From happy childish squeals of delight during a snow storm to a cozy winter corner wrapped in the seductive lusciousness of sweet warmth, nothing touches the heart or belly like a cup of delicious hot chocolate. The food of the gods, according to ancient Mayans has recently taken center stage on the medical scene because of its amazing healing properties; making sacred chocolate one of the best loved, and most devoured superfoods on the planet. And because earth is the only place you can get chocolate, you may as well stay healthy and stick around to drink more.

1. The soulful, superfood that's good for you and deliciously sinful.
From happy childish squeals of delight during a snow storm to a cozy winter corner
wrapped in the seductive lusciousness of sweet warmth, nothing touches the heart or
belly like a cup of delicious hot chocolate. The food of the gods, according to ancient
Mayans has recently taken center stage on the medical scene because of its amazing

2. healing properties; making sacred chocolate one of the best loved, and most devoured
superfoods on the planet. And because earth is the only place you can get chocolate,
you may as well stay healthy and stick around to drink more.
Health benefits
If you're addicted to chocolate, it's because your body knows a good thing. The healthy
benefits from chocolate are derived from high levels of antioxidants that increase nitric
oxide levels in the blood vessels, enhancing circulation. Additionally, chocolate reduces
blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, protects the retina, enhances moods, stops
coughing, increases blood flow to the brain, prevents diabetes and protects skin against
UV damage. Bet you never knew eating chocolate and vegetables were both good for
you when you were a kid.
Unsweetened cocoa or Dutch processed?
Natural, unsweetened and Dutch processed cocoa are both tangy, and vaguely bitter
tasting; however, natural cocoa is slightly acidic. The acidity helps balance the body's pH
and retain the full impact of its health benefits. Dutch processed cocoa is treated with
an alkalizing agent to smooth the taste; removing the acidity. The process destroys
many of the flavanols, reducing its superfood powers.
The heavenly elixir
Originally, ancient Olmecs and Mayans made hot chocolate by mixing ground cocoa
beans with water, wine and chile pepper. Over time, sugar and milk became common
additions. Today, nations around the world have their special hot chocolate mixes and
you can take advantage of some of them for treating various health conditions.
Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to help clear chest congestion or an upset
stomach. A small piece of raw or candied ginger improves blood flow and circulation,
calming nausea. A dash of red wine helps the heart. Antitussive properties of honey
relieve a cough. Adding cinnamon and replacing sweetening with stevia helps control
blood sugar. A sprig of mint or basil relieves a case of acid reflux.

3. Vegan or not - The recipe
There are as many hot chocolate recipes as there are hot chocolate aficionados. Adjust
as you like for quantity and richness. This is a wonderful recipe for vegans or for those
who prefer real cream. Makes one serving.
In a 14-16 oz. mug add two well-rounded teaspoons of cocoa powder, preferably a
premium, unsweetened organic chocolate. Heat 12 oz. coconut milk. Remove from the
heat just before it starts boiling and pour a very small amount into the cup, stirring with
a spoon or whisk until the cocoa melts. Add the rest of the coconut milk, leaving room
for additional cream. Add a pinch of sea salt to the steaming mug, one cinnamon stick,
about half a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of raw vanilla powder, stevia to taste,
and organic or raw heavy cream, plain or whipped.
Coconut whipped cream may be substituted and is easy to make from a chilled can of
coconut cream. Or add marshmallows, nutmeg, or a tiny pinch of cayenne.
For a richer chocolate taste, substitute bittersweet, Mexican or white chocolate for
the cocoa powder. Between one and a half to two ounces of chocolate makes a
comparable cup of chocolatchaud.
Check the links below for various international hot chocolate recipes such as Belgian,
French, Aztec, Mexican, Italian and Jamaican. Each provides its own distinctive twist.