Hot chocolate: health properties and contraindications

Chocolate drink is a mixture made from pieces of chocolate melted in hot milk with the addition of spices and sugar at the request of gourmets. Usually cinnamon and vanillin are added to flavor the drink. To make it airy and form a thick foam, the milk-chocolate mixture is whipped before serving. In this article, we will present our readers with recipes for preparing an exquisite drink. It is referred to as a hot dessert drink or gourmet delicacy.

In some European countries and in America, hot chocolate is made from ordinary dry cacao on water or milk. In Russia, hot chocolate (hereinafter referred to as HS) is a drink made from slices (bars) of chocolate dissolved in hot milk. In both the first and second cases, you add sugar and optionally vanillin, cinnamon, and other spices. It is not necessary to add sugar, because chocolate itself is a sweet product, but for those who have a sweet tooth, it will not be enough.

Hot, thick chocolate drink can be ordered or bought in the store. Especially popular varieties are considered:

• classic black;
• Cocoa butter drink (white);
• black with milk;
• flavored.

A little history

The progenitor of modern hot chocolate is considered a Native American drink made from mashed cacao beans. At that time in pre-Columbian America, it was considered a drink of wisdom and a gift from heaven. It is historically known that it was first tasted by the Spanish general E. Cortez and took the recipe to Europe. He was treated by the Aztec chieftain Montezum II and could not refuse the drink. The drink was flavored with vanilla and hot pepper. The general loved the taste and aroma of the peculiar delicacy and, of course, learned the secret of its preparation. Thanks to him the recipe ended up in Europe and then spread around the world.

In 16th-century Europe, they began to consume this cocoa beverage hot, replacing the bitter spices with sugar. This is how everyone's favorite hot chocolate came to be, becoming a favorite of the local aristocracy in those days.

Until the 19th century only the elite could afford to drink chocolate, and it was made with water and sugar, if the client demanded it. For preparation they used a special dish in the form of a vessel with a shortened spout. The long handle made of wood was attached to it. The lid had a small hole in which one could easily put a beating and foaming utensil. The drink was rather thick and greasy. Sometimes an oily film would form on the surface, easily removed with a spoon. The chocolate was served hot in cups with saucers so as not to spill the delicious and expensive drink.

As the 19th century began, Holland started manufacturing cocoa powder and cocoa butter separately, thus dividing the familiar product into two components. Thanks to this the drink became considerably cheaper and affordable for ordinary citizens.

What is the difference between hot chocolate and cocoa?

Many people think that hot chocolate and cocoa are the same drink. Indeed, in some cafes and restaurants, they make such hot chocolate that it is almost impossible to distinguish it from cocoa. Such establishments clearly skimp on ingredients, misleading visitors, and most importantly, depriving them of true enjoyment.

The recipe, calories, taste and appearance of the two drinks are completely different.

Hot chocolate is made with milk and always from a whole bar of bitter or milk chocolate, with vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar. Gourmets can add crushed nuts, spices, and a small amount of rum or liqueur. The consistency is thick and the taste is rich. The number of calories is about 250 per cup.

Cocoa is made using cocoa powder, sugar, milk, or water. The drink is liquid and low in calories because the powder contains almost no cocoa butter. One serving has about 30 kcal.

Cocoa is easier to make and much cheaper, so you can drink it every day. Hot chocolate is a treat that is equated with dessert, enjoyed and pampered.

Both drinks are good for the body due to the content of cocoa beans, regular consumption increases immunity, improves mood and relieves stress.

Which is healthier: hot chocolate or cocoa

There is no need to talk about the usefulness of the drinks, because both hot chocolate and cocoa contain a sufficient number of useful substances for the body. Therefore, it is difficult to unequivocally answer this question.

Judging by the caloric content, hot chocolate is many times more caloric than cacao. Despite this, there is no fundamental difference in terms of the usefulness of the drinks. They both have a beneficial effect on the body, lift your spirits, save you from stressful situations and activate your brain processes.

They are recommended for people

• Who are often faced with stressful situations and nervous overload;
• with chronic fatigue;
• with neurotic disorders;
• at times of anxiety;
• Muscular spasms.

It is worth knowing that a drink made with water, not milk, will be more useful. Cream and dairy products will reduce the activity of useful substances.

So what to choose: hot chocolate or cocoa? The answer to this question lies in the situation itself.

1. If you need to calm down and sleep, the best option is a warm cup of cocoa with milk. Such a drink will quickly calm your nerves and provide a restful sleep for the night.
2. If you want to recharge and gain energy, then the best option would be a cup of hot chocolate. The thick energizing drink will relieve fatigue and give vitality.

Composition and calories

If we talk about the calories per 100 grams of the product, it will be 150 kilocalories, if no other ingredients are added to it. This amount depends not only on the added sugar and spices, but also on the type of chocolate drink.

Let's look at the energy value of GS per 100 grams:

• Protein - 3.56 g;
• Carbohydrates - 14.74 g;
• fats - 8.54 g.

As part of a unique drink contains vitamins B, E, PP, as well as A, D and E. The hot mixture contains antioxidants and flavonoids. Compared to an ordinary bar of chocolate, the drink contains much less sugar because it is diluted with milk or water. That is why it will be healthier for ladies who are watching their figure. In addition, the drink will contain useful substances and elements necessary for the body:

• iron;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• sodium;
• calcium; and others.

The largest amounts will be potassium (868 mg), phosphorus (331 mg) and magnesium (282 mg), which improves mood, eliminates anxiety and increases efficiency.

What is useful for hot chocolate

General benefits

Since the hot chocolate drink contains cacao beans, it is able to invigorate the body and strengthen the immune system. These properties were known to people in past centuries, so it was gladly prepared and consumed.

Let's list the main useful properties of the hot treat:

1. Thanks to the presence of zinc in its composition, processes in the body are activated. With the participation of this element, DNA molecules and RNA are properly built and proteins are synthesized. Zinc is essential during puberty.
2. If you drink it regularly, you can avoid sunburns.
3. Gallic acid present in the composition will stop internal bleeding, which has been proven by scientists in America.
4. Flavonoids help thin the blood and improve circulation.
5. Favorite delicacy for many inhibits the formation of cancer cells.
6. With its help you can successfully fight vitamin deficiency.
7. A cup of hot dessert will help with coughs.
8. The endorphin, or the happiness hormone, will lift your spirits and provide you with positive emotions.
9. Procyanidins will rejuvenate the skin and promote the rapid healing of wounds.

Sugar-free hot treat can be taken by patients with high cholesterol levels. If you add to it some cinnamon and hot pepper, it turns out to be an effective remedy for colds. The main thing is that hot chocolate will not harm your health, but will give you strength.

For women

Chocolate drink for women does not represent any harm. It is much healthier than the usual chocolate bar, because it does not affect the extra pounds. A cup of a pleasant drink will raise your mood and vitality. In addition, regular consumption of GS contributes to improving memory, activation of cerebral circulation.

The drink is famous for the presence of antioxidants, which:

• remove free radicals from the body;
• prevent cancer and heart attacks;
• Slow down the aging process in the body;
• reduce age-related degeneration of the skin.

In addition, gallic acid contained in the drink will help fight kidney disease and even diabetes.

For men

In addition to all the above advantages and unique properties of the drink, for the stronger half of mankind GS will be useful also because it can strengthen the muscle tissue and increase male strength. This was known about it in ancient times, that's why the drink was especially popular.

Let's add some more useful properties of the chocolate drink:

• protects teeth from plaque formation;
• fights fatigue;
• eliminates wrinkles;
• improves heart function.

In addition, flavonoids present in the hot treat thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots.

Pregnancy

American scientists have concluded that pregnant women who consume chocolate products during pregnancy give birth to healthy and active babies.

The fats, proteins and carbohydrates it contains become a source of vital energy and good mood, which is beneficial for the development of the fetus. But we should not forget about moderation, so you should not consume a large amount of delicious dessert.

The usefulness of GH for pregnant women is obvious, because the endorphin contained in the drink, known as the hormone of happiness, brings calmness and positive emotions not only to the mother, but also to the baby in the womb. However, doctors do not advise to get addicted to it during the last terms of pregnancy, because of the large amount of active biological substances contained in the drink.

During breastfeeding

As you know, after the birth of a baby, the mother's body is depleted and requires recovery. In this, a delicious nutritious drink made of chocolate can help. But you should not forget about the baby, which can manifest allergies. For this reason, a nursing mother should cautiously introduce the healing "dessert" into her diet. If the baby will not show any reaction, then the dose can be gradually increased, thereby reducing the recovery time of the mother's body.

For babies.

Hot chocolate for a baby will be beneficial because it can:

• improve memory;
• stimulate brain activity;
• eliminate mental and nervous overexcitement;
• strengthen the body and increase immunity;
• cure colds;
• increase efficiency, etc.

A child can be harmed by hot chocolate only if it is given in large quantities.

When losing weight

The dessert drink is able to fight extra pounds. It has far fewer calories than the sugar itself. Dietitians recommend their clients to consume a tasty hot drink even when dieting. If you exclude all sweets from your diet and drink only hot drinks, then you can forget about gaining extra weight.

The drink itself is sweet and very nutritious, so one cup of a pleasant dessert will quickly quench your hunger for a long time.

Not all dietitians allow the consumption of chocolate dessert when dieting. But if the drink will be prepared without sugar and on water, then there will be no restrictions. If it is impossible to do without milk, you should choose nonfat products.

Hot chocolate gives a charge of vivacity, forcing a person to actively move.

Harm and contraindications

The drink has more beneficial properties than negative ones. It can not bring harm to human health if it is not abused. It should be taken with caution or excluded from the diet at all for patients who suffer from:

• atherosclerosis;
• pathologies of the genitals and the urinary tract;
• obesity;
• metabolic diseases;
• gum disease;
• diabetes mellitus;
• cystitis, etc.

If you observe the measure and do not abuse the dessert drink, the negative effects can be avoided.

How to cook hot chocolate: recipes

Preparing a delicious chocolate drink is simple. If you change the spices and seasonings each time you make it, you will be able to give the product a new flavor. This means hot chocolate won't get boring or boring!

Let's look at a few recipes for making it.

Simple

• We will need:
• milk - 50 ml;
• dark chocolate - 200 gr.

Preparation:

1. Heat the milk to 45 degrees, you can 50, but no more. Do not boil the milk.
2. Add pieces of chocolate and put it on a water bath. Add the chocolate gradually, stirring the milk, so that the pieces dissolve faster and a homogeneous mass is formed.

That's all, the drink is ready, and it can be served to the table.

With cinnamon

We will need:

• Chocolate (bitter) - 200 grams;
• cream (fat content must be no less than 20%) - 300 ml;
• milk - 700 ml;
• Cinnamon - a few sticks.

Preparation:

1. We mix cream with milk, put on the fire and bring the mixture to a boil, but do not boil.
2. Separately, pound the cinnamon in a mortar and add it to the hot milk and cream for 5 minutes. Then we strain everything.
3. Next, put the chocolate pieces into the hot mixture and mix thoroughly.

That's all! The product is ready to be consumed. We pour the hot chocolate and treat our guests.

Brazilian

Need:

• milk - 500 ml;
• strong coffee (brewed) - 60 ml;
• water - 250 ml;
• chocolate (bitter) - 125 gr;
• sugar - 100 gr.

Preparation:

1. We boil water, take off the heat and send the chocolate pieces into it. When adding the chocolate it is necessary to stir constantly until the pieces are completely dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl, pour the milk, almost bring to a boil, but do not boil.
3. Pour the dissolved chocolate mixture on the water into it and stir everything. We add sugar and coffee.
4. Then put it in a water bath until all the sugar has dissolved. Don't forget to stir!

All done! Enjoy!

Italian

• We will need:
• sugar - a couple of tablespoons;
• cocoa powder - three tablespoons;
• milk - 300 ml;
• corn starch - 1 tablespoon.

The chocolate dessert prepared in this recipe is suitable for both adults and children. If desired, milk can easily be replaced by cream, with a fat content of at least 10%, and cocoa powder - a bar of dark chocolate.

The cooking process:

1. Mix sugar and cocoa powder in a separate bowl and pour in half, or a little more, of the milk. We put it on fire and stir continuously heating mixture. To avoid the formation of lumps, use a whisk.
2. Add starch to the rest of the milk and whisk thoroughly.
3. Pour the starch-milk mixture into the liquid standing on the fire. Remember that the cooking process requires constant stirring.
4. Once the mixture thickens and begins to boil, remove from the heat and pour into cups or mugs.

How to properly drink hot chocolate

There are no strict rules for drinking the dessert drink. However, there are still some subtleties.

1. A thick mixture of hot chocolate is served with a glass of plain water.
2. For the liquid consistency of the drink, goblets are fine.

But nothing terrible will happen if the hot delicacy is poured into cups or mugs. Even an ordinary plate is good enough. It is the latter method that the French use. They not only eat the hot chocolate dessert drink with spoons, but also dip toast in it.

How much you can drink per day

Regular consumption of hot chocolate is recommended, but in moderation. You should not drink more than 2-3 cups in a day, so as not to harm yourself.

This is a nutritious and caloric product, so you should not abuse it for people who are overweight. Calculate its caloric content in advance, taking into account the ingredients it contains and the recipe by which the treat was prepared.

Can I drink it at night?

The answer to this question depends on the individual characteristics of the body. But do not forget that the drink invigorates and activates brain activity.

It is better to warm milk, add a spoonful of honey and drink it before going to bed. Such a drink is sure to calm you down and give you the opportunity to sleep peacefully until morning.

Therefore, the answer to the question, whether it is worth drinking hot chocolate before going to bed, can be given by the person himself.

Interesting facts about chocolate

Chocolate is considered by many people to be a favorite treat. It is loved by adults, adored by children. Connoisseurs of a delicious and healthy dessert can be found everywhere. But not many people are aware of the true facts about their favorite product. About them, and we'll talk further.

1. Chocolate listed in the well-known Guinness Book of Records. The size of the bar that was made was enormous, and its weight was almost 4.5 tons.
2. Even in ancient times, chocolate was appreciated. It was ascribed not only medicinal but also magical properties. In Latin, cacao means "food of the gods".
3. It would take at least four years to start harvesting fruit from a cacao tree. And it would take 400 beans to make a pound of chocolate.
4. Chocolate is easy to get used to. If you consume it regularly and then quit abruptly, you cannot avoid a minor "withdrawal". The body will demand a replenishment of its habitual treat.
5. The life span of cocoa trees can be up to 200 years.
6. In Latin America, chocolate is used by healers to treat bronchitis. And children are given the healing drink in the morning to prevent and heal wounds from scorpion and bee stings.
7. Not many people know that we owe our introduction to chocolate as we know it to the British. It was they who first molded the bar and introduced it to the world. Before that, mankind knew only a chocolate drink.

Photo of hot chocolate