People are often resorting to organic chocolate drinks because of their health benefits that are not affecting your current state. Especially from coffee. Plus this is tasty and allows everyone to be creative with every drink.
But what are the main components of a chocolate drink?
Cocoa powder – “Cocoa powder is rich in theobromine, which helps to reduce inflammation and can protect you from diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Since cocoa is rich in phytonutrients but low in fat and sugar, the calories you get from cocoa powder will be packed with healthy chemicals.” – WebMD
Cocoa is the plant from which chocolate is made. Bitter chocolate is produced by pressing roasted cocoa kernels (seeds) between hot rollers. Cocoa powder is produced by squeezing the fat (cocoa butter) from bitter chocolate and powdering the remaining material. Sweet chocolate is produced by adding sugar and vanilla to bitter chocolate. White chocolate contains sugar, cocoa butter, and milk solids.
Long regarded as a food treat, cocoa is now used by some people as medicine. Cocoa seed is used for infectious intestinal diseases and diarrhea, asthma, bronchitis, and as an expectorant for lung congestion. The seed coat is used for liver, bladder, and kidney ailments; diabetes; as a tonic; and as a general remedy. Cocoa butter is used for high cholesterol.
It contains a healthy & proper amount of carbs
Believe it or not, hot (and cold) chocolate drinks contain the perfect proportion of carbs to protein, which is a 3:1 ratio. Along with the many mineral and health benefits found in cocoa, these drinks are great for reducing the build-up of creatine kinase, which is responsible for post-workout muscle damage.
Effective for high blood pressure
High blood pressure. Most research shows that eating dark chocolate or cocoa products for 2-18 weeks can lower the top number in a blood pressure reading (systolic blood pressure) by 2.8-4.7 mmHg and the lower number (diastolic blood pressure) by 1.9-2.8 mmHg in people with normal blood pressure or high blood pressure.
Helps improve mental function
Evidence on the effects of cocoa for improving mental function is not consistent. Some research shows that cocoa might improve some aspects of mental function. Other research suggests no benefit.
Participants from Maci Tetric’s “Drinking hot chocolate can improve your brain function”, says participants drank a hot cocoa beverage a few hours before these challenges. The people who had hot chocolate had a faster, stronger flow of oxygen back into their brains. They were able to perform better on the cognitive tests compared to participants who didn’t drink anything, or who drank cocoa with no flavanols.
A good chocolate drink for muscle recovery after a workout
Choco drink has the required ratio of 3-4 grams carbohydrate to 1 gram protein. And as a complete protein, it provides the essential amino acids your body can’t make.
Plus, liquids are quickly digested and absorbed, which helps enhance recovery.
Benefits to bone health
Chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory flavonoids and dietary minerals with the potential to benefit bone health.
However, other chocolate constituents such as cocoa butter, sugar, and methylxanthines may be detrimental to bone. Human studies investigating the role of chocolate consumption on serum bone markers and bone mineral density (BMD) have been inconsistent. A contributing factor is likely the different composition and thereby the nutrient and bioactive content among chocolate types.
Key takeaway
Chocolate contains many secrets to happiness. Not only does it taste delicious, but it has quite a positive effect on your brain. It releases certain neurotransmitters that make you feel comfortable and happy and can even reduce pain and stress.
Chocolate makes you feel good because it contains energy-boosting caffeine, mood-lightening serotonin, and relaxing tryptophan.
Sweeten to your taste with natural sweeteners like honey and pure maple syrup, but don’t go overboard. Last but not least, enjoy your guilt-free treat!