Your favorite cup of hot chocolate not only gives you the warmth of winter but also more health benefits! Find out more.
We all love to leave that cozy time in the winter, sitting in our favorite sunny corner, to savor our cup of hot tea or coffee. There is no parallel to the heat that our bodies receive, and that feeling of being “me-time.” We like to move around in the winter and take things a little slow. However, as much as you love your cup of hot tea or coffee, there’s also a rich feeling to taste a cup of hot chocolate.
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Taking a sip of something sweet, something hot, hot chocolate feels like falling into a mug. In addition to tantalizing your taste buds, there are some additional health benefits. Yes, you heard that right! You may be tricking yourself into a cup of hot chocolate treat, thinking it might be doing some harm to your health. But, now you can reach for it, obviously in moderation, knowing that it has some health benefits that make it worth a try.
Health Shots contacted nutritionist Avni Kaul to understand the health benefits of drinking hot chocolate in winter. Read on to find out more!
What are the health benefits of drinking hot chocolate?
Consuming a cup of hot chocolate during the winter months is not only a delightful treat for the taste buds, but it can also provide a variety of health benefits.
1. Rich in antioxidants
Beyond the comforting warmth it provides, hot chocolate, especially when made with quality cocoa and milk, contains a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants. These antioxidants, known as flavonoids, contribute to heart health and may have anti-inflammatory properties. “Cacao, the key ingredient in hot chocolate, is high in antioxidants like flavonoids. These compounds have been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and potential anti-inflammatory effects.
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2. Mood-enhancing qualities
The mood-enhancing properties of hot chocolate, attributed to the release of endorphins, can help lift spirits on cold and often dreary winter days. Drinking hot chocolate can stimulate the production of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormone. This can contribute to an improved mood and sense of well-being, which is especially beneficial during the cold, dark winter months.
3. Bone health
Hot chocolate made with milk is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Proper calcium intake is important for preventing conditions like osteoporosis, and incorporating hot chocolate into your winter routine can contribute to your overall calcium intake.
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4. Warmth and comfort
Eating hot chocolate in winter provides instant warmth and comfort. The soothing nature of a hot drink can help reduce cold, promoting a feeling of heat relaxation.
As one navigates the cold of winter, sipping a cup of hot chocolate becomes not only a delicious ritual but also a nourishing exercise for both body and soul.
5. Boosts energy levels
The presence of a small amount of caffeine in chocolate, along with the natural sugars in the drink, can promote mild energy, “said the expert. This can be especially helpful during the winter when cold weather and decreased daylight possibly lead to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
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Hot chocolate recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Put the milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium/medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until heated through (but not boiling). Add the chocolate chips and beat constantly until the chocolate chips are melted and evenly distributed in the milk. Whisk in vanilla extract, serve immediately.
Notes
2 servings:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup chocolate chips
⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 single serving:
1 cup milk
1 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons chocolate chips
1-2 drops vanilla extract
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Note: All said and done, please don’t go overboard on drinking hot chocolate as it comes with an added burden of sugar which is not good for your health! If you have a pre-existing condition or are trying to lose weight, consult a qualified dietitian to find out if and how much hot chocolate you can include!
People also ask
Q: Is drinking hot chocolate healthy?
Q: Is hot chocolate better for you than coffee?
Q: Is a hot chocolate good before bed?
A: Drinking hot chocolate may potentially boost these sleep-related chemicals in your body
Q: Is hot chocolate good for your gut?
Q: Is it OK to drink hot chocolate every day?
A: Enjoying it regularly can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer
This article is purposive for intended general information and does not mark individual circumstances. It is not an alternative to professional advice or help. It should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician must be consulted to diagnose and treat any medical condition. Any action you take due to the information on this page is entirely at your own risk and responsibility!
