What happens to your body when you drink hot chocolate every day?
Hot chocolate derived from dark cocoa or high-quality cocoa powder serves as a valuable source of essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium. But is it advisable to be had every day this winter?
On our quest to find out what happens to our body in different circumstances like having only fruits for 72 hours, or having avocado every day, or rice every day, we thought why not explore something as rudimentary but flavourful as a winter favourite — hot chocolate — a combination of cocoa and milk (can be made vegan too!) with your choice of sweetener.
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate. For many people, hot chocolate is the ultimate comfort food. It is warm, creamy, and chocolatey, and it can be enjoyed in so many ways.
So is drinking a hot beverage every day recommended?
Drinking hot chocolate daily during the winter can elicit both favorable and potential adverse impacts on your health. This delectable and soothing beverage carries profound effects, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its daily consumption’s physiological consequences.
Positive Effects:
1. Enhanced mood: Hot chocolate boasts the presence of compounds such as theobromine and phenylethylamine. “These elements can potentially elevate mood by stimulating the release of endorphins, fostering feelings of contentment and overall well-being,” said Amreen Shaikh, head dietitian, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
2. Antioxidant advantages: The primary ingredient in hot chocolate, cocoa, harbours a wealth of antioxidants known as flavonoids. “These potent compounds combat free radicals, thereby potentially mitigating the risk of chronic ailments and bolstering heart health,”.
3. Nutrient enrichment: Hot chocolate derived from dark cocoa or high-quality cocoa powder serves as a valuable source of essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium. This contributes significantly to overall nutrient intake and sustenance of bodily functions.
4. Comforting warmth: Amidst the frigid winter months, the warmth exuded by this beverage offers solace and a sense of coziness, positively influencing mental well-being and emotional equilibrium.
Potential Negative Effects:
1. Caloric and sugary content: Numerous commercially available hot chocolate mixes and prepared versions teem with excessive sugar and calories. “Regular indulgence in such varieties may precipitate weight gain and heighten susceptibility to conditions like diabetes,” said Amreen. Several studies have discovered that chocolate contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids as well as mood-elevating flavonoids.
Cocoa is made from the pod of the cacao plant, which contains theobromine, a chemical that reduces inflammation and may lower blood pressure. “Thus, opt for healthy cup of hot chocolate during winter would be better but be sure to drink it in moderation as chocolate itself contains sugar and saturated fat,” added Rishika Meetu, dietician, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai.
2. Caffeine composition: Though hot chocolate typically contains less caffeine than coffee, it still harbours a modest quantity. According to Amreen, excessive intake might disrupt sleep patterns, elevate heart rate, or induce jitteriness in individuals sensitive to caffeine.
3. Digestive challenges: Certain preparations of hot chocolate, owing to their richness and high-fat content, can trigger “digestive discomfort, particularly in individuals grappling with lactose intolerance or other sensitivities”.
4. Additives and processing: Packaged hot chocolate mixes frequently feature additives, preservatives, and artificial flavours. Amreen said that these constituents might undermine overall health when regularly consumed.
Moderation is paramount
Embracing hot chocolate in moderation can seamlessly integrate it into a well-rounded diet without pronounced adverse effects. “Crafting homemade versions employing quality cocoa powder, limited sugar, and non-dairy milk alternatives can offset potential negative consequences,” said Amreen.
Credit: Jayashree Narayanan, indianexpress.com
