Drinkable chocolate has been used for years to treat ailments and maladies.
When chocolate made its way to France in the 17th century, it was used “to fight against fits of anger and bad moods.” And that wasn’t just the French being French; it was truly insightful, given that modern research has discovered that chocolate reduces levels of stress hormones in the bodies of people feeling highly freaked out.
Which begs the question: We keep hearing more and more about the health benefits of chocolate, can the same be applied to hot cocoa as well? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding yes.
I – Word Understanding
Maladies – disease / sickness
Resounding – clear / unmistakable
II – Have Your Say
1. Though there is no legal or medical definition, superfoods pack large doses of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. What superfoods are popular in your country? Which ones do you include in your diet?
2. Did you know?
The Mayans conceived a drinkable version of chocolate. It was spicy, served
cold. The warm sweet version came out in the 16th century in Europe. How do
you like hot cocoa? Do you know some recipes using cocoa?
3. Here are some of the health benefits of drinking hot cocoa:
1. Cocoa’s concentration was two to three times stronger than that of green tea and four to five times stronger than that of black tea.
2. More antioxidants are released when cocoa is heated up.
3. The flavonoids help the body process nitric oxide, which is why hot cocoa can improve blood flow, help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
4. Drinking hot chocolate can help you think better too.
