Benefit of Hot Cocoa for Your Health:

Drinking hot cocoa has many benefits in different body systems and organs

Like most people, you probably associate a cup of hot cocoa with pleasure only, a treat you indulge to please your cravings. That’s the reason for the occasional guilt-trip.

But it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that in that cup of hot chocolate are health benefits for your blood, heart, brain, and more.

Yes, it’s true! Drinking hot cocoa improves the functions of several body systems. Accordingly, we’ve picked 7 science-backed health benefits of hot cocoa so you can get rid of your guilt trip and give your passion a thumbs up.

Amazing Health Benefits of Hot Cocoa (Hot Chocolate)

Hot cocoa, also known as hot chocolate or drinking chocolate, has been around for thousands of years, drunk as concoctions from the cacao fruit. Although most people drink hot cocoa today for pleasure, the ancient Aztecs considered it a medicine for a wide array of health conditions.

Research continues exploring the health claims behind cocoa and chocolate products. We handpicked some that might interest you.

Lower Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

In this 2017 journal of the National Center for Biotechnology, researchers found that consuming cocoa lowers the risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. This is because cocoa is naturally rich in flavanols, plant compounds that provide the body with various health benefits.

These flavanols reduce blood pressure, improve vascular function, and reduce platelet aggregation. These benefits were observed in both healthy consumers, those with risk factors, and in those who already had cardiovascular disease.

Findings of recent studies on the health benefits of cocoa are not surprising, though. The ancient Aztecs, the first makers of hot chocolate, used the drink for a range of medicinal purposes and in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, cacao was in the pharmacopoeias of several European countries.

Lowers Blood Glucose Levels

Flavanols regulate glucose metabolism by reducing insulin resistance.  This helps the cells in the muscles to use up glucose in the blood for energy, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

Promotes Brain Function

Another beneficial effect of the flavanols abundant in cocoa is the promotion of cognitive function. Research shows that when these compounds enter the brain, they cause the development of new blood vessels and neurons in areas associated with learning and memory.

This brain protective function of cocoa helps prevent diseases like Alzheimer that come with aging.

Improves Mood

Modern research only confirms what the ancients had known. Here’s a quote by William Hughues, dating back to the Spanish Conquest of the New World.

“Chocolate revives the drooping spirits and cheers those ready to faint, expelling sorrow, trouble, care, and perturbations of the mind, is an ambrosia… it cannot be too much praised.”

That’s thanks to phenylethylamine and tryptophan found in cacao. Cacao helps in the release of endorphins, which are feel-good hormones in our brains. This induces a positive effect on the mood, helping to ease bad mood while improving an already positive mood.

You then wonder why many people eat chocolate under emotional stress? Drinking it hot makes it even better as catechins are released better in the hot drink. The warmth from the drink on a wintry day can be as comforting as a best friend.

May Lower Risk of Cancer

The high amounts of antioxidants in cacao, especially catechins and procyanidins, offer protection against the damaging effects of free radicals from oxidative stress. Free radicals are behind a host of chronic health conditions, including some cancers.

Improves Skin Condition

In appropriate doses, flavanols—especially catechin and epicatechin—in cocoa increase blood flow to the skin, improve skin hydration and thickness, and protect skin from the sun’s damaging effects.

In this randomized controlled trial, two groups of women consumed cocoa powder with high and low flavanol levels respectively for 12 weeks. This was to review the photoprotection effect of the antioxidants found in cocoa.

It was observed that the women in the higher flavanol group showed improved skin condition in blood flow, skin thickness, and hydration, while those in the lower group showed none.

Nourishes Your Body

Cacao is a source of essential nutrients: fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It also contains a host of vitamins and minerals.

Below is the mineral and vitamin composition of cocoa powder. (Note, however, that composition may change from brand to brand)

Source: Nutrition Advance.

Caution! Drink Hot Cocoa Healthily

Don’t let these health benefits make you go all out head-over-heels with large daily amounts of cocoa and chocolate products. While many of these benefits come with regular consumption, like with every other food, moderation is key to staying within healthy boundaries.

Also, remember that not all cocoa and chocolate products are the same. Nutritional and chemical content varies from brand to brand, depending on how manufacturers process their cacao and what additives they bring to the final product.

The more processed (alkalized) cocoa or chocolate is, the less flavanols it has. So go for dark, naturally processed cacao powder or chocolates.

Finally, this information is not meant to be seen as health advice if you have chronic illnesses. Consult your physician.

Healthy Natural Hot Cocoa Powder for You

Product Image

We have healthy dark chocolate bars which you can shave into a cup of hot water to make hot chocolate. And we also have readymade cacao powder with 83% cacao content. Like all our products, this is naturally processed, no additives, with the health of our consumers at the forefront.

Order Hot Cocoa Powder Here.

Health Benefits of Hot Cocoa: Conclusion

Guilt should not accompany your daily cup of hot chocolate, especially if you get yours from dark, natural cocoa powder or dark, natural chocolate bars. Whether you enjoy your cup of hot cocoa first thing in the morning, at night, or before bed, make sure to get products high in cacao content. That’s because the many health benefits of hot cocoa only come from cocoa powder or chocolate with high flavanol content.

Most of the health benefits of hot chocolate also result from regular moderate use. An occasional drink is therefore mostly for pleasure.

Lastly, remember that your general wellness depends on a healthy lifestyle besides hot cocoa.

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