Table of contents:
- The benefits of drinking a glass of hot chocolate
- 1. Improve cardiovascular health
- 2. Improve cognitive function
- 3. Improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression
- 4. Reducing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes
- 5. Controlling body weight
- 6. Improve sports performance
From cocoa beans, chocolate is processed into a variety of products, from solid to powder form to be processed into beverages. Well, good news for warm chocolate connoisseurs. Investigating that drinking a glass of hot chocolate on Christmas Eve has the potential to provide health benefits. Curious?
The benefits of drinking a glass of hot chocolate
A study from The Netherlands journal of Medicine said that cocoa powder from cocoa beans contains antioxidants called phenolics in them. Phenolics are reported to have a positive effect on fighting premature aging, oxidative stress, regulating blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.
There are other benefits that you can reap from a glass of hot chocolate, as follows.
1. Improve cardiovascular health
Having a hard time dodging delicious treats at Christmas? Drinking hot chocolate brings benefits to lower cholesterol.
A study published in British Journal of Nutrition said that the flavanol compounds in chocolate can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and relax arteries.
The researchers also mentioned, a glass of chocolate can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders and heart attacks.
2. Improve cognitive function
At least drinking two glasses of chocolate a day is beneficial for maintaining brain health and reducing senility in older people.
The polyphenol content in chocolate can improve brain function. In addition, the content of flavanols can also relax blood vessels so that blood flow and blood supply to the brain increases.
Research has also shown a positive effect of chocolate on brain health in people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, but further research is still to be done.
3. Improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression
Drinking a glass of hot chocolate provides benefits to improve brain function and blood circulation. Chocolate contains flavanols which can have a positive effect on a person's mood, calmness and pleasure.
According to research, this compound is able to improve a person's mental performance, both people without or with mental disorders. So it can be said that drinking chocolate can lift your mood, especially on Christmas Day.
4. Reducing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Drinking warm chocolate provides benefits to control blood sugar levels. The flavonol content in chocolate is antidiabetic.
Flavonols work by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines. This content is also able to improve insulin secretion, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the uptake of sugar from the blood to the muscles.
5. Controlling body weight
Sounds a little paradoxical, but hot chocolate can control your weight. Drinking a glass of hot chocolate offers benefits to regulate energy, regulate hunger and keep you full longer.
Also revealed in a study that consumption of chocolate helps lose weight. However, further research is needed to find out the right type of chocolate and its dosage.
6. Improve sports performance
Drinking hot chocolate provides benefits to increase your body's energy. Revealed in a study in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition , chocolate is able to supply the availability of oxygen in the blood when you exercise.
Drinking hot chocolate can increase energy. This is especially true if you plan on doing physical activities with your family on Christmas Day, such as hiking or doing various competitions that involve physical activity. Certainly the Christmas moment was more vibrant than ever.
For optimal benefits, brew a natural cocoa powder that is low in sugar.
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