Benefits of Natural and Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder * There are basically two types of coca powder which includes the natural powder and the Dutch processed powder. Both these powders differ in taste and color. * The natural powder is made from cocoa beans solids which are roasted, dried and ground into fine powder. * This powder is then packaged and sold. It is quite similar to the dark roasted coffee beans as it has a sharp and acidic taste to it. * It is used for baking cakes and other pastries as it reacts well with baking soda. * It has a strong chocolate flavor to it and it is widely used for drinking chocolates too.

Differences and Uses: * The Dutch processed cocoa powder is neutral in taste with a dark color. It does not possess an acidic taste as it is alkalized. * This makes it neutral in taste. This power has a deep flavor and therefore it seldom reacts with baking powder and other leavening agents used in cakes and pastries. * Although it is processed, it retains its natural goodness and flavor. It is essential to use the right type of powder for different recipes as interchanging these powders may affect the taste of cakes and bakery products. * However, the difference is quite negligible and therefore these powders can be interchanged if essential.

* But according to some recipes, interchanging these two powders can cause serious changes in the taste and flavors of the dishes. * Baking powder is usually used in combination with Dutch coca powder whereas baking soda is used with the natural cocoa as it helps to neutralize the acidic effects of the natural powder. * Both these products are widely used by bakers and confectioners to manufacture various chocolate products. * Some bakers use natural powders to bring forth a strong taste of chocolate whereas some prefer to use Dutch powders to bake their products.

Important Benefits: * There are many health benefits associated with the use of cocoa powder as it contains a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to fight free radicals in the body and prevent diseases. * It is also known to be rich in flavonoids which keep the mind and the body alert and rejuvenated. * According to researches, this miraculous coca powder leads to the secretion of serotonin from the brain which elevates the mood. * Consumption of dark chocolate therefore increases the feeling of happiness and reduces depression to an extent.

* Although cocoa is beneficial to health in many ways, the consumption of milk chocolates can prove to be unhealthy in many ways as it includes various fatty substances and sugar. * However, dark chocolates are healthy in many ways as it includes a large percentage of cocoa in it. So it is important to choose chocolates according to the content of cocoa in it. * Both natural and Dutch processed powders are made available easily through many of the online and offline stores at affordable price rates. * Choose these products according to the requirement of the recipes as both these powders are ingrained with different tastes, colors and textures when baked.