After a stressful day, there is nothing better than a hot cup of chocolate. Just thinking about the creamy, buttery chocolate texture can make anyone’s mouth water.
Have you ever wondered why?
Cocoa, the purest form of chocolate, is known to have a mood-enhancing or calming effect. Other health benefits include the ability to cope with stress.
Stress adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and Reishi mushroom can also increase resistance to stress. This decreases stress-related problems in our bodies.
Hot chocolate mixed with adaptogens can help you relax. This is how to make stress-busting hot chocolate.
Cocoa has many health benefits
The Mayans first planted cacao thousands of years ago. Cocoa was valued because of its aphrodisiac qualities. To increase their power and vitality, Mayans would consume the earliest hot chocolate.
Chocolate and cacao-based products are now considered sweet treats. These sweet treats are especially satisfying after a stressful and tiring day.
The Mayans had a great idea. Research has shown that cacao can improve mood and function.
Cocoa and Stress
Cocoa is complex food, containing many compounds. Flavonoids are a special type of polyphenols found in cocoa. Cocoa also contains methylxanthines, which include caffeine and theobromine, as well as biogenic amines like tryptophane and tyramine.
These compounds are responsible for the calming and stress-busting properties of cocoa. These interactions are explained by researchers using a ” mood Pyramid“.
Flavanols
Flavanols are found at the base of the pyramid. These plant compounds interact well with neurotransmitter systems like serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play an essential role in controlling our mood.
Flavanols are believed to increase cerebral blood flow . This can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Flavanols are also believed to improve cognitive function and protect brain cells from damage by free radicals.
Methylxanthines
The methylxanthines (specifically theobromine) and caffeine are next on the pyramid. They have a psychostimulatory effect on central nervous system.
Methylxanthines are able to help improve mood and increase vigilance. Chocolate has a different effect from coffee and tea because of the combination of caffeine and theobromine.
Studies have shown that methylxanthines also increase neural activity . This could protect against neurodegenerative disorders and age-related cognitive decline.
Biogenic Amines
Tyramine, Phenylethylamine and N-acylethanolamines are some of the biological amines found within cocoa. These are minor components of cocoa, in comparison to flavanols or methylxanthines. They are nevertheless deemed to have some health benefits.
Dopamine is activated by tyamine, which is a precursor. Phenylethylamine plays an important role in mood regulation. N-acylethanolamines, on the other hand, are linked to increasing our senses as well as the sensation of euphoria.
This is why hot chocolate makes us feel so good. It could also explain why we crave chocolate when stressed.
Orosensory Properties
The most important component of the mood pyramid for cacao is its orosensory components. Positive psychological states are created by the taste, smell, texture, and flavor of chocolate.
Adaptogens and Stress Relief
Adaptogens are a class of natural compounds that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The natural compounds known as adaptogens have a calming effect that can help us deal with stress.
Studies have shown that plant-based adaptogens can improve our body’s tolerance to stress. This can improve our physical endurance, normalize our metabolic functions, strengthen our immune defenses and protect us against chronic fatigue.
Reishi mushroom, Ashwagandha are two of the most effective adaptogens to stress and anxiety. These adaptogens also contain phytochemicals as well as other complex compounds.
Though researchers have not yet fully understood the exact mechanisms of adaptogens, they are believed to influence how the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) reacts to stress.
Adaptogens can also be linked to stress mediators like cholesterol, cortisol and hepatic enzymes.
Health Benefits Reishi mushroom, Ashwagandha and other stress-adaptogens are:
- Protection against Fatigue Chronic stress can cause overstimulation of the adrenal glands. Stress can cause us to feel tired and fatigued, and make us more likely to stress eat. Adaptogens can help the adrenal glands respond more effectively to stress. It helps to prevent oxidative damages.
- Enhancement in Sleep Quality Cortisol levels rise when we get up, but tend to drop by the time we go to bed at night. Stress can disrupt our cortisol circadian rhythm and make it difficult to fall asleep. Adaptogens can lower cortisol levels, which may allow for quality sleep.
- Immune Boost Stress can cause havoc in our immune system, increase our risk for psychological disorders and chronic diseases. Adaptogens can help reduce stress and free radical damage.
Hot Chocolate Recipe to Help Stress Relief
You now know the benefits of cocoa and its adaptogens for health. Now it’s time to learn how to make hot chocolate for stress relief.
This recipe includes Xendurance’s creamer & Adaptogens – a silky smooth powder filled with stress-busting substances.
KSM-66 Ashwagandha is included in the product, which can help with anxiety and stress-related food cravings . Organic Reishi is also included to calm the mind and increase your resistance against stress. This nutrient-dense formula also includes Coconut Powder and goMCT (r) Oil to optimize your overall health.
This is our favorite hot chocolate recipe for stress relief.
- 8.2 oz. of boiling or hot water in a mug
- Add 2 scoops Creamer & Adaptogens.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa powder. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
- To make a smooth, silky hot chocolate, stir or use a mixer.
- Enjoy!
Chocolate and other adaptogens can provide much-needed stress relief
Cocoa-based foods have been around for so many years that we don’t realize how helpful they can be in stress relief. Sugary chocolate treats should be enjoyed in moderation. Who says you shouldn’t have a cup of hot, creamy chocolate every now and again? Even on those days when you are feeling overwhelmed by stress.
Complex compounds in cocoa, such as flavanols, can help regulate our mood and improve our cognitive function. This can be a problem when we are stressed. Research also shows that cocoa may help lower our risk of developing chronic diseases.
Adding adaptogens will give your body the best chance to fight stress-related illnesses. Reishi mushroom, Ashwagandha, and other adaptogens can help protect your body from fatigue, improve sleep quality, and increase immunity.
These two ingredients make an adaptogen hot cocoa recipe you can use when you feel stressed or need a quick boost. This is a treat that you will surely love!
