Hot chocolate - the benefits and harm to health

The Aztecs have the word "chocolatl", which means "foamy water." Such a phrase dubbed hot chocolate. It is prepared using cocoa, water or milk with added sugar. For taste, some consumers add cream or spices. Cooking can exist in two variations:

1. Hot chocolate classic look. Small chocolate pieces are melted and whipped in foam. Conduct the addition of milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. The drink is thick, sticky and fatty in nature. The product contains a fairly large number of calories. One glass of such a "cocktail" contains 250 kcal.
2. For cooking use powder. It remains after they completely wring out the butter from the cocoa beans. The basis for the preparation of the drink is milk or water. This composition is a budget version of the drink.It turns out liquid on a consistence and simple in preparation. This drink belongs to the category of dietary products with a content of only 30 kcal in one glass.

Aztec grain grind until then, until it formed a paste. Then it was mixed with water, alcohol and hot pepper was added. Often this drink was accompanied by many ritual rituals. In the 16th century, the Spaniards brought the product along with the recipe to their homeland. Then the drink became widespread in other European countries. Everywhere began to open places, clubs, where visitors could taste hot chocolate.

Its use was associated with good taste and a sign of respectability. The high cost of the drink was the reason that only members of high society could afford to use it. It was also used for therapeutic purposes. It was used to heal wounds, raise the tone. Men with his help increased libido.

A kettle with a short spout was used to prepare the drink. He had a lid and a handle made of wood. It also included a whisk, which beat the foam. Oily film was removed with a spoon.The drink was poured into small cups with saucers. In order to lower the price for it a bit, they began to dilute it with milk. At the same time, the taste came to the liking, and this technique began to be applied on a permanent basis.

At the end of the 19th century, the drink became more democratic. Learned to get cheaper beet sugar. In addition, a recipe for making butter and cocoa bean powder was invented. Chocolate was prepared from butter, and drink from powder. Now its wider social strata are used.

Beneficial features

We can talk about the benefits only when all kinds of additives are present in the smallest amount:

1. The product contains large amounts of zinc. This element is extremely important for the body. With his participation, a protein is synthesized, DNA and RNA molecules are built. The body experiences an increased need for zinc during puberty.
2. Using this drink can prevent sunburn.
3. Along with him, a person improves mood, there is a surge of cheerfulness. A sufficient content of the natural neurotransmitter phenylethylamine leads to an increase in vitality.
4. The presence of gallic acid stops internal bleeding. This has been proven by American scientists.
5. The presence of flavonoids provides blood thinning, resulting in improved circulation.
6. Hot chocolate can be used to combat many parasites responsible for the emergence of a number of diseases.
7. Inhibited the processes associated with the formation of cancer cells.
8. As a source of vitamin-mineral complex, it can act as an assistant in the fight against vitamin deficiencies.
9. The presence of theobromine has a calming effect on the endings of the nerve Vagus.
10. A lingering cough will disappear if you drink a cup of hot chocolate.
11. The antibacterial properties of thianin will eliminate inflammatory changes in the throat.
12. Caffeine stimulates brain activity.
13. Endorphins are released under the influence of the product, and they are known to be hormones of happiness.
14. Thanks to procyanidins, the skin becomes younger, and the wound surface heals much more intensively.

Criterias of choice

The benefits of hot chocolate depend on the quality of the cocoa beans and the way the beverage is made:

1. Cocoa is produced in industrial production (fertilizers are used in growing). There is a kind of organic cocoa in which fertilizers are not used. But the highest quality species is “live” cocoa, when the fruits are harvested by hand.
2. Some dealers violate the technological chain of its production, resulting in a product losing most of its useful properties.
3. Naturalness is confirmed by a rich brown color. Fat in it should contain at least 15%. High-quality powder when rubbed does not leave lumps.

Prescription formulations

1. Melted chocolate is prepared as follows. Chocolate chips are used to form chips. It is placed in a water bath and milk is added in a 50:50 ratio. Adding spices and sugar is carried out in accordance with taste preferences.
2. Raw beans are soaked for a quarter of an hour. Then they should be grated with a grater or skipped through a coffee grinder. Preparing a mixture consisting of one quarter cup of cream and three quarters of milk. They put it on fire and dissolve chocolate chips in it. At the same time use the whisk.

Slimming
Diversify diet will help the use of this low-calorie product. Instead of sugar, a substitute is added to hot chocolate, and a low-fat product is used as milk.

Unloading monodiet
Once a week, exclusively melted chocolate and unsweetened coffee is used. On the day it is consumed 100 g, and coffee - three cups. Such fasting days help to lose those extra pounds.

Harm

It can be reduced to the following positions:

1. High concentration of purines can contribute to salt deposition.
2. With the use of hot chocolate, calcium is worse absorbed.
3. The product is considered a strong allergen.
4. Possible negative effects on the body of pesticides and fertilizers used in growing.
5. The product increases blood sugar, because diabetics are absolutely contraindicated.

Eating hot chocolate is beneficial for both health and mood. But you need to use only a quality product.

Video: how to make hot chocolate