Hot Cocoa with Adaptogens and Medicinal Mushrooms | Healthy Hot Cocoa | Raw Cacao | Sweetened with Coconut Sugar

My hot cacao-coa mix is a good-for-you alternative to common supermarket cocoa mixes containing artificial flavoring and sweeteners.

Not only does my mix contain superfood raw cacao, but I’ve also slipped in a few adaptogens as well- and you can’t even taste them!

Adaptogens are an extremely gentle and safe class of plants and fungi that, when taken regularly, can help protect the body from the negative effects of stress.

This mix also contains medicinal mushrooms! Keep reading for beneficial information.

This cocoa mix is perfect simmered in your favorite milk or milk substitute, but it’s also a welcome addition to your morning cup of coffee, or even a chai tea mix as well!

Suggested serving size: 1 tablespoon

Directions: on medium-low (a 2 or 3), simmer cocoa mix in milk of choice for 5-20 minutes. I know 20 minutes seems excessive, but if you have the time it just allows extra goodies to be pulled out of the mix :) there’s no harm in doing it for less if you don’t have the time.

10 servings per pack.

This batch is sweetened with coconut sugar, which is a more sustainable natural sweetener option. Does not taste at all like coconut, tastes like brown sugar!

Raw Cacao: Raw cacao is dang full of antioxidants- 40x the amount of blueberries! Plus it contains magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese and iron. In fact it is the highest plant-based source of iron containing 7.3mg of iron per 100 grams, compared to beef which is 2.5mg. Cacao is a great source of four scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters are associated with feelings of wellbeing & happiness.

Let’s get this bliss!

Dutch Cocoa: Dutch cocoa is a processing... process?...Of... processing... cacao. There’s not much here by way of nutrition value as the processing eliminates most of the antioxidants, but Dutch cocoa is significantly less bitter and i find it is the perfect accompaniment in this mix to balance it out and give it that delicious chocolatey flavor.

Roasted Carob: naturally sweet, low in fat and high in fiber. Contains calcium (but no oxalates) as well as iron, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin and niacin. Studies have proven its ability to lower bad cholesterol.

Vanilla: Vanilla is not just a flavor, it’s also good for you! It is rich in antioxidants, it is antibacterial and can reduce bad cholesterol. It can aid in digestion, help with anxiety and soothe respiratory infections. It is also anti-inflammatory and can help ease symptoms of arthritis, gout and other inflammatory conditions.

Maca: Maca root is an adaptogen with a nutty, butterscotch taste and is favored for its sensual qualities- something that drew me to it as the perfect companion to this decadent cocoa mix. Regular consumption of maca has shown to increase energy, boost libido, support fertility, boost your mood, reduce blood pressure and improve memory.

Maca contains significant levels of iron and iodine, as well as potassium, calcium, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Ashwagandha: another adaptogen but this time with a wonderful affinity for stress management. In Sanskrit, Ashwagandha means “strength of the horse”. It can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth. Studies have shown a reduction of cortisol up to 30% when taking high doses of ashwagandha.

Astragalus: Astragalus is an adaptogen that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, with many uses but an affinity for the immune system and matters of the respiratory system, and alleviating allergies and colds.

7 Medicinal Mushroom Mix- Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Cordyceps, Chaga, Maitake, Lion’s Mane, Reishi: The positive benefits of medicinal mushrooms are seemingly endless, and since i don’t have the time or space to completely unpack it here I sincerely encourage you to dive down this google rabbit hole!

Mushrooms ward off viruses, bacterial infections and fungal overgrowth such as candida. Animals evolved alongside fungus, and the constituents present help regulate our immune systems.

Mushrooms have shown to be anti cancer and anti tumor, immune boosting, stimulate growth of new neural pathways in the brain, increase energy and stamina, prevent anxiety and depression, regulate blood sugar, support the heart and cardiovascular system, bring more oxygen to cells, organ support and more!

Ceylon Cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon is the “healthy” cinnamon. Ceylon Cinnamon has several health benefits while all other types contain high levels of coumarin which can cause liver damage (potentially severe).

Ceylon cinnamon can assist in diabetes health, is full of antioxidants and may prevent or treat certain types of cancer. Can help manage blood pressure, prevent Alzheimer’s and more.

I hope you’re excited as i am that you can have a decadent, chocolatey treat while at the same time providing your sweet bod with so many incredible goodies.

****These statements have not been approved by the FDA and have been shared as informative only and are not meant to treat, diagnose or cure any conditions. If you are pregnant or nursing please consult your doctor before using any new herbal products.****