A cup of hot cocoa has more antioxidants than a cup of tea or a glass of wine, according to Cornell University researchers.
They compared the antioxidant content of four different beverages--a cup of hot water containing two tablespoons of pure cocoa powder, a cup of water containing a standard size bag of green tea, a cup of black tea, a glass of California Merlot red wine.
The cocoa had an antioxidant concentration that was close to two times stronger than the red wine, two to three times stronger than the green tea and four to five times stronger than the black tea.
The researchers noted that drinking the cocoa hot might be the preferred way, as a hot cocoa beverage tends to release more antioxidants than a cold one.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry December 3, 2003
This doesn't mean that everyone should run out and get some Hershey's chocolate and think you are doing yourself some good. I reviewed the benefits of chocolate several weeks ago, and while it does appear that dark chocolate has antioxidant properties, which can actually help to protect the body from damaging oxidative stress, there are other factors to consider.
The researchers in this study used pure cocoa powder. If you want the same benefits you will have to use the relatively bitter, unsweetened cocoa powder. Once you add all the sugar to the drink, the balance of antioxidant protection is likely outweighed by the damage due to insulin abuse.
If this simple technique interests you, please check out my EFT Videos and DVDs for more in-depth information and instruction.
And lastly, one surefire way to indulge in a little chocolate that is good for you is to try our new energy bar - the Protein Bar. Specially formulated by myself and a team of nutritional experts, Protein Bar is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with a perfect balance of healthy fats, protein and fiber that will truly nourish your body rather than contribute to disease (like so many of the unhealthy bars on the market today do) ... Plus, it really tastes delicious!
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