I Love Chocolate: Do You Know The Difference Between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa?

Do you know the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? Many people think they are the same but they are nutritionally on opposite ends of the spectrum. Hot chocolate is a sugar and fat filled mix that is mostly artificial chemicals and fillers with a chocolate taste. Because it is high in refined sugar and fat it is nutritionally void. However hot cocoa is the opposite. Nutritionally, hot cocoa is very beneficial. It is full of antioxidants and had been proven to be an extremely healthy food. Hot cocoa is naturally low in calories. You can make your own healthy hot beverage by adding cocoa powder and a small amount of sugar to milk, soy or even hot water.

This ancient beverage has been around for centuries. Archaeologists discovered cocoa beans in the burial chambers of the Olmecs who thrives in 1500- 400 BC. The Oltecs might have been the first users of cacao but the Mayans soon fell in love with the drink. They called this concoction chocolatl and drank cocoa powder mixed with spices and herbs. Mainly used by the kings and upper class, the beans were prized and sometimes used as currency. Perhaps even the ancients knew that cocoa had tremendous health benefits.

Ancient Rulers tasted Magic

The Mayans and Oltecs drank a very different version of hot cocoa than we think of. They added cocoa powder to hot water, wine, spices and peppers. This bitter and spicy drink was often reserved for kings and court. The process of crating the cocoa powder and special mixtures was often secret, like a trademark recipe. Once the Spanish got a hold of it the drink took on a life of its own. Soon people of all classes was clamoring for the now sweetened after dinner drink. Cocoa beans became the newest craze for bakers and dessert makers all over Europe.

Nowadays people are discovering the powerful nutritional benefits of the cocoa bean. Recent research has found that the flavonoids in chocolate are more powerful than vitamins such as ascorbic acid in protecting circulating lipids from oxidation. And researchers discovered that people who eat chocolate and sweets up to three times each month live almost a year longer than people who eat too much or folks that steer clear of junk altogether. (This is from a study done at the Harvard School of Public Health)

Make Sure you are Drinking the Right Cocoa

Don't settle for fake hot chocolate when you can have real delicious hot cocoa. Hot cocoa not only tastes better is is so much better for you. The best way to make sure you are getting the real deal is to start with quality cocoa powder. The best cocoa powder is dark brown and will taste bitter. You can make your won hot beverage by mixing this powder with hot water or just like when you were a kid: real milk. Milk substitutes like: soy milk, coconut milk or rice milk are great for those who are lactose intolerant or who just want to try something different. You can sweeten your drink by adding sugar, honey or agave nectar.

Researchers have labeled Cocoa "the new vitamin." Health experts are discovering that some of the chemicals in cocoa powder can have a positive effect on the heart and blood circulation.

Cocoa contains several bioactive compounds that promote alertness, lessen pain and promote a natural feeling of well-being. For example, one such element, Tryptophan, reduces anxiety by producing serotonin. The compounds in cocoa also produce endorphins which lessen sensitivity to pain.

In a recent study by Dr. Dirk Taubert of the University of Cologne, thirteen adults with untreated mild hypertension ate one 3-ounce chocolate bar every day for two weeks. Half of the patients got white chocolate, half got dark chocolate. Participants showed that blood pressure remained mostly unchanged in the test group that ate white chocolate. white chocolate does not contain polyphenols. However after two weeks, the second test group (who ate dark chocolate) their systolic blood pressure had dropped by an average of five points. Their diastolic blood pressure, reading fell an average of nearly two points.

Drinking hot cocoa provides more antioxidants than simply eating chocolate candy. The heat releases more of the antioxidants. Some research indicates that ingesting dairy along with cocoa inhibits the absorption of the nutrients. You can get the most nutritional value by combining cocoa powder with a milk substitute like: coconut milk, soy milk, rice milk or even water.

Kids love hot chocolate. Now you can give them real hot cocoa without a shread of guilt. Don't waste your money on those fake chocolate packets! Give your family a healthy drink that you can feel good about. Hot cocoa is a great way to get nutrition while feeing devilishly decadent. Now you really can give into your chocolate cravings and drink a cup of cocoa everyday - just for your health!

By: Darren Craddock

Darren Craddock is an expert in Naturopathy and Nutrition. Don't miss his Free Report: Discover how to stay healthy naturally and have more energy! Discover Cocoa Mojo theHealthy Hot Cocoa that boost immune response!

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