Doctor, Please Pass the Cocoa
July 16th, 2009 | Published in Beverage Recipes, Chocolate Recipes, Green Living | 3 Comments
The Healthy Side of Chocolate
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!
Chocolate lovers (and we are legion) will be thrilled to discover that their cult-like fascination with this cherished, dusky indulgence has a healthy foundation. It turns out that some of that feverish appreciation may have a basis in the workings of the human mind. When stressed or depressed many of us experience a guilty longing for the comfort of chocolate. In a breakthrough that has warmed the hearts of chocoholics across America, scientists are now able to explain this yearning. Chocolate contains substances that improve brain function—it literally makes us feel better. In response to eating chocolate, the brain releases serotonin, which has a beneficial effect on mood as well as endorphins that stimulate feelings of energy and well-being.
Research has also made discoveries that appear to prove chocolate is good for our physical health. In the past decade or so, scientists have found that cocoa beans are naturally rich in flavonals, which are beneficial to cardiovascular health; these are similar to the beneficial substances found in red wine, grapes, apples and green teas. And, of course, the fat in chocolate is a cholesterol-free vegetable fat, which is also heart friendly.
Dark chocolate, which is highest in cocoa solids, contains the most healthful properties. And it’s not just okay—many scientists assert that in modest quantities (about 1 1/2 to 2 ounces per day) high-quality, dark chocolate is a beneficial addition to your diet. If all this wasn’t enough, there are indications in on-going research projects that chocolate may contain natural substances that actually reduce the kinds of bacteria that cause dental plaque. Lordy! Next we’ll find out that it decreases the size of your thighs and cures dengue fever.
Later this week I’ll write up a little something about what I’ve discovered about the single-origin, artisan trend in chocolate. Suddenly there are innovative suppliers thinking outside of big corporate supply chains who are bringing us bars made from one small region in Costa Rica or Ghana or Peru. Are our taste buds up to the challenge?
Healthy Almond Hot Cocoa Recipe
Hot cocoa provides all the benefits contained in cocoa beans with little additional fat or calories; it is a real “health drink.” To make this super-nutritious and extra yummy, I suggest making your cocoa with almond milk. It’s pretty widely available and contributes to a uniquely creamy hot chocolate.
Note: Great chocolatiers like Dagoba and Green & Blacks sell their own organic hot cocoa blends.
Makes 4 servings
- 3 cups almond milk (plain)
- 5 to 6 tablespoons Dagoba or Green & Blacks organic cocoa powder
- 3 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Blend cocoa and sugar in a small bowl. In a medium saucepan, heat almond milk to a boil.
- Mix about 1/2 cup of the hot milk into the cocoa/sugar mixture, then pour cocoa mixture into the hot milk in the saucepan.
- Add the vanilla and salt. Whisk to blend and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
July 21st, 2009at 12:18 pm(#)
Holy chocolatefest, this is great news ! I’m especially thrilled to learn about the plaque-fighting thing
I love dark chocolate so much I’ve always wished I could brush my teeth with it… so it’d be my last flavor before bedtime and first in the morning… What’s next, chocolate toothpaste ?
July 21st, 2009at 1:35 pm(#)
This looks good and super easy; can’t wait to try it.
July 21st, 2009at 2:44 pm(#)
Joy, chocolate toothpaste…I like it!
Nicole