Hot chocolate includes milk and dark melted chocolate as its key ingredients. Some additions like a pinch of cinnamon powder, whipped cream, and marshmallows can be added to enhance its taste. Milk and dark chocolate have many health benefits hence when combined they can prove to be beneficial for your health. It is one such drink that is not only a treat to your taste buds but also to your health. It is a nutritious drink and is rich in various minerals like magnesium, copper, and manganese. Using good quality products can also provide you with a little dose of zinc, phosphorous, and selenium. Below given are the top ten health benefits of consuming hot chocolate.
- Improves Skin Complexion
The milk that is fortified includes a good amount of Vitamin A and D. This can help in improving the intake of vitamins. Dark chocolate contains cocoa which is rich in flavonoids or antioxidants. Flavonoids are associated with various health benefits including skin health. It can protect the skin from UV damage and people who consume hot chocolate often are less likely to get sunburn. Since it is rich in antioxidants it improves the overall blood flow and also regulates the skin regeneration process. This helps in maintaining healthy and brighter skin. It can also prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging while keeping the skin hydrated.
- Better Heart Health
Hot chocolate contains various ingredients which can be beneficial for heart health and also help in reducing the risk of various heart diseases. It includes ingredients like flavanols and phytosterols which may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. It can also help in improving blood flow, reducing LDL cholesterol, and reducing the chances of blood clotting. It can also strengthen the heart as magnesium can aid in heart health and may widen the arteries while ensuring their elasticity.
- Boosts Brain Activity
Various components of hot chocolate like catechin, epicatechins, caffeine, and theobromine are known to improve brain activity and also act as stimulants. The drink can improve cognitive impairment to some extent and may boost cognitive function in older people. It is also known to improve the overall supply of blood including the supply to the brain. Improved supply of blood to the brain helps in proving more oxygen to the brain. This can be beneficial for treating various mental problems including the stunned brain. It can improve memory and also boosts learning ability.
- Anti-Cancer Food
Hot chocolate can be considered an anti-cancer food and a part of a cancer-protective diet schedule. The compounds present in hot chocolate can help with the treatment and prevention of cancer due to their antioxidant properties. It can help in lowering blood pressure as well as inflammation. It also reduces oxidative stress and other risk factors of cancer. Various ingredients present in hot chocolate are also used for the treatment of cancers like colorectal and prostate.
- Improves Oral Health
Hot chocolate when consumed without the addition of sweetener other than the chocolate can be good for your oral health. It contains hundreds of naturally occurring chemicals that can prevent problems like plaque, tooth decay, and cavities. It also has anti-bacterial properties that can help specifically with cavities. It can also help with bad breath to some extent and delays the formation of acid due to the intake of sugary and starchy foods. Antioxidants present in it can also prevent tooth decay as effectively as fluoride.
- Helps with Diabetes Prevention
It is beneficial specifically for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. It is known to reduce blood glucose levels and improve blood flow. People prone to type 2 diabetes are more likely to suffer from high blood glucose levels hence antioxidant compounds present in hot chocolate can help with blood glucose levels and also reduce oxidative stress. Some flavanols can also improve insulin production. It can also help with fluctuating blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and LDL oxidation.
- Improves Blood Circulation
It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can balance the production of nitric oxide and can also help in the formation of it. This helps in the enlargement of the blood vessels thereby improving the blood flow or circulation. Since it is beneficial in improving blood flow, it also helps in improving vascular health. Some studies also noticed that people suffering from poor blood circulation were able to exercise for a longer time and had improved circulation. Antioxidants can be further studied as a treatment and more studies can be conducted to conclude some strong findings.
- Enhances Mood
Consuming hot chocolate can make you happy as it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant. It can also help in relaxation and improves mood as it promotes the production of the hormones responsible for happiness. It can help in balancing your mood and also lead to a more stabilized mood. It is also beneficial in stressful situations and can reduce pain related to stress. It also provides a boost of energy and keeps you happy for some time. It is necessary to not overdose on hot chocolate as it can do more harm than good.
- Aids in Weight Loss
The cocoa present in hot chocolate can boost the metabolism which can be beneficial for weight loss. It also contains fiber hence it helps you feel full for a longer time. It can also help in removing the toxins and waste from the body due to its detoxifying property. It can act as an energy booster and improve your workout performance. It is beneficial for your health as well as your mental health. Since stress can also trigger weight gain it helps in keeping stress at bay.
- Relieves Cough
Hot chocolate can help in relieving cough as it has a better consistency as compared to cough syrup and can prevent throat irritation which leads to cough. It can soothe the sensitive throat and prevents the hypersensitivity of nerves. It is also one of the fast relief methods of cough. It is also seen that cough syrup which includes cocoa as an ingredient is more preferred by people suffering from cough.
