Many people think that not cocoa and hot chocolate are the same beverage but the difference may surprise you. Hot chocolate is more like ground up candy bars with additional fillers and milk solids. Mostly comprised of sugar and artificial chocolate flavorings. Hot cocoa on the other hand is made from cocoa powder which is packed with healthy antioxidants and other nutrients. Cocoa powder has had the cocoa butter removed and when used with minimal sugar and fat can rightly be called a healthy drink. When given a choice between two similar tasting hot beverages, why not chose the healthy hot cocoa and feel good about it?

This ancient beverage has been around for centuries. Archaeologists discovered cocoa beans in the burial chambers of the Olmecs who thrives in 1500- 400 BC. The Oltecs might have been the first users of cacao but the Mayans soon fell in love with the drink. They called this concoction chocolatl and drank cocoa powder mixed with spices and herbs. Mainly used by the kings and upper class, the beans were prized and sometimes used as currency. Perhaps even the ancients knew that cocoa had tremendous health benefits.

Drink of the gods

We think of hot cocoa as a desert drink but the original drink was a hot and spicy brew containing water, wine and peppers. The Mayan aristocracy had many variations of this beverage which they considered magic. After bringing the cocoa beans back to Europe sugar and milk were added to make a sweet after dinner beverage. Soon the general population could not get enough. Confectioners experimented with the cocoa powder and began making chocolate.

Not you can stop feeling guilty about wanting to eat chocolate. Researchers are discovering the truly healthy benefits of cocoa. Cocoa has the ability to protect circulating lipids from oxidizing and it can also help you live longer. Cocoa is lterally packed with antioxidants that prevent cancer. An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides. Antioxidants help protect your body from the detrimental effects of free radicals.

Don't settle for Chocolate Flavor when you can Have the Real Thing!

Don't settle for fake hot chocolate when you can have real delicious hot cocoa. Hot cocoa not only tastes better is is so much better for you. The best way to make sure you are getting the real deal is to start with quality cocoa powder. The best cocoa powder is dark brown and will taste bitter. You can make your won hot beverage by mixing this powder with hot water or just like when you were a kid: real milk. Milk substitutes like: soy milk, coconut milk or rice milk are great for those who are lactose intolerant or who just want to try something different. You can sweeten your drink by adding sugar, honey or agave nectar.

Hot Cocoa is now a health food. Dark chocolate contains plant substances called polyphenols. This is the ingredient researchers believe are responsible for the heart-healthy aspects of green tea and red wine. Polyphenols have also been proven to lower blood pressure in animals.

Cocoa contains several bioactive compounds that promote alertness, lessen pain and promote a natural feeling of well-being. For example, one such element, Tryptophan, reduces anxiety by producing serotonin. The compounds in cocoa also produce endorphins which lessen sensitivity to pain.

A study done by Cornell researchers, headed by Chang Y. (Cy) Lee, states that the reason cocoa won out over the other drinks is because of its high concentration of phenolic phytochemicals, or flavonoids. These flavanoids indicate a high level of antioxidants that perhaps prevent cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues. Dr Lee said "Phenolic compounds protect plants against insects and pathogens, and they remain active even after food processing."

Drinking hot cocoa provides more antioxidants than simply eating chocolate candy. The heat releases more of the antioxidants. Some research indicates that ingesting dairy along with cocoa inhibits the absorption of the nutrients. You can get the most nutritional value by combining cocoa powder with a milk substitute like: coconut milk, soy milk, rice milk or even water.

Kids love hot chocolate. Now you can give them real hot cocoa without a shread of guilt. Don't waste your money on those fake chocolate packets! Give your family a healthy drink that you can feel good about. Hot cocoa is a great way to get nutrition while feeing devilishly decadent. Now you really can give into your chocolate cravings and drink a cup of cocoa everyday - just for your health!