Are you looking for a delicious and healthy hot cocoa recipe to help balance your hormones? Look no further! This hot cocoa recipe is perfect for those seeking a healthy way to enjoy their favorite winter treat while simultaneously giving their body the nourishment it needs. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but its ingredients are packed full of natural goodness that will benefit your hormones. So grab your favorite mug and get ready to enjoy a warm cup of hormone-balancing hot cocoa.
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The Benefits of Hormone-Balancing Foods
Hormone-balancing foods can help the body maintain a healthy equilibrium. From eating the right proteins to selecting foods high in vitamins and minerals, hormone balancing can help your body’s systems work together efficiently. Eating a diet that incorporates hormone-balancing foods can help reduce symptoms of fatigue, bloating, depression, and more.
You don’t have to miss out on some of your favorite treats either. Healthy hot cocoa is a delicious way to incorporate some of these hormone-balancing foods into your diet. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, homemade hot cocoa is a great way to indulge while promoting health and well-being. In fact, studies have shown that certain ingredients in hot cocoa can actually be beneficial for hormonal balance.
The Key Ingredients in this Hot Cocoa Recipe
For a healthy and hormone-balancing hot cocoa recipe, the key ingredients include raw organic cacao powder, almond milk (or another milk of your choice, I like oat milk, too!), cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Cacao is an incredible superfood known for its high concentrations of antioxidants and magnesium content. Homemade hot cocoa made with almond milk is a great source of calcium, which helps to keep bones strong and can also support healthy hormones. Cinnamon is believed to reduce inflammation, aid in digestion, and even help with weight loss. Ginger has long been used to reduce nausea, boost immunity, and improve blood circulation. Turmeric is considered one of the healthiest spices on the planet with many potential benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving cognitive function. All of these ingredients combine to make a deliciously creamy and healthy hot cocoa!
What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?
Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are often used interchangeably, but they do have subtle differences. Hot cocoa is typically made with cocoa powder, milk, and a sweetener like sugar or honey. The combination of ingredients results in a lighter drink that has a stronger cocoa flavor and fewer calories than hot chocolate. On the other hand, hot chocolate is usually made with melted chocolate, milk, and a sweetener. It’s thicker, creamier, and has a richer flavor, but more calories.
Both hot chocolate and hot cocoa are delicious treats, especially when served with homemade marshmallows… or my personal favorite, homemade whipped topping or cold foam!
While it may seem daunting, making your own healthy hot cocoa at home is actually easy to do and can be much healthier than store-bought hot chocolate mixes. All you need is quality cocoa powder — or organic cacao powder for an even healthier boost, milk of your choice, a sweetener of your choice, and additions like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric for added nutrition and flavor. Enjoy your homemade hot cocoa for a warm, comforting drink that’s good for your body too!
Is hot cocoa unhealthy?
Hot cocoa can actually be healthy if made correctly. In fact, the right ingredients and the right recipe can create a hormone-balancing, nutritious drink that is not only delicious but good for your body as well. Homemade hot cocoa with natural, nutritious ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric can offer an array of health benefits.
When consumed in moderation, healthy hot cocoa can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, reduce stress, and even improve mental clarity. The key is to use quality ingredients and avoid artificial sweeteners and unhealthy additives. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar can help create a delicious cup of hot cocoa without any of the processed sugar or artificial sweeteners.
In addition, adding a few drops of peppermint extract to your homemade hot cocoa can help you get all the flavor you want while still avoiding unhealthy artificial ingredients. Another great option is to use dark chocolate or organic cacao powder instead of regular cocoa powder, as dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and can provide an extra kick of nutrition.
By taking the time to create a healthy hot cocoa recipe with natural ingredients that are good for your body and hormones, you can still enjoy the occasional cup of hot cocoa without compromising your health.
Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great ingredient to add to your healthy hot cocoa for a number of reasons. Not only does it add a pleasant flavor, but it also offers a variety of health benefits. Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. It can also help reduce inflammation, improve blood sugar levels, and even lower cholesterol. And if you’re looking to make your homemade hot cocoa extra special, cinnamon can give it a unique flavor profile. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of your finished cup of hot cocoa for an added kick!
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is an incredibly powerful spice, with numerous health benefits. It is a key ingredient in many Indian dishes, and is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding turmeric to your healthy hot cocoa is a great way to increase its health benefits.
Turmeric contains high levels of curcumin, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage throughout the body. It has been linked to helping reduce cholesterol levels and improving cardiovascular health. Additionally, turmeric has been studied for its potential role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. It also has anti-aging properties, making it beneficial for those looking to preserve their youthful skin and overall health.
When adding turmeric to homemade hot cocoa, be sure to use freshly ground turmeric for best results. This will ensure that you’re getting the full benefit of this amazing spice. Turmeric also pairs well with other spices like cinnamon and ginger, which are also beneficial for hormone balance. Enjoy a cup of creamy, healthy hot cocoa filled with all these amazing ingredients!
Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is a powerful superfood that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. In addition to its many health benefits, ginger is also an excellent addition to homemade healthy hot cocoa. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and can even help ease nausea and digestive problems. Adding some high-quality ginger (spice) or freshly grated ginger to your homemade hot cocoa will not only add a delightful flavor but also give you a nutritional boost.
A Few More Additions for the Perfect Cup of Creamy Hot Cocoa
The best way to make a healthy homemade hot cocoa is to add some additional ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious. Adding collagen to your hot cocoa is a great way to get an extra protein boost.
Collagen helps support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut health. Maple syrup can be added for some natural sweetness while still keeping the sugar content low. Almond milk or oat milk can be used to create a creamy and rich consistency without having to use heavy cream or whole milk. These additions are sure to make your hot cocoa not just taste, but feel, even better!
If you are looking for an abridged history of hot chocolate and how
it has changed over the years check out one of these articles
from The Spruce Eats or this article from Where Y’at
A Hormone-Balancing Hot Cocoa Recipe for a Healthy Body
Hormones are important for overall health, so why not take advantage of all the health benefits that come with hormone balancing but without sacrificing something warm, creamy, and delicious to drink?
To make this hormone-balancing version of hot cocoa, you will need:
1 cup milk of choice (I used oat milk)
1/4 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 serving collagen
Dash of ginger + cinnamon + turmeric
If feeling extra spicy, add 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
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Cinnamon is great for controlling blood sugar levels, and turmeric can help reduce inflammation in the body. Meanwhile, ginger has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels and improve digestion. These three spices are essential for creating a healthier hot cocoa recipe.
Now for the fun part! Place all of the ingredients into a frother (that also heats the milk) and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can add your ingredients to a small pot on the stove. If you’d like an even creamier texture, add a tablespoon of almond butter or coconut cream, though this is optional and I don’t think it needs it. Pour the hot cocoa into a mug and enjoy!
Of course, feel free to add toppings, too!
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Making this hormone-balancing hot cocoa is easy, nutritious, and delicious! Not only is it packed with antioxidants and other health-boosting ingredients, but it’s also a great way to indulge in a comforting cup of warm goodness without sacrificing your health. So go ahead and treat yourself to this healthy hot cocoa recipe – your body will thank you!
Here are a few more easy and healthy recipe options to start your day off right Homemade Granola and Smoothie Bowl.
Hormone-Balancing Hot Cocoa Recipe
While sometimes I like to indulge for the indulgence of it, I’ve also been on a path of gut and hormone health, which means making choices that better serve me. This HOT COCOA is SO good, SO creamy and full of rich, delicious chocolate flavor, but what’s even better is that it’s chocked full of tons of benefits, too. It’s one I wouldn’t feel bad enjoying every day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond milk, oat milk or organic milk)
- 1/4 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 1 serving collagen
- Dash of ginger
- Dash of cinnamon
- Dash of turmeric
- If feeling extra spicy, add 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
Add ingredients to a milk frother (that also heats the milk), turn it on, and let it work its magic. Otherwise, add all ingredients to a small pot on the stove and mix well while cooking over medium heat. Once ingredients are mixed and hot, pour into a mug to serve.
Top with salted caramel foam, whipped cream, or marshmallows, and enjoy!
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