Reasons Why Hot Chocolate Is More Than Just a Delicious Drink (2024)

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Reasons Why Hot Chocolate Is More Than Just a Delicious Drink? ›

Drinking hot chocolate can do more than just warm your body — it can also lift your spirits! This delicious beverage contains compounds like theobromine and tryptophan, which are known to have mood-enhancing effects. Theobromine, similar to caffeine, provides a little boost of energy and alertness.

Mood-boosting effects: Drinking hot chocolate has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce stress. A healthier option: Compared to coffee, hot chocolate contains less fat and calories and is a good source of antioxidants.

Regular, moderate consumption of cocoa-rich hot chocolate can support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol. However, choosing high-quality cocoa, like the ones we use in our creations, is vital to reap the optimum benefits.

Chocolate is one of the most indulgent, versatile, and sensual foods that exist. Its characteristic rich flavor and enveloping texture can conquer palates worldwide, providing intense multisensory pleasure that satisfies both body and mind.

Cocoa prices are at an all-time high. Poor harvests due to extreme weather, pests and disease in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, which produce most of the world's cocoa, have hurt supply.

This delicious beverage contains compounds like theobromine and tryptophan, which are known to have mood-enhancing effects. Theobromine, similar to caffeine, provides a little boost of energy and alertness. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in chocolate, promotes feelings of well-being and happiness.

Hot chocolate can be a comforting and delicious treat, but it is important to remember that, like other sugary foods, it is also high in calories, sugar, and fat. If consumed in moderation, hot chocolate can be part of a healthy diet as it provides some essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Fat content: Cocoa butter, the natural fat present in chocolate, has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that enhances the overall eating experience. The fat content contributes to the creamy, smooth, and indulgent mouthfeel of chocolate, making it highly enjoyable.

Cocoa is packed with mood-boosting compounds like phenylethylamine (PEA) and anandamide. These feel-good chemicals, along with the endorphins released by hot chocolate, can help elevate your mood and morale.

Why is hot chocolate so soothing? ›

The cocoa content in hot chocolate contains tryptophan, which contributes to the production of sleep-promoting serotonin and melatonin, and the act of drinking a warm beverage can have a soothing psychological effect that helps prepare your body for sleep.

According to research, cacao contains more antioxidants than green tea. The antioxidants are responsible for righting the free radicals in the body, and accordingly, antioxidants reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and premature aging.

Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved or melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener. It is often garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Contrary to popular belief, hot chocolate can offer health benefits when consumed in moderation. It contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which can help improve heart health and lower blood pressure. Additionally, hot chocolate is a good source of minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc.

The name of this concoction was a combination of both Mayan and Aztec cultures. "The Mayan word 'Xocol', that means 'hot', and the Aztec word 'atl' means 'water'," Spehr said. "So 'xocolatl', that's where 'chocolate' comes from. Originally, this means 'hot water'."

Hot chocolate or flavoured coffee with whipped cream

A large caramel-flavoured blended coffee drink, for example, can come in at 450 calories – that's three times more than a can of cola. Many coffee shops now do “iced” versions of these drinks, but bear in mind that these won't be any lower in fat and calories.

When we eat chocolate, our brains make a chemical called serotonin. This chemical helps us feel good and happy. So, when we're feeling sad or anxious, chocolate can actually help us feel better. Chocolate has something called tryptophan, which is like a building block for serotonin.

The cocoa content in hot chocolate contains tryptophan, which contributes to the production of sleep-promoting serotonin and melatonin, and the act of drinking a warm beverage can have a soothing psychological effect that helps prepare your body for sleep.

Drinking hot cocoa can also contribute to your well-being. It can give your brain a boost and clear the fog. Research shows that a couple of servings promote blood circulation in the brain. This cold-weather beverage also helps reduce the risk of dementia.