Do you love coffee as much as hot chocolate? Have you ever thought of combining the two? While it may sound surprising, mixing the two is a health hack recommended by researchers to boost energy and improve mood. According to Health Press, this specific combination involves adding a bit of cocoa powder to your coffee, creating a beverage that’s even richer in health benefits. Added to coffee, this ingredient reportedly helps mitigate the anxiety and nervousness spikes caused by caffeine. It also softens the strong flavor of coffee for those who aren’t big fans.
So why is this cocoa-coffee combo so beneficial?
While many studies have shown that caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system, making us feel more alert, others have also proven that cocoa contains a significant amount of flavonoids. These natural antioxidant molecules increase blood flow to the brain, thereby enhancing oxygen supply. In addition, it contains theobromine, a chemical compound similar to caffeine, known for its positive effects on mood and attention. Therefore, the caffeine-cocoa combination naturally enhances concentration and reduces the negative effects of caffeine such as anxiety.
In one study, participants divided into groups consumed various hot drinks – some with cocoa, some with caffeine, and others with a mix of both. The findings? Those who drank either cocoa alone or the caffeine-cocoa combo had quicker response times in a mental focus test. So, a warm welcome to mocha coffee lovers!
