Hot chocolate (also known as hot cocoa or just cocoa) is a heated beverage typically consisting of shaved chocolate, melted chocolate buds or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. Hot chocolate often contains high levels of calories, saturated fat, and sugars and is therefore not a drink that should be consumed to excess. A study conducted by Cornell University found that one glass of hot chocolate contains more than 1 gram of antioxidants.
The first chocolate beverage is believed to have been created by the Mayan peoples around 2000 years ago, and a cocoa beverage was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD. The beverage became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico in the New World, and has undergone multiple changes since then.
Today, hot chocolate in the form of drinking chocolate or cocoa is considered a comfort food and is widely consumed in many parts of the world.
While hot chocolate is generally consumed for pleasure, there are several potential health benefits associated with drinking hot chocolate. Studies have shown that hot chocolate contains large amounts of antioxidants that may be beneficial to one’s health. From the 16th to 19th centuries, hot chocolate was valued as a medicine as well as a drink. The explorer Francisco Hernández wrote that chocolate beverages helped treat fever and liver disease. Another explorer, Santiago de Valverde Turices, believed that large amounts of hot chocolate was helpful in treating chest ailments, but in smaller amounts could help stomach disorders.
On the other hand, several negative effects can be attributed to drinking hot chocolate. Hot chocolate contains high amounts of calories, saturated fat, and sugar. Caffeine found in the cocoa solids in hot chocolate may also have negative effects on health.
You can find authentic Hispanic Hot Chocolate on many Hispanic Restaurants in Los Angeles.
