High flavanol hot chocolate recipe

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The brains behind the facts did the research and found that daily consumption of cocoa can improve mental performance and increase blood flow to the brain in as little as one week. Flavanols, the largest family of polyphenolic compounds, are associated with enhanced cognition. Speaking of screaming, raw cocoa is also linked to decreased anxiety, depression, and stress. One study showed that consuming cocoa once a day for 30 days significantly increased feelings of calmness and contentment. Also because cocoa contains some caffeine, people who are extra-sensitive to caffeine should take care not to consume too much cocoa. Tiffany La Forge is a professional chef, recipe developer, and food writer who runs the blog Parsnips and Pastries.

High flavanol hot chocolate recipe

Hot chocolate can be a healthful drink if you make it right. As I reviewed here , cocoa is rich in flavanols, compounds that can make blood vessels more flexible and able to expand. This circulatory system influence seems to have far-reaching health benefits: over the last decade an impressive body of research has linked cocoa consumption with cardiovascular benefits , and more limited research shows benefits for skin health reduce signs of photo-aging and improve elasticity , blood lipids , and Type 2 diabetes , and cognitive function — yes, it seems chocolate can even help the aging brain! Athletes might be interested in emerging research looking at cocoa flavanols and athletic performance and recovery. The recipe below makes a delicious hot chocolate, thanks to cocoa and real dark chocolate that combine to produce a decadent and rich drink. The carbohydrates and sugars will help replenish glycogen stores and the protein in milk helps repair muscle damage. A bonus with this cocoa-rich recipe, is new albeit limited! You can make a healthy cup of cocoa by combining 2 tbsp. But I find having a mix on hand makes the process easier, and using a food processor to blend the ingredients allows them to dissolve better. Here is a recipe for a basic cocoa-rich hot chocolate mix; you can make it more healthful by reducing the sugar a bit, and more decadent by increasing the amount of dark chocolate. This makes about 2 cups of mix around 10 servings of hot chocolate. The fresh cocoa bean is the richest source of flavanols, and products with a high cocoa content, like cocoa powder, are typically rich in flavonols. A study of commercially-available chocolate and cocoa-containing products ranked flavanol content as follows in decreasing order : natural cocoa powder, unsweetened baking chocolate, dark chocolate, semisweet baking chips, milk chocolate, and chocolate syrup. Cocoa powders vary quite a bit in terms of flavanol content. Some are processed with alkali i.

Athletes might be interested in emerging research looking at cocoa flavanols and athletic performance and recovery. So great to stick with a healthy diet and get your chocolate fix!!!

In addition to writing recipes I love to eat! In fact, this healthy hot chocolate recipe has a 5-star rating for a reason! One reader recently commented:. This recipe is so easy and makes a surprisingly amazing delicious hot cocoa. I had my reservations but I added two teaspoons of honey and a bit of vanilla extract and YUM!

Consuming high flavanol hot chocolate has several benefits. Flavanols found in cocoa have antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and enhance cognitive function. To make a high flavanol hot chocolate, you will need unsweetened cocoa powder, dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids, milk dairy or plant-based , sweetener of your choice optional , and a pinch of salt. Cocoa powder is rich in flavanols, which are potent antioxidants. Using unsweetened cocoa powder in your hot chocolate recipe ensures a higher flavanol content compared to pre-packaged cocoa mixes that often contain added sugar and lower cocoa percentages. The higher the cocoa content, the more flavanols the chocolate will contain, providing a greater antioxidant boost. Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer for your high flavanol hot chocolate, including dairy or plant-based options like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.

High flavanol hot chocolate recipe

Full disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through my link, I may earn a small commission. I only recommend products I personally buy and use. Thank you. I discovered ceremonial cacao through an online friend who talked about its benefits as a medicinal plant to restore the nervous system. I started researching the benefits of ceremonial cacao and gave it a try. I was so amazed by its taste and the richness of each sip. It tasted completely different from the conventional organic store cacao I used to buy. Ceremonial cacao is considered a plant medicine and was used by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations for thousands of years. Whole cacao beans include cocoa butter and all the beneficial compounds.

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Seeds may be the tiniest superfoods on the planet: little bundles of energy and protein — plus fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats…. For a thick and creamy cup, I'd warm up the almond milk and blend the cacao. Or, I heat up just the almond milk or water and I blend the cacao. Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk to combine minutes. Carb cycling is a dietary approach that involves alternating between high and low carb days to optimize energy levels, fat loss, and muscle…. Thrive Market is a direct-to-consumer online grocer that has most of the brands you already buy. Hi Ozioma, baking cocoa is very bitter so I do not recommend it here. Color can also be a guide though somewhat counterintuitive — a rich dark-colored powder is likely processed. Ceremonial cacao is harvested sustainably and made by fermenting the beans and then stone-grinding them. Each day, I looked forward to that 15 minutes where I could sit and be quiet and just focus on sipping cacao and breathing deeply.

Are you a chocolate lover looking for a delicious and healthy twist?

So great to stick with a healthy diet and get your chocolate fix!!! In a medium pan, heat milk until it starts to steam and stir in the hot chocolate mix. Many people start their days feeling stressed, checking social media and their emails. Janet says:. Cocoa can often also refer to the drink commonly known as hot chocolate;[4] to cocoa powder, the dry powder made by grinding cocoa seeds and removing the cocoa butter from the dark, bitter cocoa solids; or to a mixture of cocoa powder and cocoa butter. But is it healthy? The line between an eating disorder and dangerously disordered eating? Color can also be a guide though somewhat counterintuitive — a rich dark-colored powder is likely processed. Suzanne says:. I sip healthy hot chocolate often in the cooler months for a warm and healthy treat. Transfer to an airtight jar, where you can store the mix for about 2 months.