Keto hot chocolate is a delicious beverage that contains ingredients that have the benefits of improving blood vessel function, metabolic health and cognitive ability, as well as decreasing anxiety and improving mood.
As its base is the cacao, it brings all the amazing benefits of this fruit within a practical drink mix.
Regulates the mood – One of the abundant substances in the fruit is tyramine, a precursor of tryptophan, which in turn is a precursor of serotonin, the “happiness hormone”.
Lowers blood pressure – Flavonoids, on the other hand, provide benefits for cardiovascular health, such as controlling blood pressure and reducing the effects of free radicals.
Fights high cholesterol – Again the flavonoids! This substance has an antiatherosclerotic function, which fights chronic inflammation of the inner layer of the arteries, by reducing the levels of bad cholesterol.
Improves insulin sensitivity – Epicatechin, which is part of the flavonoid class, strengthens insulin signaling by enhancing the effects of the hormone.
Increases alertness – Another component of cocoa, caffeine, acts as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing alertness.
Helps regulate the intestines – The polyphenols and flavonoids present in cocoa have pre- and probiotic properties, favoring the “good bacteria” present in the intestine.
Helps reduce inflammation – One of the biggest benefits of cocoa is its antioxidant function, which reduces cell damage caused by free radicals and inflammation.
Helps in weight control – Three benefits in one! Cocoa helps to decrease the absorption and synthesis of fats, as well as increase the feeling of satiety – an effect of insulin regulation.
Combats skin aging – The various antioxidant compounds in this fruit help keep the skin healthier, fighting skin aging.
Moisturizes the skin – Another benefit of cocoa for the skin is the high hydration potential. That’s because it contains a protective fat mass that provides softness, freshness and luminosity.
There are many variations of this product on the market. You will find some with no sugar added and yet with a rich milk chocolate flavor.
There are also variations that use fruits and molasses as natural sweeteners, as artificial sweeteners can be harmful to health. These can also be flavored with natural essences such as vanilla for example.
The powder version is efficient, dissolves easily and contains, overall, 1/3 the calories of the traditional version of this drink!
Ideally the powder is mixed in water or low-fat milk. It is also possible to mix it with vegetable milks, which you must choose according to your taste, because depending on the milk chosen, the final taste of the mixture may have a flavor impairment.
The drink can also be enjoyed cold, just blend it with ice water, low-fat or skimmed milk. You can add refreshing herbs like mint or orange zest to give it an interesting and authentic flavor.
For vegans, blends are harder to find as the vast majority of them contain animal milk. However, you can adapt and create your own recipe using your favorite milk free low carb bar and mixing it with the ingredients you have at home.
Keto hot chocolate bomb
This increasingly popular drink also has its super mix version. These are shakes that have several ingredients that promise various health benefits.
Adding some ingredients to the simple formula that this low-calorie drink presents, such as a complex of proteins and healthy fats, a mixture of probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes, low glycemic index, gluten-free, without sweeteners and artificial colors, you get a super shake.
This type of product is recommended as a supplement for people who practice sports in order to give energy, help in the increase and maintenance of muscle mass, and improve performance.
Keto hot chocolate mix
These drinks can also come in mixed versions with ingredients that help to you focus, relieve stress, and relax. These blends retain the qualities of cocoa, full of flavonoids, natural antioxidants to help fight free radicals.
They can be combined with mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, among others. Common Chinese medicine herbs can also be added to these mixtures, bringing various benefits such as relaxation, a feeling of satiety, focus, in addition to the nutrient levels that these ingredients present that work as supplements.
These mixtures can also be consumed as cold beverages. You can create a tasty and healthy drink to consume on hot summer days.
Remember that for vegans there are still not many options, however the mixture can be prepared at home, using your favorite type of bar and herbs, spices and other ingredients that can increase the nutritional potential of your drink.
The secret is to combine the ingredients in adequate amounts to maintain the cocoa flavor, adding other ingredients in minimal amounts until you get the right mixture that has a taste that pleases you.
Another factor to consider for anyone looking for a cocoa-based drink that can be drunk hot or cold is the social and environmental part of the process.
Manufacturers of this type of beverage generally show a concern with the impact generated on society and the environment when choosing the type of ingredients and where they buy the things that will compose the products.
This is a good factor that can be decisive in helping you choose your favorite delicious brand. In addition to the taste, it is necessary to understand what social and environmental impact is being generated.
Consumers are also responsible for demanding an appropriate attitude from the companies they buy from.
Many companies bring slogans that favor small organic producers, helping to promote local economy and encourage people who believe that food should be grown, sold and consumed in the most natural way possible, without pesticides and produced in naturally preserved soil.
So, by buying certain brands, you are helping to encourage conscious planting cultures. In addition to raising the flag against pesticides. The most popular brands bring information about the products they use and how their negotiations are carried out. Inform yourself and understand that what you eat does not only impact your health and your pocket, but it brings a side effect that impacts the whole society.
Keto hot chocolate is a trend that came to stay and companies are developing better and healthier products so you can have a delicious in practical drink to add to your diet.