I’m a total fanatic for any beverage that has functional benefits. And when that food just so happens to be chocolate, plus protein, and taste like Christmas in a cup – sign me up!
Sure you can buy healthier pre-made hot chocolate packets or even chocolate flavored electrolyte packets. But their ingredients never live up to the hype. Plus, can’t we agree it’s totally ridiculous to spend $3 on salt!
Enter my Functional Antioxidant Protein Hot Chocolate Recipe.
It’s one of my absolute favorite beverages after dinner for a quick sweet treat or mid-day when I crave an afternoon cup of coffee but know my adrenals don’t need it.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s discuss some of the reasons why each of these ingredients is so beneficial for you.
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Protein Hot Chocolate Benefits
1. Cocoa Powder
Cocoa is a true superfood. It is one of the top antioxidants in the world and has tons of research to back up it’s flavonoid benefits. Cocoa has been found to be neuro-protective and to also aid in brain performance. Specific to women’s health, flavonoids have been shown to possibly decrease risk of ovarian cancer through it’s beneficial effects on the hormone, estrogen. They do this through their potent phytoestrogen content that can block binding of more harmful estrogen to estrogen receptors. Outside of cocoa’s amazing health benefits, it is also such a great mood booster. When buying cocoa, look for brands that test for heavy metal content. I personally recommend the brand Wildly Organic.
2. Redmond’s unrefined salt
Redmond’s is a specific brand of salt that makes unrefined salt. This means that the salt isn’t put through a refining process that strips it of all of it’s trace minerals. So you get a more natural, well-balanced and mineral rich salt source. Celtic salt is another great option if you can’t find Redmond’s. So many people are so focused on drinking more water. More water doesn’t mean more hydration. You need salt to get that water to hydrate your cells. Many of the women we work with are actually drinking too much water and not enough minerals. This can lead to hormonal disruption as these minerals are essential for hormone production. The balance of water and salt also helps regulate adrenal hormones like cortisol. Cortisol plays a role in thyroid, estrogen and progesterone levels.
3. Collagen Peptides
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It’s involved in everything from our bone matrix to skin and hair health. Collagen is made up of three amino acids: proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. Glycine is one of my favorite amino acids. It’s great for helping rebuild the gut lining and can also help support relaxation and sleep. Collagen is not a complete protein source. Meaning, it’s lacking the amino acid, tryptophan. However, it does contribue a great deal of amino acids and for that reason I refer to it as a protein source. Research has shown that as much as 36% of collagen peptides can be used as protein substitution in the daily diet to meet amino acid needs.
Hopefully by now you’re convinced that this recipe is packed with all the functional goodness. Now for the tasty part…
Protein Hot Chocolate
Equipment
- Tea Kettle
- Coffee mug
- Electric hand held whisk
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp Redmond's Real Salt
- 1 packet collagen peptides
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/4 cup milk lite coconut milk or raw whole milk (optional but does add more creaminess)
Instructions
- Boil the filtered water in the tea kettle until hot.
- While boiling, add the milk, cocoa powder, salt and collagen to a coffee mug.
- Pour over the hot water once boiling.
- Whisk together carefully using the electric whisk.
- Enjoy!
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