Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Chocolate

There are several health benefits of hot chocolate. (Photo via Pexels/Brigitte Tohm)
There are several health benefits of hot chocolate. (Photo via Pexels/Brigitte Tohm)

The benefits of hot chocolate are numerous. From reducing cholesterol and lowering blood sugar to preventing inflammation and promoting better blood flow, the benefits typically lie in the powers of the cocoa bean, which is the main ingredient of this much-loved winter drink.

Hot chocolate is a soothing and delicious winter beverage. It has been around for centuries and is famous for its healing properties all around the world. Raw cocoa beans have loads of antioxidants and other essential properties that directly benefit health and offer some amazing benefits you must know about.


Amazing health benefits of hot chocolate

Although it contains sugar, hot chocolate has some amazing benefits that are worth knowing about:

#1 Promotes heart health

Hot chocolate promotes heart health. (Photo via Pexels/Isaiah Quindo)
Hot chocolate promotes heart health. (Photo via Pexels/Isaiah Quindo)

Promoting heart health is one of the known health benefits of hot chocolate. Studies suggest that hot chocolate has more antioxidants than tea, which has been found to decrease LDL (bad cholesterol) while also reducing chances of rupture and plaque.

Cocoa contains antioxidants like flavanols and phytosterols that help reduce cholesterol levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and risk of heart disease, inflammation, and heart attacks.

#2 Cocoa has essential nutrients

Cocoa powder contains iron and fiber and is also a good source of magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin A, and phosphorous.

#3 Boosts brain health

Health benefits of hot chocolate include boosting brain power and health. Studies have shown that hot chocolate promotes brain power and improves memory too.

The antioxidant flavanols in cocoa enhances the brain’s oxygen level, increasing the brain’s metabolism. The increased level of oxygen, in turn, activates the neurons and also reduces symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

#4 Aids in weight loss

A cup of hot chocolate aids in weight loss. (Photo via Pexels/SHVETS production)
A cup of hot chocolate aids in weight loss. (Photo via Pexels/SHVETS production)

Aiding weight loss is also among some potential benefits of hot chocolate. Yes, you heard that right.

Studies suggest that hot cocoa promotes a healthier life by amping up weight loss, but only if you consume it with a higher proportion of cocoa. A cup of steaming hot chocolate fills the stomach for a longer duration, eliminating unhealthy snacking.

#5 Prevents diabetes

Studies have found that hot chocolate may excite insulin and help reduce chances of diabetes.

Another major ingredient of hot chocolate is milk, which is loaded with calcium. Studies suggest that an increase in calcium intake can reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.

#6 Improves mood

The amazing health benefits of hot chocolate include improving mood. Studies have shown that sipping on a cup of hot chocolate can improve mood, make you happy, and also reduce symptoms of depression. That's due to flavanols in cocoa.

#7 Helps reduce cough

Hot chocolate can reduce coughing. (Photo via Pexels/cottonbro studio)
Hot chocolate can reduce coughing. (Photo via Pexels/cottonbro studio)

Researchers have found that cocoa has an alkaloid, theobromine, which can reduce coughing more effectively than other options like codeine. The next time you get a severe cough, make a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy – you will feel much better.


So, now that you know about some amazing benefits of hot chocolate, what are you waiting for? Just make yourself a cup, and enjoy your me time. Sipping on a cup of hot chocolate is a calming and satisfying activity, but remember that moderation is key.

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Edited by Ruby Khanna
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