Cocoa Bean Shell—A By-Product with Nutritional Properties and Biofunctional Potential

Rojo-Poveda O, Barbosa-Pereira L, Zeppa G, Stévigny C · Nutrients · 2020 April 17

DOI 10.3390/nu12041123

Objective

To investigate the chemical and nutritional composition of cocoa bean shells (CBS) and explore various uses, including food, livestock feed, industrial applications, and medical applications, with a focus on biofunctional potential for human health.

Conclusions

The review concludes that cocoa bean shells (CBS) could be a valuable by-product for innovative and functional foods, as they contain fiber, cocoa volatile compounds, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols. Studies suggest potential biofunctional activities, such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, cardiovascular benefits, and anti-inflammatory capacity.

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