The Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Cocoa You Didn’t Know

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Like most people, you probably associate a cup of hot cocoa with pleasure only—a treat to satisfy your cravings. But you know what? In that delicious cup of hot chocolate are Health benefits for your blood, heart, brain, and more.

1. Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Drinking hot cocoa can help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cocoa is rich in flavanols, which are natural compounds that improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of blood clots. This means hot cocoa is good for your heart, whether you’re already healthy or have concerns about your heart health. Source.

How do I make a hot cup of cocao?

Looking for the perfect hot cocoa recipe? Check out our infographic below for a quick and easy guide to making a delicious, healthy cup of hot cocoa!

2. Promotes Brain Function

The flavanols in cocoa promote cognitive function by supporting the development of new blood vessels and neurons in brain areas related to learning and memory. Regular consumption may help protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s. Source

3. Improves Mood

Cocoa contains phenylethylamine and tryptophan, which boost endorphins, the brain’s feel-good hormones. This helps alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being.

4. Aids in Weight Loss

Flavanols help regulate glucose metabolism and reduce insulin resistance, promoting the use of glucose for energy and aiding in weight management. 

What is so special about brownies?

Fudgy brownies are dense, gooey, and irresistibly moist, while chewy brownies offer a delightful, elastic texture that’s oh-so-satisfying to bite into. Let’s face it—brownies outshine cakes and even cookies every time!

Want to indulge in this chocolatey goodness guilt-free? Check out our mouthwatering, healthy brownie recipe in the infographic below—it’s so delicious, even your kids will love it!

5. Reduces Inflammation

Cocoa’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the body, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health.

6. Rich in Antioxidants

Packed with antioxidants like catechins and procyanidins, cocoa helps combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and potentially even some cancers.

7. Improves Skin Condition

Flavanols in cocoa enhance blood flow to the skin, improving hydration, thickness, and protection against sun damage.

Is 100% cacao a superfood?

Yes, 100% cacao is often considered a superfood due to its rich nutrient profile and numerous health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Cacao is also high in essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium, which support heart health, brain function, and mood enhancement. Additionally, its fiber content aids digestion, making 100% cacao a valuable and health-boosting addition to your diet.

What is cacao vs cocoa?

 Understanding the Difference:

Cacao refers to cacao beans that have not been roasted. This means when you see a product labeled as cacao, it’s the raw bean, often minimally processed and packaged as vegan chocolate with no additives. On the other hand, cocoa is made from beans that have been roasted. This processing method gives cocoa a different flavor profile and slightly alters its nutrient content.

Cacao in Dark Chocolate Bars:

Dark chocolate is made from cacao beans, which are the seeds of the cacao tree. These beans are processed into different forms, such as cacao mass (also known as chocolate liquor), cocoa butter, and cocoa powder. In high-quality dark chocolate bars, the cacao content is typically high, which is why they are often labeled with percentages like 70%, 85%, or even 100%. This percentage indicates the proportion of the bar that comes from cacao solids and cocoa butter, as opposed to other ingredients like sugar or milk solids.

What Makes Dark Chocolate Special:

• High Cacao Content: Dark chocolate bars with higher cacao percentages contain more of the natural compounds found in cacao, such as flavonoids and antioxidants, which offer various health benefits.
• Less Sugar: Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate has less sugar, making it a healthier choice.
• Richer Flavor: The higher cacao content gives dark chocolate a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

By including high-quality cacao, dark chocolate bars provide a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of cacao, such as improved heart health, enhanced mood, and increased antioxidants.

Caution! Enjoy Cocao the Healthy Way!

While these benefits are impressive, moderation is key. Not all cocoa and chocolate products are the same; opt for dark, naturally processed cacao powder or chocolates to maximize health benefits. Highly processed (alkalized) cocoa has fewer flavanols, so go for the natural stuff.

Healthy Natural Hot Cocao for You:

Looking for a healthy option? Check out these options:

• Organic Fair Trade 100% Cacao Powder:
  • US Link: https://amzn.to/4dXQNlZ     
  • Canada Link: https://amzn.to/3wFElqs

• Organic Fair Trade and One of My Favourite Dark Chocolate Bars (85% Cacao):
  • US Link: https://amzn.to/3Khftby   
  • Can link:https://amzn.to/3V0PQRr

For more health benefits of Cocao and nutritional insights, check out this article on Healthline.

Conclusion

Who knew that taking care of your heart and overall health could be as simple as having chocolate every day? Cheers to good health and great taste! 🌟🍫

Craving chocolate now? Watch the video below to see why hot cocoa is the ultimate treat for both your taste buds and your health!

Watch the Video:

How do you enjoy your hot cocoa? Share your favorite tips and recipes in the comments below!

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