The Surprising Benefits of Drinking Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate isn't just a tasty treat - it can also be beneficial for your health. Here's how!
The antioxidants in cocoa powder work to protect your body from diseases like cancer and heart disease. It also helps to maintain healthy blood pressure and improve blood flow.
Antioxidants
Having a hot cup of cocoa can make you feel warm, but it is also full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that help prevent diseases and improve health by scavenging free radicals in the body. They have a protective effect on your heart, reduce cholesterol levels and help you live longer.
A study conducted by researchers at Cornell University found that drinking hot chocolate has a much higher concentration of antioxidants than green tea and red wine. This is because when chocolate is heated, the antioxidants are released.
The antioxidants in hot chocolate are called flavonoids, Be Fit Food Coupon Code has a variety of health benefits including reducing blood pressure and improving heart health. They also help lower your risk of cancer and promote healthy skin.
In addition, the antioxidants in hot chocolate can increase your energy levels and boost brainpower. They can also lower stress, improve sleep and calm your moods.
These antioxidants can also help you lose weight and prevent disease. They can also help you control your blood sugar and regulate your cholesterol levels.
If you want to enjoy these benefits, it is best to choose dark chocolate or a hot chocolate drink that contains no added sugars or sweeteners. The chocolate you drink should be at least 65% cocoa to get the most benefit.
While the antioxidants in chocolate are beneficial, they can also be harmful if you consume too much of them. You can get the most health benefits by consuming small amounts of dark chocolate or drinking a cup of hot chocolate each day.
To avoid health issues associated with too much chocolate, limit your intake to 3 ounces a day or less. You should also make sure to choose dark chocolate that has at least 65% cocoa.
A cup of hot chocolate can provide the same amount of antioxidants as a glass of red wine, and three times more than a cup of green tea. Plus, it’s easy to enjoy!
If you’re looking for a delicious way to get these health benefits, try Auric’s Ashwagandha Hot Chocolate Mix. This blend combines the antioxidants of ashwagandha with the goodness of cocoa. It is a perfect addition to your busy life and can help you relax and rejuvenate in just a few minutes!
Lowers Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, you probably know that it is a risk factor for heart disease and other health problems. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your liver produces in your blood. It carries fat molecules and other substances that are necessary for healthy cells. It is not harmful if you have normal levels, but high cholesterol increases your risk for strokes and other serious diseases.
Fortunately, a healthy diet can help lower your cholesterol level. Foods that are low in saturated fat and high in soluble fiber can help keep your cholesterol levels within safe ranges. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants can also improve your cholesterol levels, such as fruits and vegetables.
Chocolate contains flavonoids, which can help reduce your heart disease risk. They help decrease LDL or bad cholesterol, while also lowering the amount of inflammation in your body.
These antioxidants are found in many different foods, including dark chocolate. They have also been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, lower blood pressure, and improved blood flow to the heart.
Researchers have found that drinking hot cocoa can help to lower your blood pressure, which can be helpful if you have high blood pressure. This is because cocoa powder is a source of flavanols, which have been shown to help reduce blood pressure.
In addition, drinking hot chocolate can also help to reduce your cholesterol level. Cocoa flavanols have been shown to combat LDL cholesterol, reduce blood clotting and improve blood flow.
A study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed that participants who consumed dark chocolate with almonds daily for four weeks lowered their LDL cholesterol levels. The combination of dark chocolate and nuts also helped to increase HDL cholesterol, which is the type that helps your body remove fatty deposits from your arteries.
Another study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, found that participants who drank hot chocolate containing cocoa powder and milk had higher HDL cholesterol levels than those who didn't drink any. The participants were all overweight or obese and the researchers wanted to see if the combination of the ingredients could help prevent heart disease in these people.
Boosts Brainpower
Hot chocolate can help you clear your brain fog, improve your mood and lower your risk of dementia. It's also a cold-weather treat that can improve your heart health and blood pressure.
Research shows that drinking two cups of hot cocoa a day may prevent Alzheimer's and boost memory in older adults. Researchers say this is due to something called neurovascular coupling, where blood flow changes in response to brain activity.
The flavonoids in cocoa increase the blood flow to your brain by helping your blood vessels relax, allowing oxygen and nutrients to travel freely. This improves the function of your nerve cells and makes your brain work more efficiently.
This is why many people who drink cocoa regularly have a better ability to concentrate, especially when working on a challenging task. For example, a study from the University of Georgia found that participants who drank a chocolate-caffeine beverage had a faster response time and higher accuracy than those who drank just cocoa or a placebo.
Dark hot cocoa also contains compounds called flavanols that improve your mental performance, particularly when it comes to mathematics. In one study, volunteers who consumed large amounts of flavanols in a cocoa drink performed better on mental math tests than those who didn't.
Other studies have shown that drinking flavanol-rich hot cocoa can improve your memory, concentration, and mental function. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease suggests that drinking dark chocolate may decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
In addition, flavanol-rich chocolate can also help you to sleep better. According to a study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, drinking flavanol-rich chocolate can boost levels of dopamine, which can help you fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
Another study found that drinking dark chocolate reduced the amount of stress hormones in your body. This helps you to relax and feel less stressed, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
The antioxidants in dark chocolate can also protect your brain from damage caused by free radicals. These compounds are responsible for keeping your brain healthy and working well, which can reduce the risks of Alzheimer's, dementia, and other brain disorders. If you want to save huge money then check out the Foods and Drinks Discount Code.
Calms Mood
There’s a reason why the Mayans gave hot chocolate the title of “the food of the gods”—it’s not just delicious, but also full of health benefits! A rich cup of hot cocoa can soothe your nerves and help you feel more relaxed and at ease. It’s a great way to relax after a stressful day and can even be enjoyed before bed.
It can calm your mood by releasing happy hormones in your body. These hormones can relieve depression, improve mood, and increase energy levels. In addition, drinking hot chocolate can boost your brainpower and attention span. It can also improve memory and reduce stress.
A cup of hot chocolate is also known to help you relax before sleep. Studies show that it can improve sleeping quality and help you fall asleep more quickly. The natural compounds in cocoa and chocolate may also improve your ability to fall asleep, which can be a big help for people with insomnia.
Several studies have found that drinking dark chocolate can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The psychoactive ingredient in dark chocolate, phenylethylamine, is thought to regulate mood regulation and can boost your sense of well-being.
Another way that cocoa can calm the mood is by reducing the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can cause you to cling to belly fat, which increases your risk of heart disease. Drinking a healthy cocoa product that doesn’t include added sugars or dairy can help lower your stress levels and keep you from gaining extra pounds.
In addition to calming the mood, cocoa has also been shown to have a positive impact on heart health and blood pressure. It’s high in antioxidants and flavonoids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory substances that fight disease and protect the heart.
Furthermore, chocolate is a good source of magnesium and theobromine, both of which are important for your health. Theobromine, for example, can quell coughs and relieve anxiety.
The fatty acids in cocoa can also aid in relaxation. They also promote blood flow to the brain, which can help prevent blood clots and lower your blood pressure. This helps you avoid stress-related issues, such as migraines and headaches.
Conclusion
Drinking hot chocolate has several surprising benefits, including improving brain function, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health. So, go ahead and indulge in a warm cup of hot chocolate, knowing that it can offer more than just a sweet treat.
