A Cup of Hot Cocoa a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Go ahead and indulge – cocoa is a decadent treat to nourish both body and mind.

Can you keep a secret?

This isn’t information that I would usually share with just anyone, but I trust you, and in light of this blog post, I think it’s finally time to come clean: I’m not the biggest fan of chocolate.

Revealing this information in a public setting tends to induce gasps, confusion, and even a few looks of pity. I hope that you haven’t fainted into your keyboard. Sure, I can enjoy a good truffle or two around the holidays, but it isn’t something I would reach for voluntarily. You chocoholics might be getting the better of me though—the health benefits of cocoa are seemingly endless.

Cocoa, the non-fat element of ground cocoa beans, is antioxidant rich and heart-healthy, and may even improve neurological function in seniors, according to a recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology.   

Sixty seniors were asked to consume two cups of hot cocoa per day. After 30 days of this choco-regime, they saw a significant improvement in blood flow and higher scores on a working memory test, suggesting that chocolate is an exciting link to be explored in relation to cognitive decline.

Research has also suggested that cocoa can lower blood pressure, soothe inflammation, and reduce chances of having a stroke. Dark chocolate has the highest levels of cocoa, while those in milk chocolate and white chocolate are often negligible.So pull a Darth Vader and join the dark side—your brain and body will thank you. Just make sure that the chocolate you choose is at least 70% cocoa, and if you indulge in hot cocoa, choose a healthy version with less refined sugar.

Try out these cocoa-pletely delicious alive recipes (even I’m tempted to try them out!) the next time that a craving hits:

• Chocolate Fondue
• Dark Chocolate and Rosemary Pudding
• Chocolate Hemp Balls
• Frozen Chocolate Banana Delight

Are you a self-proclaimed chocoholic? Share your favourite chocolate recipes with us via Twitterand Facebook, or in the blog comments below.