The smoothie you can consume with cocoa to increase muscle mass

A high quality dark chocolate It is the one that has a significant percentage of pure cocoa and a smaller amount of milk and sugar. In addition to having the most intense flavour, it is very good for your health and helps to lift your spirits by stimulating “happy hormones”, such as serotonin and endorphins.

And among all its virtues there is one that has to do with health, performance and physical appearance. Maintaining a healthy and slim body also requires eliminating fat develop or maintain muscle mass structure.

With age, a disease called sarcopenia usually appears: this is the name given to the reduction in muscle mass due to the increase in a molecule (protein) known as myostatin.

Pure cocoa has among its compounds a flavonol called epicatechin, which reduces the level of that protein that attacks our muscles. And at the same time it promotes the production of an opposite protein, follistatin, which acts in the opposite direction, supporting muscle development. Epicatechin would also increase testosterone, a hormone that contributes to the same goal.

According to the site More muscles, Bodybuilders and fitness models are genetically gifted with low levels of myostatin. And they consume high-quality chocolate for recovery after challenging workouts.

Pure chocolate

A 100 gram chocolate bar that advertises 50% cocoa on its label provides 150 mg of epicatechin. And the one with 85% cocoa provides the same quantity but consuming only one 60 gram tablet.

But instead of gorging on chocolate, It is recommended to consume a moderate amount and supplement it with a diet rich in apples, pears, grapes and green tea. (which also contain epicatechin). Of course we must not forget the importance of physical activity.

An adequate value of epicatechin, according to the Vitonica Portal, It is obtained by consuming 50 grams of cocoa per daybut as pure as possible so as not to add sugar and milk which lead to an increase in calories which make you fat.

Cocoa smoothie to strengthen muscle mass

At home we can prepare a smoothie that helps take care of our muscles based on oats and cocoa. Bekia Health, in an article where he offers us 9 smoothies to improve muscle mass, he helps us with this chocolate oatmeal recipe.

It is ideal for athletes, teenagers, low weight people who want to strengthen their muscle mass and elderly people who suffer from sarcopenia. First of all, we must look for the chocolate bar with the highest percentage of cocoa in our diet.

We will put in the blender:

• Grate the chocolate and add two spoons
• Add ½ liter of milk
• 2 tablespoons of oat flakes
• 1 teaspoon amaranth seeds.
• (Do not add sugar).
• Work the mixture until the ingredients are integrated and ground well.
• And it’s ready to drink for breakfast.