In winter we need much more warmth, energy and something to calm our nerves when the days become shorter and grayer. Many people reach for another cup of coffee, but I will recommend a different way – a cup of bitter cocoa. It’s a drink with a long history Already in ancient times, it was considered a source of strength and health. In the past, the Aztecs and Mayans drank it, believing that it improved the ability to think and the general condition of the body. Today, science confirms that ground cocoa beans contain a lot of valuable nutrients.
Cocoa is a drink with a history dating back thousands of years. For the ancient civilizations of South America, it was a gift from the gods – a symbol of strength and energy. Real, unprocessed cocoa is made from cocoa beans that are ground into a fine powder after fermentation and roasting.. Unlike “cocoa drinks” popular in stores, which contain mainly sugar and powdered milk, pure cocoa has a deep, slightly bitter flavor and real nutritional value.
The best cocoa is the one that contains 100%. natural grains, without added sugar and artificial flavors. The less processed it is, the more flavonoids, magnesium and iron it contains. The substances support the nervous system, improve concentration and support the circulatory system. Good cocoa is more expensive than instant mixes, but its aroma and properties are incomparable. It is also worth paying attention to the origin of the product – cocoa from Peru, Ghana or Ecuador has the deepest flavor and aroma.
When buying cocoa, it is also worth remembering that it is a naturally fatty product – contains cocoa butter, which gives it creaminess. Therefore, a drink made from real grains is more velvety and filling. It is not without reason that in ancient times it was given to warriors before battle – it was supposed to give them strength, improve reflexes and concentration.
Real cocoa is not only sweet, but also a source of many valuable nutrients. It contains magnesium, iron, calcium and potassium, which support the functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system. It is also rich in antioxidants which they slow down the aging process, have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory potential and support immunity. Thanks to the presence of theobromine and small amounts of caffeine has a stimulating effectbut milder than coffee – so it does not cause sudden drops in energy, irritability or faster heartbeat.
It can improve your mood because it stimulates the secretion of serotonin and dopamine – happiness hormones. It also supports the circulatory system, lowers blood pressure and the level of “bad cholesterol”. It has a beneficial effect on the brain – it improves memory and concentration, so it is perfect as a morning or after-dinner drink when you need an extra dose of energy. Interestingly, the taste and smell of cocoa also leads to a reduction in the concentration of the hunger hormone (ghrelin), and thus to a reduction in appetite and the desire to snack.
Cocoa especially recommended for people exposed to stressmental workers, as well as athletes – it restores strength and supports regeneration. However, you must remember that not everyone should drink them every day. People with reflux, stomach ulcers or hypertension should be careful with the amount. It is worth choosing the sugar-free version and not overdoing it with the addition of milk – then the drink retains its best properties.
There is nothing more pleasant than a cup of hot cocoa on a cool autumn morning. I always make them with cow’s or oat milk, with a bit of honey (for sweetness) and a pinch of cinnamon (for taste and smell). Such cocoa is not only delicious, but also healthy and filling.
A recipe for good cocoa
Ingredients:
- 250 ml of milk,
- a spoon of natural cocoa,
- a teaspoon of honey,
- a pinch of cinnamon.
How to prepare good cocoa? The recipe is not complicated. Heat a glass of milk (it can be vegetable or regular) just a little in a pot – do not bring it to a boil. In a separate bowl, mix a tablespoon of natural cocoa with a teaspoon of honey and a bit of slightly warm milk – to create a smooth mass. Then pour it into the pot and mix thoroughly until the ingredients are combined. Heat for a while until the cocoa is warm (but not hot). Finally, add a pinch of cinnamon and mix. Pour into a cup or mug and drink immediately after preparation.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl
