Can Hot Cocoa Help Alleviate Cold Symptoms?
Hot cocoa is a classic comforting wintertime beverage that also offers potential therapeutic effects for sufferers of the common cold. Cocoa's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant ingredients may help ease unpleasant symptoms and support healing while its satisfying flavor and warmth provide a feel-good boost any time of year.
Cocoa Compound Fights Inflammation
Hot cocoa is made from rich cocoa powder which contains flavonols, an antioxidant plant compound from the flavonoid family. One particularly beneficial flavonol abundant in cocoa beans is epicatechin. Research indicates epicatechin helps fight inflammation underlying cold symptoms.
Vasodilation Opens Airways
Epicatechin and other cocoa flavonoids stimulate nitric oxide production which induces vasodilation, opening and expanding blood vessels. This effect helps clear nasal congestion and improve lung function for easier breathing.
Immune Support from Antioxidants
Cocoa flavonols also strengthen immune response. They protect cells from damage by unstable free radical molecules that increase during infection. Limiting oxidative stress enables the immune system to better focus efforts combatting cold viruses.
Maximizing Cocoa's Cold-Fighting Potential
To utilize the full benefits of cocoa's anti-inflammatory, immunity boosting power when sick, quality and preparation factors into harnessing its optimal phytonutrient content. Understanding how to retain this nutritive value translates into greater efficacy thwarting cold misery.
Choose Quality Ingredients
Not all cocoa products provide equivalent nutrition. Seek out antioxidant-rich extra dark chocolate or unsweetened pure cocoa for DIY hot cocoa. These less processed options contain more beneficial phytochemicals than sugary milk chocolate hot cocoa packets.
Mind Processing Methods
Dutch processed "Dutched" cocoa powder gets washed in potassium solutions that make it less bitter but also strip away phytonutrients. Natural or raw cocoa retains more nutrients so has greater therapeutic effects. If opting for Dutched cocoa, seek a high fat European style version.
Boost Nutrients With Add-Ins
Enhance hot cocoas bioactive elements by incorporating inflammation fighting spices like cinnamon and turmeric or immune boosting coconut oil and nuts. Pair with vitamin C-rich citrus fruits or honey to further capitalize on nutritional synergies that alleviate cold misery.
Hot Cocoa Options to Soothe Colds
Indulge cold symptoms with comforting, healing mugs of hot cocoa blended up in the following nutritious, satisfying styles for amplifying its medicinal effects while providing warmth and rich flavor.
Spiced Aztec Cocoa
Whip up zesty, sugar-free Mexican drinking chocolate amped with anti-inflammatory cayenne, cinnamon and nutrient-dense almond milk. Sweeten mildly with maple syrup and vanilla for a tangy immunizing gut-warmer.
Probiotic Power Cocoa
Get a dose of probiotics to bolster immunity along with antioxidants by blending cocoa powder into yogurt sweetened with chestnut honey and fortified with lavender, ginger and nutmeg for a soothing, restorative effect.
Nutty Orange Cocoa
Bump up beta carotenes, vitamin C and healthy fats by mixing cocoa with fresh orange juice and a spoonful of coconut oil then finish with a bit of sea salt. Top with pecan pieces for an immunity-focused flavorful folate boost.
Hot Cocoa Supports Cold Healing and Comfort
Sipping nutritious hot cocoa not only helps alleviate unpleasant symptoms making colds more bearable, its comforting familiarity also makes the healing process feel more manageable. Harness cocoas therapeutic power by crafting your own personalized mug suited to your palette.
Alleviate Aches and Pains
The anti-inflammatory effects of antioxidant-rich cocoa can help ease general body aches and sore throat pain associated with colds. Its warmth may also provide direct temporary relief to these uncomfortable symptoms.
Clear Stuffy Sinuses
Cocoas epicatechin content opens blood vessels, helping improve sinus congestion and stuffiness to breathe easier. Pairing cocoa with spicy cayenne, ginger and horseradish turmeric-infused honey maximizes this nasal decongestant effect.
Settle Upset Stomach
Hot liquids can help calm gastrointestinal upset from viral infections or side effects of cold medications. Cocoas warmth and smooth richness soothes stomach lining irritation too for less nauseousness and intestinal discomfort.
Indulging in hot cocoa not only harnesses science-backed therapeutic power to relieve cold misery but also channels nostalgic memories of being cared for when sick to provide comfort when you need it most.
FAQs
Is hot cocoa good for a cold?
Yes, hot cocoa contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help relieve cold symptoms like fever, general achiness, sore throat pain, and congestion.
What are the benefits of drinking cocoa?
Cocoa helps relieve inflammation, open airways, support immune function, boost energy, and promote good circulation and healthy blood pressure due to flavonols like epicatechin and other phytonutrients.
What to add to hot cocoa to boost benefits?
Try adding vitamin C-rich citrus, immunity boosters like ginger or turmeric, probiotic yogurt, high fat coconut milk and nuts like pecans to harness added antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components.
Can you drink hot cocoa with dairy if you have a cold?
It's best to avoid dairy milk for hot cocoa when sick to minimize thickened mucus. Instead opt for antioxidant-rich almond, coconut or oat milk for flavorful alternatives with therapeutic benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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