National Hot Chocolate Day-Who Knew?

Today is National Hot Chocolate Day. I wasn’t aware until I saw it on the news this morning. Geez…they have a day for everything now. I have fond memories of my mom making hot chocolate on the stove after a cold day playing in the snow. I remember it tasting so yummy and creamy.

I thought I would take advantage of today and tell you about the benefits of cacao (different from cocoa) and give you a healthier hot chocolate recipe other than what you get from the packets. And, since some of you are trapped in the bitter cold and snow, what better way to curl up on the couch, watch a movie and pass the time away.

First things first….

What is the Difference between Cacao and cocoa

The basic difference between cacao and cocoa, is that cacao is the purest form of chocolate you can consume, which means it is raw and much less processed than cocoa powder or chocolate bars. Cocoa is the heated form of cacao that you probably grew up buying at the store in the form of cocoa powder (and what my mom used when making hot chocolate). Although not as beneficial for you as cacao, it still holds many health benefits as long as you don’t get forms full of sugar, processed milk fats, processed oils, preservatives and additives.

What They Don’t Tell You About Chocolate

Product manufactures will make claim after claim about the health benefits of chocolate. Many of them are not proven and some are downright false. After all, their main goal is to sell product, not your health. So buyer beware, and do your research. What they don’t tell you is that most all of the research on “chocolate” is completed on cacao or cocoa powder, with zero dairy added to it [2]. Most people, and this includes me until I did research, do not know that if there are milk solids mixed into cacao it may lower the absorption of some nutrients. Thus most of the chocolate you’re consuming may not be helping you as much as you think it is. Still, researchers at the Agricultural Research Service found that the higher cacao content of chocolate the higher the benefits of the antioxidant properties found. So the darker [3].

What are the Proven Health Benefits of Raw Cacao

Protects against free radical damage-Cacao powder contains nearly four times the antioxidant power of cocoa powder—and more than 20 times the amount found in blueberries. Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage that occurs as the result of daily exposure to toxins, stress, sun damage, and inflammation. When it goes unchecked, free radical damage can result in chronic disease like cancer [2].
Cacao is the highest source of magnesium of all foods [1]. Getting enough magnesium is not only associated with lower risk of diabetes, but it also healthy blood pressure, strong bones, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and healthy nervous system activity [6].
Cacao is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, cholesterol-free saturated fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, natural carbohydrates, and protein.
It contains phenylethylamine which is responsible for our state of mood and pleasure and the same feelings you get when you are in love. It also acts as a stimulant and can improve mental alertness [3].
Lowers insulin resistance-Research shows that 100 grams of cacao daily can improve cell response, as well as lower blood lipid levels [4].
Improves heart health-cacao is chocked full of flavonoids. A review by the University of Illinois found that these compounds in particular have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease. In particular, cacao flavanols are excellent at reducing systolic blood pressure [5].

So Let’s Ditch the Pre-packaged Hot Cocoa and Give it a New Boost

1/2 cups raw or organic milk (or milk alternative of your choice)

1 Tb. raw cacao powder

1 Tb. Organic coconut sugar (or raw/local honey or stevia to taste)

1/2-1 oz. dark chocolate

*pinch of sea salt and/or ground cinnamon- optional

*homemade marshmallows for serving-optional

Directions:

Raw cacao doesn’t blend well so I like to use the blender first to mix the milk and cacao.
In a small pot on the stove, heat the milk until it is just short of boiling (if you let it boil a skin will form over the top as it cools). Whisk in the rest of the ingredients until well blended.
You could even chill this and have chocolate milk.

Let me know what you think!!

Sources:

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