This hot (and delicious) drink has 5 times more antioxidants than tea

We love it warm as a snack, by the stove, in front of the TV, or after a day outside. In a study reported in Science DailyResearchers at Cornell University in New York have shown that this A staple winter drink contained More antioxidants than an equivalent amount of tea or red wine, two drinks known to be rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are incredible Protective agents for the body. They protect the cells of a premature aging, pollution, Stress…they participate in creating Lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in the blood, they help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, etc.). Cardiovascular diseases And no CancerThey protect the eyes from AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and cataracts.

“5 times more antioxidants than black tea”

To better understand how these drinks compare in terms of antioxidants, the researchers tested them using the same serving size. Their tests involved a cup of hot water Two tablespoons of pure unsweetened cocoa powder (roughly equivalent to the amount of cocoa in a regular size bag of instant hot chocolate), a cup of water containing a green tea bag, a cup of black tea and A glass of red wine (California Merlot). Coffee and cranberry juice (known to be high in antioxidants) have not been studied. Using special techniques, researchers showed that per serviceThe concentrations of antioxidants in hot chocolate were:

• 2 times More than red wine
• 2 to 3 times More than green tea
• 4 to 5 times More than black tea

“Although you can enjoy hot or cold cocoa, The heated version triggers the release of more antioxidants than the cold version“, explain the researchers. Hot chocolate can therefore no longer be a monster! It is also rich in iron, magnesium and potassium.

A cup or two every now and then

However, be careful not to overuse it. Hot chocolate (especially when it’s made with milk and not water) remains a drink Calories

, Fatty and sweet (Calculate approx 150 calories per cup, with 5 grams of fat and 20 grams of sugar). However, it can be part of a balanced diet in addition to other sources of antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables. In other words, we don’t drink it every day. But from time to time. “Although we know that antioxidants are important for good health, no one knows the exact daily amount that anyone needs. (….) although, A cup or two of hot chocolate now and then Can be a delicious, hearty and healthy way to get more antioxidants” says Chang Yong Lee, Ph.D., study leader and professor of food chemistry in the Department of Food Science and Food Science at Cornell Technology.

To get the healthiest possible option, researchers advise:

→ Replace cow’s milk with skimmed milk or plant-based drinks made from soy, almonds or oats

→ Do not add sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener (for example a teaspoon of honey, agave syrup or coconut sugar).

→ calculation 2 tablespoons of cocoa (about 20 g) for a 20 cl cup.

→ Choose cocoa powder Pure unsweetened (such as Van Houten or Monbana). Please note that the higher the cocoa content in chocolate powder, the less calories it contains.

→ You can sprinkle some cinnamon or vanilla seeds to taste it.

• American Chemical Society. “Hot cocoa tops red wine and tea in antioxidants; may be a healthier choice.” Science Daily. Science Daily, November 6, 2003