We relish hot cocoa for warming our bellies and spirits on cold winter days, but this ancient drink also can be good for you. Here are five reasons to rank hot cocoa as healthful, plus a recipe:
Antioxidant strength
Cocoa is twice as strong as red wine when it comes to antioxidants, 2-3 times as strong as green tea and 4-5 times as strong as black tea. Antioxidants help prevent cancer, heart disease and aging.
Stress-busting qualities
Researchers have found that eating an average-sized dark chocolate candy bar daily for two weeks reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol as well as “fight-or-flight” hormones in highly stressed people.
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Contains flavonoids
Hot cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which improve blood flow. Improved blood flow reduces the chance of blood clots, lowers blood pressure, improves heart health and helps you think better thanks to better blood flow to the brain.
Contains less fat
Hot cocoa is good for your because it has less fat than bar chocolate. Hot chocolate is chocolate melted in liquid, while hot cocoa is cocoa powder melted in hot water or milk.
Less extra ingredients
Homemade hot cocoa is better for you than instant mixes, which are full of sweeteners, oils and synthetic ingredients.
For a cup that is good for you, try this recipe.
Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 56
Ingredients
- 1-1/4 cups nonfat milk powder
- 3/4 cup Splenda®
- 3/4 cup powdered non-dairy coffee creamer
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1/4 cup instant coffee granules
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well blended. Store in a sealed container.
To serve, heat 1 cup of water and stir in 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of cocoa mixture.
Nutrition information
Each serving (1 tablespoon dry mix) contains about 20 calories, 0.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 15 mg sodium, 3 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 1 g protein.
Source: splenda.com
For nutrition recommendations, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.
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What is the best hot chocolate drink to buy with the most chocolate contained?
I’ll be 71 years young come this July 8 2023.
I have been into eating healthy foods since age 9.
Looking at me, most people think I’m from my early to mid forties.
No Dope from streets or doctors. Don’t get headaches . Love hot chocolate.
This is so helpful !!!!!
High heat is known to negate antioxidants in cacao. Does adding cocoa powder to HOT coffee destroy the antioxidants in the cocoa?
Thanks, for your advice and knowledge.
Elvin
Hi Elvin, Cacao is minimally processed while cocoa is more processed. Cocoa is roasted at high temperatures, which removes the beneficial fats and other antioxidants. It is important to note that cacao will have a strong bitter taste versus cocoa. It is a preference of choice. There are also other ways to get your intake of antioxidants, so it does not mean you have to skip using cocoa. Remember, moderation is key. -Thanks, Jordan
Ridiculous to add powdered sweetener. Just add a touch of maple syrup. This kicks it up to the next level as real maple syrup is a superfood.
Agave is as bad but Stavia ( Truvia) has less side effects! C
It may or may not be the best for you! But it sure is good
Interesting that a 'healthy' recipe is sourced from Splenda!! That should have raised a flag immediately from a nutritionist.
Hi Kay, I thought that also, seemed odd to me.
Does the unsweetened cocoa in hot chocolate have the same anti-stress benefits as dark chocolate in a bar.
Jaimee, we reached out to a nutritionist on this question and learned cocoa is basically chocolate without its natural fat. To get similar health benefits as dark chocolate, it's important to look for cocoa with little processing. -Kirstie
splenda isn't good for you it is an artifical sweetner try using sweet leaf (stevia) which is better.
Thanks for commenting, Angie. You might have interest in our guide to sugar and artificial sweeteners: https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/sweet-guide-sugar-artificial-sweeteners/ -Kirstie
I agree in that stevia is a better choice
Hi Sandy,
How about agave?