium 
• Magnesium 
• Copper 
• Zinc 
• Iron 
• Sodium 
• Selenium 
• Manganese 
• Niacin 
• Riboflavin 
• Thiamin
• Pantothenic acid  
• Folate 
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E 
• Choline 

In addition to these varying ranges of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients, cacao powder also contains significant amounts of polyphenol antioxidants such as procyanidin, anthocyanidin, catechin, epicatechin, and flavonol. Moreover, it’s a rich source of caffeine and theobromine, all of which have noticeable neuroprotective and stimulant properties. 

Benefits of cacao powder for hair strength and health 

Cacao powder is densely packed with micronutrients including essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit hair strength and health in a number of ways. It can support both hairs as well as the scalp, which is vital for overall hair health. 

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of cacao powder for hair health and strength that have been proven so far: 

Helps prevent hair loss 

Cacao powder contains essential micronutrients, zinc and magnesium in particular, that play a vital role in nourishing hair roots and preventing hair damage, resulting in a significant reduction in hair loss.  

Helps promote healthy hair growth 

Cacao powder and the micronutrients it contains such as calcium, protein, and fatty acids have properties to promote healthy hair growth.  

Prevents scalp infections 

The extremely rich level of antioxidants found in cacao powder can hugely help in reducing inflammation in the scalp. This can help keep the scalp free from infections and other chronic diseases. A healthy scalp is critical for stronger, longer, and healthier hair. 

Protects and strengthens hair 

The nutritional content of cacao powder has an excellent capacity to nourish and rejuvenate hair and also to protect hair from damage caused by various environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays.  

Increases hair volume  

Essential minerals found in cacao powder, especially zinc, copper, and iron, can promote blood flow to the scalp skin and increase cell division, facilitating better transportation of vital nutrients to the hair roots, and thereby, resulting in increased hair volume. 

How to use cacao powder 

Cacao powder can be used in a number of different ways to improve hair health and strength including both consuming internally and applying directly to the hair and scalp externally. Most clinicians recommend both uses as this way we can get the benefits from the inside out. 

Cacao powder is widely available alone or in combination with other beneficial herbs such as ashwagandha as dietary supplements as well which can be easily used by adding to favorite dishes or beverages.  

However, for internal use, cacao powder should be used in moderation, and is often recommended not to consume more than 40 grams a day. But actual dosage and method of use widely vary depending on the individual health status and specific needs. Therefore, always consider asking a licensed naturopathic doctor or professional healthcare provider to determine your best dose and method of use.  

Precautions and side effects 

Cacao powder is generally safe in recommended doses for most healthy people. It doesn’t induce any serious adverse effects. Side effects are usually uncommon and rare and often linked to excess intake. However, some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, frequent urination, and insomnia. People with known allergies to cocoa products should avoid using cacao powder. 

Besides, overdoses of cacao powder may also impact calcium retention and the central nervous system which may result in various unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, it’s always highly recommended to ask a licensed naturopathic doctor prior to using cacao power to determine whether it’s suitable for your specific health status.  

Final words 

Cacao powder is packed with vital hair nutrients. There is a range of benefits of cacao powder for hair strength and health that may range from increasing hair volume to reducing hair fall to preventing scalp infections. But it’s always important to consult with a licensed healthcare provider to know whether it’s suitable or what would be the best method of use for your specific hair and health condition.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Organic Cacao and Ashwagandha Powder 

Resources: 

1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cacao-powder
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cocoa-powder-nutrition-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
3. https://www.100percentpure.com/blogs/feed/how-to-use-raw-cocoa-butter-for-face-and-hair
4. https://www.anveya.com/blogs/top-tips/15-surprising-benefits-of-cocoa-butter-for-skin-and-hair
5. https://www.santabarbarachocolate.com/blog/naturally-and-safely-dye-your-hair-dark-with-organic-hair-dye/#:~:text=Cocoa%20powder%20is%20exceptionally%20nourishing,which%20promotes%20healthy%20hair%20growth.
6. https://www.femina.in/wellness/health/dark-chocolate-benefits-for-health-106835.html#benefits-for-hair
7. https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/food-drink/nutrition/5-simple-ways-use-cacao-powder/
8. https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/food-drink/nutrition/healthy-chocolate-let-us-introduce-cacao-powder/
9. https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/cocoa-powder/#:~:text=Yes.,and%20promotes%20healthy%20hair%20growth.
10. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/cocoa-powder-health-benefits-nutrition-uses-for-skin-and-hair-recipes-side-effects
11. https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-cacao-for-skin-hair-and-health/
12. https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/diy/did-you-know-that-dark-chocolate-can-be-good-for-your-hair
13. https://www.taste.com.au/healthy/articles/cacao-powder-health-benefits/e6si9f8y