Hot Chocolate Drink is Healthier than Chocolate Candy
“In relation to heart health, drinking hot chocolate is as good as a glass of wine, which is reducing the risk of heart attack,” said Lona Sandon, a diet expert at the University of Texas, according to HealthNewsDigest.
Chocolate powder, especially the ones processed from dark chocolate has the highest flavanol content than any other form of chocolate. Flavanol compound is one which has the effect of protecting the heart from damage.
Other content of pure cocoa powder is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, especially cells making the blood vessels leading to the heart. Healthy blood vessels will ensure smooth blood flow and is not easily clogged.
According to Sandon, various benefits will be reduced when the chocolate cocoa powder is processed into chocolate candy bars. The addition of sugar, milk and butter add calories, which indirectly is hazardous for the heart.
High calories can trigger obesity in people who rarely exercise. For people with diabetes, increased blood sugar due to excess calories can not be tolerated by the production of insulin that could endanger their health.
In addition, the structure of fat in milk and butter used in chocolate candy and chocolate bars can also be changed during processing so it becomes bad fats. The bad fats in the blood clot easily, and can lead to blockages and heart attacks.
