Raw Cacao Hot Choc

I have a sweet tooth and whilst Im not the biggest fan of normal chocolate I do LOVE some dark choc….the more raw the chocolate the better for me.

Over winter a good hot drink of an evening all snug makes us fell better, but most conventional drinks are sugar ridden…so Ive done this

Raw Cacao Hot Choc:

1 Tbsp Raw cacao Powder

1 cup of dairy free milk (almond makes it creamy)

1 tsp Maca Powder

1 Tbsp Peanut butter (optional)

And here are the benefits:

• Raw Cacao (and this doesn’t include “cocoa” – they are totally different)
• If you find the taste of cacao too strong, add coconut milk, rice, or nut milk. Avoid dairy, as it will prevent antioxidant absorption
• Get Happy With Cacao : Some days you just need to find your bliss – cacao is one of the healthiest foods, you can consume. Cacao contains the mood improver, anandamide – known as the bliss molecule, which creates a feeling of euphoria.
• Balance Hormonal Mood Swings: Cacao boosts brain levels of serotonin, the feel good brain chemical. When women are experiencing PMS serotonin levels drop dramatically. The benefits of cacao are proven to boost the brain levels of calming hormones and restore feelings of well-being.
• Protect Your Heart and Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: Flavanols an anti-inflammatory and heart protective antioxidant found in raw cacao may protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of stroke, and help improve blood circulation.
• Create loads of energy and combat fatigue with one of the highest concentrations of magnesium found in this natural food source. Magnesium also helps to protect against osteoporosis, reduces type II diabetes, and lowers blood pressure
• Antioxidant  – 40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries
• Better digestion thanks to the fibre found in raw cacao, that stimulates the body’s digestive enzymes.
• Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron
• On a plant-based/vegan diet and looking for iron?  The search is over! Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at a whopping 7.3mg per 100g
•  A Natural Mood Elevator and Anti-Depressant
• Cacao is a great source of four scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, dopamine, anandamide and phenylethylamine.  These neurotransmitters are associated with cosy feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and can even alleviate depression.  A natural, healthy, delicious (and legal) way to get your happy buzz on.

• Maca Powder (or maca root)
• Maca Can Improve Your Mood
• Several studies have shown that maca can enhance your mood.
• It’s been associated with reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women
• * It May Boost Sports Performance and Energy Maca root powder is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.
• It has been claimed to help you gain muscle, increase strength, boost energy and improve exercise performance
• It May Help Relieve Symptoms of Menopause
• Menopause is defined as the time in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently.
• The natural decline in oestrogen that occurs during this time can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.
• It’s Highly Nutritious
  Maca is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids (20 different kinds — that’s just about all of them!), and antioxidants
• Balances Hormones
• For those struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or mood swings, maca may help alleviate these symptoms, though the evidence for this is anecdotal and its use shouldn’t replace professional treatment.
• Hormone balance is key to regulating sexual function, mood regulation, disease prevention, and much more. Maca’s ability to balance hormones is often credited to its stimulation of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. It may be the phytonutrients contained in maca that work to balance the endocrine system.
• Physical and mental energy Maca has been used as a remedy for ongoing fatigue. If you find yourself tired much of the time, experiment with maca to see if it helps. Just a small amount could be exactly what you need for a boost! An increase in mental energy and focus has been reported as well.