5 reasons hot cocoa is good for you, plus a recipe
Posted: January 27, 2025
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 hot cocoa mocha mix in a jar recipe. [caption id="attachment_8266" align="alignright" width="382"]
High antioxidants in cocoa help prevent cancer, heart disease and aging, and dark chocolate can reduce stress.[/caption]
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 dark chocolate reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol as well as "fight-or-flight" hormones in highly stressed people. About 1-2 small squares of dark chocolate a day can be a healthful indulgence to savor and enjoy. RELATED ARTICLE: Destress with these 10 activities for stress reliefContains 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 you 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 healthier version of the traditional hot chocolate mix you'd find in the store, try making hot cocoa with unsweetened cocoa to provide the benefits as noted above, without the artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated vegetable oil. Below is a quick and easy recipe," said Kristene Schulte, registered dietitian with Marshfield Clinic Health System.Hot Cocoa Mocha Mix in a Jar
Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 56Ingredients
- 1-1/4 cups nonfat milk powder
- 7-1/2 tsp organic Stevia®
- 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.[su_button style="default" background="#003E51" size="6" url="/-/media/marshfieldclinic/images/shine365/2016/01/16711-001_Hot-Mocha-Mix-in-a-Jar-Recipe.pdf" target="_self"]PRINT HOT COCOA MOCHA MIX RECIPE[/su_button]
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