Cocoa with Orange Essential Oil for Colds, Moodiness, Energy

 By Cal Orey

Hot chocolate is thought of as a longtime, popular drink for pleasure—and for all ages. Medical researchers are discovering that hot chocolate boasts good health and well-being, thanks to the disease-fighting antioxidants in the cocoa.

One day after swimming at our local pool I frequent, I treated myself to hot chocolate. I ordered a cup of what I thought would contain milk—but was surprised that it was a European type with water and a thick texture. I can’t say I didn’t like it, but I can say it was different, and as an American I was surprised.

Sure, cocoa and dark chocolate, from bars to chips, contain health-promoting nutrients, including flavonoids, powerful disease fighters that may help to fight seasonal allergies and viruses. But chocolate’s mood enhancers are the good stuff.

Think caffeine: This ingredient has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and provides both a boost of mental and physical energy. Its PEA, a brain chemical can increase the feelings of excitement. It has been called the “love drug” because it can mimic feelings of falling in love. But chocolate can do so much more.

Chocolate Healing Secrets

COLDS: Suffering from a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough? You may have a common cold. Drink plenty of fluids, wash your hands, eat right, and treat yourself to chocolate. Chocolate Rx: Eat two dark chocolate truffles infused with immunity-enhancing green tea. Flavonoids, which both chocolate and tea contains, have antiviral and antibacterial activity. Pair the truffles with a cup of black or herbal tea for a double dose of antioxidants.

MOODINESS:  Both men and women can fall victim to mood swings, which can be caused by daily stressors to out of whack hormones. Chocolate Rx:  Try eating a small dark chocolate muffin or biscotti. The serotonin (a brain chemical that can make you feel happier) may help lift your spirits so you’ll not be such a crab.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER: Forget the hormonal thing—it may be a seasonal hang-up called SAD. It’s February, and you find yourself with unwanted winter body fat, and fed up with the short days, colder nights. Chocolate Rx: Try a cup of hot cocoa. I recommend the dark 70 percent cocoa content. It’s not the cure-all for SAD, but the feel-good mood boosters can help you become energized again. Plus, it won’t pack on tons of calories yet will satisfy your sweet cravings.

            Speaking of cocoa, this recipe is inspired by hosting a chocolate webinar this week. While brushing up on the healing powers of chocolate I caved. Here is my version of homemade hot chocolate with a Mediterranean twist.

Hot Chocolate

3/4 cup organic low-fat chocolate milk

½ cup organic half-and-half

¼ cup chocolate chips, melted (use dark 70% cocoa content)

Marshmallows or real whipped cream

1 drop food grade orange essential oil 
Cinnamon sticks (optional)

In a saucepan, heat milk and half-and-half. Do not boil. Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips in the microwave (watch closely so they don’t burn) and stir into milk mixture. You can also drop chips into the milk mixture in the pan, stir until melted. Both methods do the double chocolate trick. Add a toothpick drop of orange food grade essential oil. Pour hot cocoa into mug. Top with marshmallows for the Tahoe snowish thrill of it.  Serves 1. For more flavor, add a peppermint or cinnamon stick. Or you can grate chocolate chips for shavings. 

I admit countless nights I have poured organic chocolate milk into a large mug and nuked it for quickie hot chocolate. The thing is, when you put more TLC into a cup of cocoa, whether it's this version or adding real cocoa powder and milk with quality chocolate chips, essential oil--and kid-nostalgic marshmallows--wow. It is a cup of flavorful comfort in every sip of hot cocoa.  –Adapted from The Healing Powers of Chocolate by Cal Orey

Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices ) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is www.calorey.com . 

* The Healing Powers of Chocolate 1.99 and Essential Oils 2.99 SALE for autumn.