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HOT CHOCOLATE

Hot Chocolate is good for snuggling up at home during a cold and long winter.  It makes you feel warm, comfortable and relaxed.  But now studies show chocolate could also be providing health benefits.  Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which can raise levels of good cholesterol, and antioxidants, which limit cell damage, and are believed to help fight off diseases such as cancer.  Cacao bean is among the most potent sources of flavonol.  A study showed that a flavonol-rich candy bar improved blood flow.  Researchers think that flavonol works in two ways to protect the heart: first, it makes the blood less “sticky” and less likely to clot; secondly, it relaxes the blood vessels so that they allow more blood flow.  A new study by researchers   from Cornell University in Geneva, NY showed that hot chocolate contained more antioxidants per cup than red wine or tea.  Generally dark chocolates are more likely to be higher in flavonols and European chocolates usually have higher flavonol content than American-made chocolates.  Three popular drinks were compared for antioxidants: Hot Chocolate (two table spoons of pure cocoa powder), green and black tea, and red wine.  The tests showed hot cocoa contained two times more antioxidants per serving than the red wine (California Merlot), two to three times more than green tea and four to five times more than black tea.  Hot Chocolate is better than eating a plain old chocolate bar.  Heating chocolate seems to release antioxidants.  The hot beverage tends to be lower in saturated fats and sugar, especially when low-fat milk and artificial sweeteners are used.  We know how easy it is to go overboard with chocolate.  Remember that there are calories in chocolate.  Just like wine, the benefit is usually seen with moderate amounts.