Savoring High Flavanol Hot Chocolate for Health
Hot chocolate is a beloved cold weather treat, but typical powdered mixes are packed with sugar and low on nutrition. However, traditional European-style drinking chocolate made from real chocolate boasts significant health benefits thanks to its high flavanol content. These powerful plant nutrients combat inflammation, boost heart health, and more.
What are Flavanols?
Flavanols are a type of bioactive phytonutrient abundantly present in cocoa beans. They belong to the polyphenol family of antioxidant compounds found in many plant foods.
Research shows that flavanols such as epicatechin and catechin have potent anti-inflammatory, blood vessel-relaxing, and immune-enhancing effects in the body.
The Healing Benefits of Cocoa Flavanols
Studies reveal that regularly consuming foods high in cocoa flavanols can:
- Protect cardiovascular health
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve blood flow
- Suppress inflammation
- Enhance cognitive function
- Boost mood
This makes minimally processed dark chocolate and cocoa an effective medicinal food for both mind and body.
Maximizing Flavanols in Hot Chocolate
To reap the wellness-promoting properties of chocolate, it's important to select varieties containing the highest percentage of cocoa flavanols. Here are some tips:
Choose Quality Cocoa Powder
Opt for non-alkalized, non-Dutched cocoa powder which retains more flavanols compared to processed versions.
Use Higher Percentage Chocolate
Dark chocolate with a cacao percentage of 80% or higher will provide the most abundant flavanols.
Avoid Added Sugars
Steer clear of hot chocolate mixes with added sugars, corn syrups, etc. Stick to pure cocoa.
Don't Overheat
Temperatures above 140°F destroy delicate flavanols. Gently melt chocolate to preserve nutrients.
Include Spices
Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne contain beneficial plant compounds that complement chocolate.
Recipes for Antioxidant-Rich Hot Chocolate
Here are some nourishing recipes to help you indulge in high flavanol hot chocolate this winter:
Simple High Flavanol Hot Chocolate
This straightforward cacao-based recipe maximizes nutritional value.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened soy or almond milk
- 1⁄4 cup high quality cocoa powder
- 1 ounce 85% dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup to taste
Instructions
- Heat milk over medium-low until steaming.
- Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth and dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted.
- Blend in vanilla, sea salt and natural sweetener if desired.
- Enjoy immediately.
Aztec Hot Chocolate
This unique recipe incorporates traditional Mesoamerican ingredients like chili pepper, vanilla and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch each of cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Heat almond milk until just simmering.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and honey until dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add chocolate, stirring until melted.
- Mix in vanilla and spices.
- Froth with a milk frother if desired.
Mayan Hot Chocolate
This richly spiced chocolate drink takes inspiration from ancient Mayan recipes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashew or soy milk
- 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄4 tsp chili powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Whisk milk, cocoa powder, syrup, and coconut oil in a small pan over low heat until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in spices.
- Transfer to a blender. Blend 30 seconds until frothy.
- Pour into mugs and enjoy.
Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate
This festive peppermint-infused chocolate satisfies your sweet tooth while delivering a dose of cocoa flavanols.
Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy milk
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1⁄4 tsp peppermint extract
- Candy cane pieces for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat milk until steaming, then whisk in cocoa and syrup.
- Remove pan from heat and stir in chocolate until melted.
- Mix in peppermint extract.
- Top with crushed candy cane pieces before serving if desired.
Precautions for Making Hot Chocolate
To obtain the benefits of hot chocolate while avoiding potential pitfalls, keep these precautions in mind:
- Avoid excessive added sweeteners.
- Don't use low-quality cocoa mixes.
- Temper chocolate slowly over low heat.
- Limit intake if you are sensitive to stimulants like caffeine.
- Consult your doctor if you have a health condition impacted by dietary choices.
A Nutritious Winter Beverage
Warm, antioxidant-rich hot chocolate made from natural cocoa powder and dark chocolate offers the perfect way to support wellness in cold weather. Sip mindfully and enjoy its abundance of inflammation-fighting, heart-healthy cocoa flavanols.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of high flavanol hot chocolate?
The abundant cocoa flavanols in high quality hot chocolate provide anti-inflammatory, heart-protective, blood vessel relaxing, and brain boosting benefits.
What kind of chocolate should I use to make healthy hot chocolate?
Opt for non-alkalized cocoa powder and dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao content to maximize the concentration of flavanols.
Can I use milk to make high flavanol hot chocolate?
Non-dairy milks like almond, oat or soy work best, as the proteins in dairy can interfere with absorption of cocoa flavanols.
How much sugar can I add to high flavanol hot chocolate?
Limit added sugars to 1 tsp honey or maple syrup per serving at most to avoid overwhelming the health benefits of the cocoa.
What spices complement high flavanol hot chocolate?
Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and chili powder taste delicious in hot chocolate and provide added health benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.