Who needs a reason?

I am always looking for ways to justify my indulgences and this time of year, hot chocolate is pretty high on that list.  If you need a reason (or five) to drink hot chocolate (other than the thermometer saying  -18°), check these out.  I especially like #4…I think I need to increase my consumption!

1.   According to the USDA cocoa powder is a good source of fiber and iron. Dark chocolate contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K.

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2.  According to the American Heart Association, those same antioxidants lower the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

​3.   According to a study done by Cornell University in 2013, cocoa has twice the antioxidants of red wine and three times as many as green tea (the higher the percentage of cacao the better).

​4.  A 2013 study in Neurology journal suggested that drinking two cups a day could help stave off Alzheimer’s.  A study published in Nature Neuroscience in 2014 cited evidence that cocoa consumption can increase cognitive function. 

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​        And finally, what women everywhere already knew,
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5.   Chocolate releases stress and makes us feel good.  Scientifically stated, chocolate contains serotonin and tryptophan and “releases certain neurotransmitters.”   But I think we’ve all done our own research and established this. 

For the whole article go to:
http://www.weather.com/health/news/hot-cocoa-health-benefits?_escaped_fragment_

          I got my favorite hot chocolate recipe when I was in college...it's instant, my kind of chocolate fix.          

                        Hot Chocolate Mix
​8 qt sized box powdered milk (10½ cups)
1 cup powdered coffee creamer 

​1 lb Nestle Quik (2½ cups)
½ cup powdered sugar 

               ​Mix together and store.  Use 3-4 tablespoons to a cup of hot water (more or less to taste).