Herbalism @ Home - Cocoa
Chilled Cocoa Refresher-The Benefits of Cocoa
What are the benefits of Cocoa?
First things first, it is important to point out when I say cocoa I do not mean the sweet milk chocolate found in most favorite candies but dark chocolate. The higher percentage of cocoa the more benefits it can hold. Now that doesn't mean go buy the highest percentage possible, the bitterness of dark chocolate is not adored by everyone and that is okay. Adding even the smallest amount into your diet is a step in the right direction. Besides of course allergies! Besides producing endorphins when consumed, cocoa can improve blood flow, lower higher blood pressure, and help prevent blood clots. When it comes to the brain it can help with cognitive function-alertness, memory, and attention span.
The Holistic Approach
As in every piece I write, I address that the foundation of herbalism and using herbs and natural practices to heal is founded on the holistic approach, which essentially just means to heal a person one has to look at the whole person rather than just the ailment. So take a person with a fever, they have chills, tired, and are weak. A herbalist would recommend a small regiment of herbs curated for that individual rather than a generic “this fixes a fever in everyone”. No two people are exactly alike and to treat as such is leaving room for error and can harm other aspects of that person.
How can you enjoy the benefits of Cocoa? And what type of Cocoa has these benefits?
Besides consuming plain chocolate with cocoa in it (make sure it is dark chocolate with a percentage of cocoa you are comfortable with) a refreshing drink I enjoy without the guilt of eating a mountain of chocolate is a chilled cocoa refresher.
Ingredients
1/4 cup 100% Cocoa Powder (16 Grams)
1 A teaspoon of cinnamon powder
2 tablespoons of coconut oil or butter
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
1 tablespoon of honey (or to taste)
Instructions
Put 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan and then turn the heat to high. When the water is hot (NOT BOILING), whisk in the cocoa powder and cinnamon.
When fully mixed, remove from the heat, then add the butter or coconut oil, vanilla extract, and honey. Stir to combine and all ingredients are melted.
Let the mixture cool for 3-5 minutes
Pour the liquid into a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds
Pour over a cup of ice and enjoy