The Flow cacao powder contains cacao powder, coconut milk powder, coconut sugar, supermaca, reishi extract, lion's mane extract, cordyceps extract, licorice, root powder, vanilla extract powder, chocamine (theobromine extract), curcumin, Ceylon cinnamon, cardamom, sunflower lecithin, and sea salt. Once the chocolate is fully melted, gradually pour in the hot milk while whisking continuously. This ensures a smooth and well-incorporated mixture. Keep whisking until the chocolate and milk are fully combined and no lumps remain. 5. Sweeten and Flavor Milk of choice (ratio of milk to chocolate powder is about 1 cup milk for each 3 Tbsp. hot chocolate mix) Hot chocolate can be a healthful drink if you make it right. As I reviewed here, cocoa is rich in flavanols, compounds that can make blood vessels more flexible and able to expand. This circulatory system influence seems to have far-reaching health benefits: over the last decade an impressive body of research has linked cocoa consumption with cardiovascular benefits, and more limited research shows benefits for skin health (reduce signs of photo-aging and improve elasticity), blood lipids, and Type 2 diabetes, and cognitive function – yes, it seems chocolate can even help the aging brain! Athletes might be interested in emerging research looking at cocoa flavanols and athletic performance and recovery. Kakao is stone ground only. No additional processing or heating. Their signature blend is my favorite. They also have Pure cacao.

Flavanones. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits have flavanones. These compounds make citrus juice and peels taste bitter. They help: Hot Chocolate with Coconut Oil. Another option to add decadence. Melt ½ tablespoon coconut oil in the saucepan with the other ingredients. Take your hot chocolate to the next level by infusing your whipped cream with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. Simply whisk the spices into the cream before whipping it. Top your hot chocolate with this spiced whipped cream and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an aromatic and cozy experience. Storing and Reheating Tips In fact, this healthy hot chocolate recipe has a 5-star rating for a reason! One reader recently commented:Onions are the basis of many different cuisines, and it’s no wonder why. This humble vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients and adds flavor to any dish. Onions are a great source of flavonols, which can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the hot cocoa as soon as it’s ready. If you need to store it, transfer it to a thermos to keep it hot. Diet has been established as one of the most important lifestyle factors that can strongly influence the incidence of cardiovascular disease ( 51, 76, 125). Dietary flavonoids may decrease cardiovascular risk by protecting lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids from oxidative damage, as well as reducing inflammation and regulating vascular homeostasis ( 205). Flavonoid intake has been inversely associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) incidence and mortality ( 98). You can buy many flavonoid supplements. But, as with most nutrients, it’s probably best to get them from food. These 10 foods are some of the best sources of dietary flavonoids: Unlike processed, conventional dark chocolate, ceremonial cacao is one of the highest sources of antioxidants, high in flavanol, including polyphenols that reduce inflammation and free radicals that damage the brain and body ( 1).The choice of milk can greatly influence the creaminess and overall flavor of your high flavanol hot chocolate. While dairy milk is a classic option, there are also various plant-based alternatives available that can provide a delightful twist. Dark chocolate (70%–85% cacao) provides 36mg of magnesium per 100kcal serving, which is 9% of the U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for middle-aged men—more than three times the amount provided by milk chocolate (11mg) ( 1, 184). Magnesium is a cofactor in protein synthesis, muscle relaxation, and energy production ( 249). Magnesium is an antiarrhythmic and hypotensive hypotensive ( 4, 36, 53, 87, 237, 260).

The quality of cocoa powder can influence the flavanol content of hot chocolate. Look for high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder as it typically contains a higher concentration of flavanols compared to lower-quality brands. 16. Can I add whipped cream or marshmallows to my high flavanol hot chocolate? Flavonols. The most studied flavonols are quercetin, myricetin, and fisetin. Flavonols are linked to many health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease. They’re found in: Consuming high flavanol hot chocolate has several benefits. Flavanols found in cocoa have antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and enhance cognitive function. 2. What ingredients are needed to make a high flavanol hot chocolate? Despite dozens of published studies evaluating the links between chocolate and health, the FDA's assessment is that, as of now, the science is still inconclusive. It's pretty clear that the compounds in cocoa are good for us, but we may not get enough of them when we consume highly-processed, sweetened chocolate candy bars. In Europe, chocolate maker Barry Callebaut, the company that petitioned the FDA, is already allowed to use a health claim on dark chocolate products stating that cocoa flavanols have a positive impact on blood flow. The company calls the FDA's action in the U.S. a "major milestone" in the development of cocoa as an ingredient that could be blended or added to a range of products. "This presents an opportunity to develop and enhance better-for-you products leveraging high-flavanol cocoa powder, especially in the (sports) beverage and protein mix categories," wrote Hugo Van Der Goes, Vice President Cocoa North America at Barry Callebaut, in a statement. Callebaut already sells a cocoa powder that the company says qualifies for the new health claim.

If you prefer dairy milk, opt for whole milk as it offers a richer and creamier texture. Whole milk also contains natural fats that enhance the mouthfeel of your hot chocolate. However, if you have dietary restrictions or prefer a plant-based option, you can choose from almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These alternatives can still provide a creamy consistency while adding their own unique flavors. 3. Sweeteners: Balancing Health and Taste To make your high flavanol hot chocolate frothy, you can use a handheld frother or a blender to create a creamy and frothy texture. Simply blend the hot chocolate mixture for a few seconds to incorporate air into the liquid. 18. Can spices like nutmeg or cardamom be added to high flavanol hot chocolate? I tend to keep raw cacao powder in my pantry, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder will also work flavor-wise.

Healthy hot chocolate is here, and I think it’s even better than the classic. Whoever said hot chocolate couldn’t be both indulgent AND healthy clearly never met this version. Milk of Choice. Use almond milk if you’d like to make your healthy hot chocolate vegan, as low calorie as possible, and dairy free. The richer the milk you choose, however, the richer the hot chocolate. HOT CHOCOLATE MIX. Combine cocoa, chocolate, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a food processor. Process until blended to a fine powder (about 1 minute). Transfer to an airtight jar, where you can store the mix for about 2 months. This makes about 2 cups of mix (about 10 servings of hot chocolate). Media articles about the benefits of dark chocolate focus mainly on the flavanols in cocoa beans and chocolate, but when the cocoa is processed into chocolate, many of the flavanols are removed. Do small amounts of dark chocolate contain enough flavanols?When it comes to making a high flavanol hot chocolate, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Let’s explore the key components that contribute to the flavanol content and overall taste of your indulgent beverage. 1. Dark Chocolate: The Flavanol Powerhouse Great news, chocolate lovers, it seems as though it does: “I have not seen anything that indicates a pitfall or problem with drinking dark chocolate drinks for health benefits,” says Lona Sandon, PhD, RDN, an associate professor in the department of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern in Dallas, who also has rheumatoid arthritis. But the type of chocolate drink you sip and enjoy will make all the difference. Why Does Dark Chocolate Help With Chronic Inflammation? Chocolate and cocoa are both high in flavanols. Cocoa, in particular, has been studied for its brain-boosting properties and its protective effect on the cardiovascular system.