When the temperature drops, there’s nothing better to warm up and indulge in a hot drink. But did you know that one of those drinks can be a veritable treasure trove of antioxidants? According to a study conducted by Cornell University, hot chocolate beats black tea and red wine in terms of antioxidant concentration.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting cells from premature aging and the harmful effects of pollution, stress and poor diet. They are also associated with lowering levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and cardiovascular disease. They also help protect the eyes from AMD (age-related yellow spot degeneration) and cataracts.
A beverage five times richer in antioxidants than black tea
Researchers compared several popular beverages in terms of their antioxidant saturation. They used similar servings for the tests:
- Hot chocolate (made from pure unsweetened cocoa),
- Green tea,
- Black tea,
- Red wine.
The results showed that an equivalent serving of hot chocolate contained:
- 2 times more antioxidants than red wine,
- 2-3 times more than green tea,
- 4-5 times more than black tea.
The researchers also noted that hot chocolate causes a greater release of antioxidants than when consumed cold. So this is a great reason to enjoy hot chocolate during the colder months.
Hot chocolate that should be consumed in moderation
Although hot chocolate is rich in antioxidants, it should not be consumed too often. This beverage can be relatively caloric, especially if it is made with whole milk or sugar. One cup can contain about 150 calories, 5 g of fat and 20 g of sugar. Therefore, it is recommended to consume this drink in moderation, paying attention to the sugar and fat content.
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To make hot chocolate healthier, replace cow’s milk with skim milk or plant-based drinks such as soy , almond or oat milk. To sweeten your drink, choose natural substitutes such as honey, agave syrup or coconut sugar. Use about 2 tablespoons of pure unsweetened cocoa (20 g) per 200 ml mug.
Flavorful and healthy hot chocolate
For even more benefits and enjoyment, you can add some cinnamon or vanilla to your hot chocolate for flavoring. The purer and richer the cocoa, the fewer calories it contains . So choose a quality cocoa powder, for example from well-known brands.
Conclusion: an antioxidant drink that can be enjoyed from time to time.
Hot chocolate is more than just a winter treat. Its high antioxidant content makes it an amazing ally for health, surpassing even tea and wine in terms of cell protection. While it’s important to consume it in moderation, a healthy cup of hot chocolate can be a great way to boost your body’s antioxidant levels and keep you warm in the winter.
Hot chocolate, drink
