Chocolate is also good for our memory. In August 2013, a group of researchers of the Harvard Medical school of Medicine made a study with a group of 60 volunteers (73 years old). They were invited to drink daily two cups of hot chocolate during two months. Various test of memorization where administered to them. In addition to that, the blood flow in the brain was measured with ultrasounds during the tests. Those who had poor results in the memorization tests at the beginning improved their performances drinking hot chocolate.
The conclusion is that hot chocolate, rich in Flavanol, a natural compound present in the cocoa, may be good for brain health.
I add chilli powder to my hot choccy (errr... actually I add chilli to a lot of things these days).
As for coffee, I do a mini-percolation every morning. You know, I think the whole process of making my coffee wakes me up more than the coffee itself. When I worked as a barista, I'd start at 6am but never had a coffee for myself until 11am. On the rare occasion my manager let me make corretti - provided that the main workers got one as well!
Should we always think about what is healthy? Where is pleasure? I love chocolate and I can guarantee you it doesn’t cause overweight. I need coffee in the morning to keep me going. Water is my favorite beverage. I never mind drinking a glass of local red wine to accompany a good meal on special occasions.
I read that all this is good for my health. So I stopped feeling concerned by the obsession healthy food habits.