5 Ways a Hot Choco Drink Is Good for Your Health

What are the health benefits of hot choco drinks?

1. They’re packed with nutrients
2. They contain polyphenols
3. They promote heart health
4. They boost brain power
5. They make you happy

 

Hot choco drinks are a delicious snack for a cold afternoon, and can even be the perfect dessert after dinner — but did you know this drink can also be good for your body?

While hot chocolate might look (and taste) like an indulgence, there are many health benefits of hot choco you can gain with every cup. Read on to learn what health-boosting effects an organic hot chocolate drink can have on your heart, brain, and more.

 

They’re packed with nutrients

Hot chocolate is a good source of many nutrients, such as fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K, among other proteins, vitamins, minerals, and sugars. This means that hot chocolate drinks are not only tasty — they’re also a great way to get these essential nutrients for proper bodily function.

Some organic hot choco drinks, like Bona Vita’s, come with great ingredients that make this drink even more nutritious. For example, it contains chlorella — a type of algae used to boost good digestion and reduce inflammation. It also contains guyabano (a.k.a. soursop) extract, which is rich in vitamin C and B vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.

 

They contain polyphenols

Polyphenols are a class of antioxidants, and they typically come from things like fruits, vegetables, and wine. Chocolate is also one of the richest sources of this antioxidant. Polyphenols are linked with several health benefits, such as promoting better blood flow, blood pressure management, improved blood sugar levels, and reduced inflammation.

These effects help many parts of the body, such as our immune system. Other studies have linked polyphenols to longer life, improved weight management, among other long-term effects. Drinking hot choco drinks can ensure we have an abundant supply of these antioxidants, which are proven to support our overall health.

 

They boost brain power

Having some hot chocolate can even boost your memory, according to a 2013 study. This research found that older adults who regularly had this drink had improved memory, and suggested that taking two cups a day could reduce the risk of cognitive decline — even staving off serious conditions like Alzheimer’s.

Scientists believe this effect is linked to hot choco’s supply of polyphenols. These can improve brain function by promoting blood flow to your brain. Further, polyphenols are involved in stimulating the production of all the important molecules for brain function (like neurons).

Polyphenols also influence your body’s production of nitric oxide, which is a chemical that controls the muscles in your blood vessels. A two-week study of people who took hot chocolate drinks daily showed that the high flavanol intake improved blood flow to the brain by 8% after one week and 10% after two weeks. One other study stated that this improved mental performance — even in people with mental impairments.

 

They make you happy

Hot chocolate can be a very comforting drink to have, which creates quite a positive effect on your brain. But this effect goes beyond its delicious taste and warmth. When you drink a cup of hot chocolate, its polyphenols trigger certain neurotransmitters. This creates the comforting feeling that we associate with this drink, which can be so powerful that it physically and mentally reduces feelings of pain and stress.

The drink itself also contains lots of goodies, such as energy-boosting caffeine, mood-stabilizing serotonin, and relaxing tryptophan. It’s so potent that one study found that regular consumption greatly reduces levels of stress in pregnant women, and even improves mood in babies. Another study found that drinking hot chocolate improved feelings of calmness and contentment in participants.

 

They may reduce the risk of heart disease

As we mentioned earlier, sipping on some hot chocolate can help your blood vessels relax and lower blood pressure. This not only helps your brain get the nutrients it needs but also helps ease the stress on your heart.

Studies find that this effect is more pronounced in those who already experience high blood pressure, compared to those without. It showed that a mere 0.05–3.7 ounces (1.4–105 grams) of hot chocolate could produce a small yet significant effect — reducing 2 mmHg in blood pressure.

Supporting this is the fact that polyphenols are antioxidants, which have long been associated with lowered risk of heart disease by managing cholesterol levels and preventing blood clotting.

Bona Vita’s 8-in-1 Choco drink also contains mangosteen extract. This adds more B-complex vitamins, which help the body metabolize fats and prevent “bad” LDL cholesterol build-up. Moreover, it contains potassium. This mineral helps control heart rate and blood pressure — as a result, it offers better protection against heart diseases like strokes.

 

Key Takeaway

There are several health benefits of hot choco drinks — taking just one cup a day can help improve your brain and heart health, keep your body nourished with essential vitamins and minerals, and much more. Interested in trying one of the healthiest drinks out there? Buy some of Bona Vita’s 8-in-1 Choco today, and enjoy this treat guilt-free!