Health

Drink Up! 5 Ways Hot Cocoa Is Good for Your Heath

There's more than one reason to indulge in a steaming cup of hot cocoa. (iStock/bhofack2)

There's nothing quite like warming up with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. It may seem like an indulgence, but the chilly day treat actually has a whole host of health benefits. Cocoa powder contains powerful antioxidants and many studies have shown its beneficial effects on heart health, insulin levels, memory and more. Best of all? It just plain makes you happy.

1. Cocoa Is Nutritious

According to the USDA, cocoa powder is a good source of fiber and iron. Dark chocolate (70-85 percent cacao solids) contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K.

2. Cocoa Contains Antioxidants

Cocoa is rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids. According to Cornell University scientists, cocoa has twice the antioxidants of a glass of red wine and three times as many as found in green tea.

Flavonoids have been connected with plenty of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to boosting immune systems, Live Science reports. These antioxidants have been associated with a longer life, weight management, cancer prevention and more.

Dark chocolate makes a difference, the USDA says. The higher percentage of cacao the better when it comes to bars. Antioxidants are also higher in less processed cocoa powders, meaning that Dutch-processed cocoa powder, while delicious, is not the healthiest option.

3. Cocoa Promotes Heart Health

According to the American Heart Association, cocoa's effects on cardiovascular effects are wide-ranging and, overall, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke asdf.

These same antioxidants go a long way in promoting heart health. According to the European Food Information Council (EUFIC), cocoa's flavanols have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, combating LDL cholesterol, increasing blood flow and reducing blood clotting.

4. Cocoa Aids Memory

A 2013 study published in the journal Neurology found a correlation between drinking hot chocolate and boosted memory, suggesting that drinking two cups a day could help stave off Alzheimer's.

"As different areas of the brain need more energy to complete their tasks, they also need greater blood flow. This relationship, called neurovascular coupling, may play an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer's," Dr. Paul Rosenberg of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine told the Daily Mail. Cocoa's ability to increase blood flow is thought to be at the root of its memory-enhancing abilities.

In 2014, researchers provided the first direct evidence that cocoa consumption can increase cognitive function in a study published in Nature Neuroscience. Researchers narrowed down the benefits to a boost in activity in a specific region of the brain called the dentate gyrus and tracked the effects of a high-cocoa drink on this region, ultimately finding a significant difference in cognitive function.

"When we imaged our research subjects' brains, we found noticeable improvements in the function of the dentate gyrus in those who consumed the high-cocoa-flavanol drink," the study's lead author, Dr. Adam Brickman of the Taub Institute, said in a statement.

5. Cocoa Makes You Happy

Chocolate contains many secrets to happiness. Not only does it taste delicious, but it has quite the positive effect on your brain. It releases certain neurotransmitters that make you feel comfortable and happy, and can even reduce pain and stress.

Chocolate makes you feel good because it contains energy-boosting caffeine, mood-lightening serotonin, and relaxing tryptophan, the Washington Post explains.

For the healthiest hot cocoa, the key is to make your own using unsweetened cocoa powder or 85 percent dark chocolate. For a lower-fat version, go with a plant-based milk. Sweeten to your taste with natural sweeteners like honey and pure maple syrup, but don't go overboard. Last but not least, enjoy your guilt-free treat!

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