ADAPTOGENIC HOT CHOCOLATE
I occasionally find myself in need of a little comfort drink around mid-morning or mid-afternoon, but I have been trying not to rely on caffeine. What has that left me with? Sometimes I go for turmeric latte, but I really crave variety, so I thought why not trying hot chocolate?
Being a nutritionist, I like to find ways to incorporate as many nutrients as possible in every single meal and snack, hence I decided to add some extra bits to the classic recipe. The first special ingredient is maca root powder (also known as Peruvian ginseng). It has many health benefits, particularly around hormonal health, with some scientific studies showing promising results for increasing libido, relieving certain menopausal symptoms and improve sperm quantity. Maca root also might help with energy production and low mood, however we need more research to confirm these findings. The second ingredient is ashwagandha, an herb that has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries to improve energy, concentration and as an adaptogen, which means that can help the body adapt to stress. The final result is a comforting, delicious and balancing concoction.
Preparing this recipe daily from scratch can be time consuming, so I advise to make a bigger batch of the dry ingredients that you can store in an airtight container. In this way is ready to go, just add your hot liquid of choice and enjoy!
Serve: 1
Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: easy
INGREDIENTS
-1 tbsp cacao powder (choose raw and organic if you can)
-1/2 tsp ashwagandha powder
-1 tsp maca root powder
-1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
-1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
-300ml milk or plant-based milk of your choice
METHOD
1.Mix all the powders together in a mug, add few drops of water and mix well, creating a smooth paste.
2.Heat the milk of your choice. When ready, add it gradually in the mug, mixing well with the paste.
3.Add honey or maple syrup (optional) and stir thoroughly. Sprinkle some cinnamon powder and drink immediately.
IMPORTANT NOTE: while ashwagandha is generally safe and well tolerated, some individual should avoid it. This is particularly true during pregnancy, if you have certain medical conditions or if you are taking specific medications. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before using ashwagandha.
