The health benefits: are we helping or harming our body?
Pure cacao is high in antioxidants – containing even more than blueberries andacai – which are believed to protect cells from damage by free radicals. It’s also rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese, and contains flavonoids that are believed to have cancer-fighting properties and improve the functioning of blood vessels.
While the theobromine found in cacao is gently mood-enhancing, energy-boosting and relieves fatigue, the high quantity of sugar and dairy found in store-bought hot chocolate can cause crashes and run havoc with our hormones: did you know that a small hot chocolate from a high-street coffee shop can contain up to 20g of sugar?!
The dairy in processed hot chocolates and cocoas can also block the absorption of antioxidants, while the addition of artificial flavours, sweeteners and preservatives to ensure they taste better and last longer can result in a less than wholesome drink. Cheaper hot chocolate in particular often includes low-quality powdered milk and artificial sweeteners to standardise the flavour and ensure lower manufacturing costs.
Ethics and energy: what are we really drinking?
Cheap hot chocolate is often made with low quality cacao, which isn’tgood for cocoa farmers or consumers, whereas ethical brands like Ritual Cacao only source fair-trade and organically grown cacao that comes directly from indigenous communities in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon. Check out our blog on ethical chocolate if you’d like to dig deeper into the integrity of the chocolate in your cup and ensure you’re not inadvertently supporting unethical practices like child and slave labour...
Warming chocolate drinks are undoubtedly one of winter’s greatest pleasures, but if you’re drinking a highly processed hot chocolate, you simply aren’t reaping the same health benefits as you could be with cacao. Not only is cacao more satisfying and fulfilling, it’s also far better for you and the planet! This winter, why not treat yourself or someone you love to a gift of beautiful, ethical and health-enhancing cacao?
