Hot Chocolate: Health Benefits

A chocolate drink is a mixture made from pieces of chocolate melted in hot milk with the addition of spices and sugar, if desired. Typically, cinnamon and vanillin are added to flavor the drink. To give airiness and the formation of thick foam before serving, beat the milk-chocolate mixture. In the article, we will present to readers the recipes for preparing gourmet drinks. It is referred to as hot dessert drinks or gourmet delicacies.

In some countries in Europe and America, chocolate hot mix is ​​prepared from ordinary dry cocoa in water or milk. In Russia, hot chocolate (hereinafter referred to as GSh designation) is a drink made from slices (bars) of chocolate dissolved in hot milk. In both the first and second cases, sugar is added to it, optionally vanillin, cinnamon and other spices. Sugar is not necessary, as chocolate is a sweet product in itself, but this will not be enough for a sweet tooth.

Hot thick chocolate drink can be ordered or bought at the store. Particularly popular varieties are:

• classic black;
• cocoa butter drink (white);
• black with milk;
• flavored.

A bit of history

The ancestor of modern hot chocolate is considered to be an Indian drink made from mashed cocoa beans. In those days in America of the pre-Columbian era, it was considered a drink of wisdom and a gift from heaven. Historical facts are known that it was for the first time that the General of Spain E. Cortes tried it and took the recipe to Europe. Encouraged by the Aztec leader Montezum II, he could not refuse the drink and was forced to try it. Drinking was with the addition of vanilla and hot pepper. The general really liked the taste and aroma of a kind of delicacy, and he, of course, found out the secret of its preparation. Thanks to him, the recipe ended up in Europe, and then spread throughout the world.

In Europe of the 16th century, cocoa bean drink began to be consumed hot, replacing burning spices with sugar. That is how the hot chocolate, beloved by all, appeared, which became the favorite of the local aristocracy in those days.

Before the onset of the 19th century, only a select few could afford chocolate drink; they prepared it on water with sugar, if required by the client. For cooking in those days, special dishes were used in the form of a vessel with a shortened nose. A long handle made of wood was attached to it. The dish lid had a small hole in which it was easy to place a whipping and foaming tool. The drink was quite thick and bold. Sometimes an oil film formed on the surface, easily removed with a spoon. Hot chocolate was served in cups and saucers in order not to spill a tasty and expensive drink.

With the onset of the 19th century, the Netherlands launched the production of cocoa powder and butter separately, thereby dividing the familiar product into two components. Thanks to this, the drink significantly cheaper and became available to ordinary citizens.

What is the difference between hot chocolate and cocoa

Many people think that hot chocolate and cocoa are one and the same drink. Indeed, in some cafes and restaurants, they prepare such hot chocolate that it is almost impossible to distinguish it from cocoa. Such establishments obviously save on ingredients, misleading visitors, and most importantly, depriving them of true pleasure.

The recipe, calorie content, taste and appearance of these two drinks are completely different.

Hot chocolate is prepared in milk and always from a whole bar of bitter or milk chocolate, with vanilla, cinnamon and sugar. Food lovers can add crushed nuts, spices, a small amount of rum or liquor. The consistency is thick and the taste is full. The calorie count is approximately 250 per cup.

Cocoa powder, sugar, milk or water is used to make cocoa. The drink is liquid and low-calorie, since the powder contains virtually no cocoa butter. In one serving, approximately 30 kcal.

Cocoa is easier to prepare and much cheaper, so you can drink it every day. Hot chocolate is a delicacy that is equated with dessert, it is enjoyed and indulged.

Both drinks are beneficial for the body due to the content of cocoa beans, regular consumption enhances immunity, improves mood and relieves stress.

What is healthier: hot chocolate or cocoa

There is no need to talk about the usefulness of drinks, since both hot chocolate and cocoa contain a sufficient amount of substances useful for the body. Therefore, it is difficult to unequivocally answer this question.

Judging by the calorie content, hot chocolate is many times higher than the number of cocoa calories. Despite this, there is no fundamental difference in terms of the usefulness of drinks. Both of them have a beneficial effect on the body, cheer up, save in stressful situations, activate brain processes.

It is recommended to drink drinks to people:

• often faced with stressful situations and nervous overload;
• with chronic fatigue;
• with neurotic disorders;
• in a state of anxiety;
• with muscle spasms.

It is worth knowing that a drink prepared not in milk but in water will be more beneficial. Cream and dairy product will reduce the activity of nutrients.

So what to choose: hot chocolate or cocoa? The answer to this question lies in the situation itself.

1. If you need to calm down and fall asleep, the best option would be a warm cup of cocoa with milk. Such a drink will quickly calm your nerves and provide a good night's sleep.
2. If you want to recharge and gain energy, then a cup of hot chocolate will be the best option. A thick exciting drink will relieve fatigue and give vitality.

Composition and calorie content

If we talk about calories per 100 g of product, then it will be 150 kilocalories, if you do not add other ingredients to it. This amount depends not only on the added sugar and spices, but also on the type of chocolate drink.

Consider the energy value of GSH per 100 g:

• proteins - 3.56 g;
• carbohydrates - 14.74 g;
• fat - 8.54 g.

The unique drink contains vitamins of groups B, E, PP, as well as A, D and E. The hot mixture contains antioxidants and flavonoids. Compared to a regular bar of chocolate, the drink contains much less sugar, as it is diluted with milk or water. That is why it will be more useful to ladies who are watching their figure. In addition, the drink will contain beneficial substances and elements necessary for the body:

• iron;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• sodium;
• calcium and others.

The largest amounts will be potassium (868 mg), phosphorus (331 mg) and magnesium (282 mg), due to which mood improves, anxiety disappears and performance increases.

What is the use of hot chocolate

General benefit

Since cocoa beans are part of a hot chocolate drink, it is able to invigorate the body and strengthen the immune system. About these properties was known to people in past centuries, so it was prepared and consumed with pleasure.

We list the main useful properties of a hot treat:

1. Due to the presence of zinc in its composition, processes in the body are activated. With the participation of this element, DNA molecules and RNA are correctly aligned, and protein is also synthesized. Zinc is indispensable during puberty.
2. Regularly drinking the drink, you can avoid sunburn.
3. Gallic acid present in the composition will stop internal bleeding, which has been proved by scientists in America.
4. Flavonoids help dilute the blood and improve its circulation.
5. Favorite treat by many inhibits the formation of cancer cells.
6. With its help, you can successfully fight against vitamin deficiency.
7. A cup of hot dessert will save when coughing.
8. The prominent endorphin, or as the people call it the hormone of happiness, will cheer you up and provide a person with positive emotions.
9. Procyanidins will rejuvenate the skin and contribute to the speedy healing of wounds.

A hot treat without sugar can be taken by patients with high cholesterol. If you add a little cinnamon and hot pepper to it, this will turn out to be an effective remedy for the common cold. The main thing is that hot chocolate does not harm health, but gives a person strength.

For women

A chocolate drink for women is not harmful. It is much more useful than regular chocolate bars, as it does not affect the extra pounds. A cup of a pleasant drink will lift your mood and vitality. In addition, regular consumption of GSH improves memory, activates cerebral circulation.

The drink is famous for the presence of antioxidants, which:

• remove free radicals from the body;
• prevent cancer and heart attacks;
• slow down the aging process in the body;
• reduce age-related degeneration of the skin.

In addition, the gallic acid contained in the drink will help fight kidney disease and even diabetes.

For men

In addition to all of the above advantages and unique properties of the drink, for the strong half of humanity, GSH will also be useful in that it can strengthen muscle tissue and increase male strength. This was known in ancient times, so the drink was especially popular.

Add some more beneficial properties of chocolate drinking:

• protects teeth from plaque formation;
• struggling with fatigue;
• eliminates wrinkles;
• improves heart function.

In addition, the flavonoids present in the hot treat thin the blood and prevent blood clots from forming.

During pregnancy

American scientists concluded that pregnant women who consume chocolate products during gestation give birth to healthy and active babies.

The fats, proteins and carbohydrates contained in it become a source of vitality and good mood, which has a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus. But do not forget about moderation, so you should not consume a large amount of delicious dessert.

The usefulness of GSH for pregnant women is obvious, since the endorphin contained in the drink, known as the hormone of happiness, brings calm and positive emotions not only to mom, but also to the baby in the womb. True, doctors do not advise to be especially carried away by them in the last stages of pregnancy because of the large amount of active biological substances in the drink.

When breastfeeding

As you know, after the birth of a baby, the mother’s body is exhausted and needs to be restored. A delicious nutritious chocolate drink may help. But do not forget about the baby who may have an allergy. For this reason, a nursing mother should carefully introduce a healing “dessert” into her diet. If no reaction is detected in the child, the dose can be gradually increased, thereby reducing the recovery time of the mother's body.

For children

Hot chocolate for a child will be useful, as it can:

• improve memory;
• intensify brain activity;
• eliminate mental and nervous excitement;
• strengthen the body and boost immunity;
• cure colds;
• increase efficiency, etc.

Hot chocolate can only harm a child if it is given in large quantities.

When losing weight

A dessert drink is able to fight extra pounds. It has far fewer calories than sugar itself. Nutritionists recommend that their customers consume a delicious hot drink even when dieting. If you exclude everything sweet from the diet and drink only GSH, then you can forget about adding excess weight.

The drink itself is sweet and very nutritious, so one cup of a pleasant dessert drunk will quickly satisfy your hunger for a long time.

Not all nutritionists allow you to eat chocolate dessert when dieting. But if the drink is prepared without sugar and on water, then there will be no restrictions. If it is impossible to do without milk, then you should choose low-fat products.

Hot chocolate gives a boost of vigor, forcing a person to actively move.

Harm and contraindications

The drink has more beneficial properties than negative ones. It cannot harm human health if not abused. It should be taken with caution or completely excluded from the diet for patients suffering from:

• atherosclerosis;
• pathologies of the genital organs and urinary tract;
• Obesity
• metabolic processes;
• gum disease;
• diabetes mellitus;
• cystitis, etc.

If you comply with the measure and do not abuse dessert drink, then the negative effects can be avoided.

How to make hot chocolate: recipes

Making a delicious chocolate drink is easy. If every time you cook it, change spices and seasonings, then you will be able to give the product a new taste. So, hot chocolate will not get bored and will not get bored!

Consider several recipes for its preparation.

Plain

• We will need:
• milk - 50 ml;
• dark chocolate - 200 g.

Cooking:

1. We heat milk to 45 degrees, you can 50, but not more. Do not boil milk.
2. Add pieces of chocolate and put in a water bath. We add chocolate gradually, stirring the milk so that the pieces dissolve faster and a homogeneous mass forms.

Everything, the drink is ready, and it can be served at the table.

Cinnamon

We will need:

• chocolate (bitter) - 200 g;
• cream (fat content should be at least 20%) - 300 ml;
• milk - 700 ml;
• cinnamon - a few sticks.

Cooking:

1. Mix the cream with milk, put on the fire and bring the mixture to a boil, but do not boil.
2. Separately, crush cinnamon in a mortar and add it to hot milk with cream for 5 minutes. Then we filter everything.
3. Next, send the pieces of chocolate into a hot mixture and mix thoroughly.

All! The product is ready to eat. Pour hot chocolate and treat guests.

Brazilian

Required:

• milk - 500 ml;
• strong coffee (brewed) - 60 ml;
• water - 250 ml;
• chocolate (bitter) - 125 g;
• sugar - 100 g.

Cooking:

1. We boil water, remove from heat and send chocolate pieces there. When adding chocolate, stir constantly until the pieces are completely dissolved.
2. Pour milk into a separate bowl, almost bring to a boil, but do not boil.
3. Pour into it the dissolved chocolate mixture in water and mix everything. Add sugar and coffee.
4. Put the resulting liquid in a water bath and hold until sugar is completely dissolved. Do not forget to stir!

Everything is ready! Enjoy your meal!

Italian

• We will need:
• sugar - a couple of tablespoons;
• cocoa powder - three tablespoons;
• milk - 300 ml;
• corn starch - 1 tablespoon.

The chocolate dessert prepared according to this recipe is suitable for both adults and children. If desired, milk can easily be replaced with cream, with a fat content of at least 10%, and cocoa powder with a bar of dark chocolate.

Cooking process:

1. We mix sugar with cocoa powder in a separate bowl and pour half, maybe a little more, milk. We put on fire and constantly mix the heating mixture.In order to avoid the formation of lumps, we use a whisk.
2. Add starch to the remaining milk and shake thoroughly.
3. Pour the starch-milk mixture into a liquid standing on a fire. Remember that the process of making GSh requires constant stirring.
4. As soon as the mixture thickens and begins to boil, remove from heat and pour into cups or mugs.

How to drink hot chocolate

There are no strict rules for drinking dessert. However, some subtleties are still there.

1. A thick mixture of hot chocolate is served at the table with a glass of plain water.
2. Glasses are suitable for the liquid consistency of the drink.

But nothing bad will happen if you pour the hot treat into cups or mugs. Even ordinary plates are suitable for its use. It is the latter that the French use. They not only eat hot chocolate dessert with spoons, but also toast in it.

How much can I drink per day

Regular consumption of hot chocolate is recommended, but in moderation. You should not drink more than 2-3 cups per day, so as not to harm yourself.

This is a nutritious and high-calorie product, so do not abuse them with overweight people. Calculate its calorie content in advance, taking into account the ingredients contained in it and the recipe for which the delicacy was prepared.

Can I drink at night

The answer to this question depends on the individual characteristics of the body. But do not forget that the drink invigorates and activates brain activity.

It is better to warm the milk, add a spoonful of honey and drink it before bedtime. Such a drink will certainly calm and give the opportunity to quietly oversleep until the morning.

Therefore, the answer to the question of whether it is worth drinking hot chocolate before bedtime, man can give himself.

Interesting Chocolate Facts

Chocolate is considered by many people to be a favorite treat. He is loved by adults, adored by children. Connoisseurs of delicious and healthy dessert are found everywhere. But not many people know about reliable facts related to their favorite product. They will be discussed further.

1. Chocolate is listed in the Guinness Book of Records, known to everyone. The cooked tiles were huge, and its weight was almost 4.5 tons.
2. Even in ancient times, chocolate was valued. He was attributed not only medicinal properties, but also magical. Translated from Latin, the cocoa tree is "the food of the gods."
3. To start picking fruits from a cocoa tree, it will take at least 4 years. And to make a pound of chocolate, you need 400 pieces of beans.
4. It's easy to get used to chocolate. If you consume it regularly, and then abruptly quit, then a slight “breaking” cannot be avoided. The body will require replenishment of the usual delicacy for it.
5. The life span of cocoa trees can reach 200 years.
6. With chocolate in Latin America, healers treat bronchitis. And children are given a healing drink in the morning for the prevention and healing of wounds from bites of scorpions and bees.
7. Not many people know that we owe it to the English to get to know chocolate in the way we are used to. It was they who first cast the tile and introduced the whole world to it. Prior to this, only chocolate drink was known to mankind.

Photo of hot chocolate