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There is an important difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. These terms are often used interchangeably, but the distinction is in the nutritional properties. Hot cocoa is made from raw cocoa powder, which is pressed chocolate which removes the fat of the cocoa butter. Hot chocolate is made from chocolate bars melted into a cream or ground into a powder. Often hot chocolate has a very high sugar and fat content and low cocoa content. Cocoa can be very good for you, especially if you minimize the sugar and fat.

This ancient beverage has been around for centuries. Archaeologists discovered cocoa beans in the burial chambers of the Olmecs who thrives in 1500- 400 BC. The Oltecs might have been the first users of cacao but the Mayans soon fell in love with the drink. They called this concoction chocolatl and drank cocoa powder mixed with spices and herbs. Mainly used by the kings and upper class, the beans were prized and sometimes used as currency. Perhaps even the ancients knew that cocoa had tremendous health benefits.

Ancient Rulers tasted Magic

The Mayans and Oltecs drank a very different version of hot cocoa than we think of. They added cocoa powder to hot water, wine, spices and peppers. This bitter and spicy drink was often reserved for kings and court. The process of crating the cocoa powder and special mixtures was often secret, like a trademark recipe. Once the Spanish got a hold of it the drink took on a life of its own. Soon people of all classes was clamoring for the now sweetened after dinner drink. Cocoa beans became the newest craze for bakers and dessert makers all over Europe.

Recently the media has reported on the healthy benefits of cocoa. The flavonoids in cocoa are known to be potent antioxidants and are even better than some vitamins in protecting lipids for oxidizing. A study from Harvard University discovered that those who eat cocoa and some sweets (three servings per month) live nearly one entire year longer than those who binge on junk or those who completely avoid these foods altogether. The proof is in: Cocoa is nutritionally good for you.

Don't settle for Chocolate Flavor when you can Have the Real Thing!

In order to get the maximum health benefits form the hot cocoa you drink it is important that you start with a high quality cocoa powder. You can spot a good cocoa powder because it will be dark brown and have a bitter taste. Real cocoa powder also takes some effort to dissolve. A whisk works well for this. You can heat milk for the hot cocoa base, but many people also enjoy non dairy alternatives like: soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk or water. Add a natural sweetener like agave necter, rapedura (sugar cane crystals) or honey for a hot beverage that is delicious and good for you too.

Hot cocoa could be the best tasting nutritional supplement you have ever had. "Nowhere else has nature compressed such a store of the most valuable nutrients into such a small place as it has with the cocoa bean," the researcher Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) once said.

Eating a moderate amount of sweets pays off. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that eating chocolate or other sweets several times each month live nearly one year longer than individuals who over indulge in sweets and even people who eliminate eating junk food altogether.

A study done by Cornell researchers, headed by Chang Y. (Cy) Lee, states that the reason cocoa won out over the other drinks is because of its high concentration of phenolic phytochemicals, or flavonoids. These flavanoids indicate a high level of antioxidants that perhaps prevent cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues. Dr Lee said "Phenolic compounds protect plants against insects and pathogens, and they remain active even after food processing."

Drinking hot cocoa provides more antioxidants than simply eating chocolate candy. The heat releases more of the antioxidants. Some research indicates that ingesting dairy along with cocoa inhibits the absorption of the nutrients. You can get the most nutritional value by combining cocoa powder with a milk substitute like: coconut milk, soy milk, rice milk or even water.

Kids love hot chocolate. Now you can give them real hot cocoa without a shread of guilt. Don't waste your money on those fake chocolate packets! Give your family a healthy drink that you can feel good about. Hot cocoa is a great way to get nutrition while feeing devilishly decadent. Now you really can give into your chocolate cravings and drink a cup of cocoa everyday - just for your health!

This Yoga article is provided by Articleteller - The Free Article Directory http://www.articleteller.com

Darren Craddock is an expert in Naturopathy and Nutrition. Don't miss his Free Report: Discover how to stay healthy naturally and have more energy! Discover Cocoa Mojo the Healthy Hot Cocoa that boost immune response!

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