You’re probably familiar with the health benefits gained from dark chocolate but did you know that hot chocolate is just as good? Here’s a run down of the good things you can derive from drinking a cup of hot chocolate….
1. According to a study conducted at Cornell University, the antioxidant concentration in hot cocoa is almost twice as strong as red wine. Cocoa’s concentration was two to three times stronger than that of green tea and four to five times stronger than that of black tea.
2. It was also concluded that the “hot” in “hot chocolate” is important as well. More antioxidants are released when it’s heated up.
3. A cup of hot cocoa contains the antioxidant gallic acid which is used to treat internal hemorrhages, albuminuria (the presence of albumin in the urine, which can indicate kidney disease) and diabetes.
4. Although a regular bar of chocolate has strong antioxidant activity, the health benefits may be outweighed because of the saturated fats present — cocoa generally has much less fat per serving compared to the 8 grams of fat in a standard chocolate bar.
5. The flavonoids help your body process nitric oxide, which is why hot cocoa can improve blood flow, help lower your blood pressure and improve heart health.
6. The flavonoids in hot chocolate also help prevent platelets in your blood from mingling together and forming clots.
7. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, drinking hot chocolate can help you think better too. The flavonoids increase the blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Since dementia is caused by a reduced flow of blood to the brain, researchers think it could be treated with cocoa.
Be aware though that commercial instant hot cocoa mixes are often more of an artificial monstrosity that may eradicate any good the cocoa may have to offer. One of the most popular mixes, for example, lists cocoa fifth on the list of ingredients, beneath the higher-level ingredients of sugar, corn syrup and a medley of vegetable oils. Therefore, always ensure you buy a good quality, fair-trade organic cocoa brand such as Green & Blacks or Natura from a specialist health store.
An excellent detox tip for Green Cyprus friends! Make sure your parsley or coriander is organic to ensure that you are not consuming more toxins….jpeg)
Cinnamon has a long history of being used to treat things such as colds, indigestion and cramps and is also believed to improve energy, vitality and circulation. The following is a list of health benefits associated with this spice that studies have suggested:
Himalayan crystal salt is far superior to traditional iodized salt. It is millions of years old and pure, untouched by many of the toxins and pollutants present in other forms of table salt and sea salt. Himalayan salt contains the same 84 natural minerals and elements found in the human body. This form of salt has also been maturing over the past 250 million years under intense tectonic pressure, creating an environment of zero exposure to toxins and impurities. Its minerals exist in a colloidal form, meaning that they are tiny enough for our cells to easily absorb. 
Agave is a natural sweetener similar to honey and derived from the plant that is used in making tequila. It can be used to sweeten both food and drink. With the dangers to your health presented by too much sugar consumption, it makes sense to eliminate processed sugar from your diet and if you need a sweetener, opt for Agave instead.
Did you know that Matcha Green Tea has:
Organic chocolate is extremely versatile. It’s a snack, a sweet or a beverage. Commercial chocolate is derived from the theobroma cacao tree. The cacao pods are carefully processed through fermentation, drying, conching (agitation), roasting, and tempering (heating) to produce what we know as cocoa.
You many know that taking a few drops of vinegar with or before a meal has been proved to help you lose weight by helping to kill the hunger pangs that make you feel hungry even when you’ve just eaten. Cider vinegar is rich i