Is starting your day with coffee healthy, or is it a habit best unlearned? What about alternative that is gaining popularity: drinking a cocoa mix? And no, that's not the same as drinking chocolate milk (though it's just as tasty).
We juxtapose the pros and cons of both drinks and explain why swapping that cup of coffee for cocoa once in a while isn't such a crazy idea.
Is coffee healthy?
Fresh, organic coffee contains many good substances, so it can be quite healthy. For example, it is known for its high content of antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid. These substances can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, giving coffee a protective effect on health.
In addition, coffee contains a relatively high amount of caffeine. This has health advantages and disadvantages. For example, caffeine helps improve alertness, focus and cognitive functions (temporarily) because it stimulates adrenaline production in the body. This leads to increased focus and more intense physical performance. However, it also has a downside: the increase in stress hormones in the body thus causes the body to be in a higher state of stress. So if you drink a lot of coffee daily, it actually creates a form of chronic stress. Some people are more sensitive to this than others. One person may experience palpitations, restlessness and feelings of anxiety after just one cup of coffee, while another may only experience them after four cups.
Nutrients of cocoa
Cacao has been used in spiritual ceremonies since ancient times, a practice that has returned in recent years. The renewed popularity of cocoa is not surprising: after all, it contains many substances that are good for your health. Like coffee, cocoa contains many antioxidants, in the form of flavonoids. These are related to heart health because they help lower blood pressure. Cocoa also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin, also known as the "happiness hormone. Consuming cocoa can therefore contribute to a positive mood and stress reduction. In addition, cocoa is rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron and copper, which are essential for various bodily functions. These nutrients contribute to an overall healthy lifestyle.
Cocoa and spirituality
What distinguishes cocoa from coffee in particular is its connection with spirituality. Although cocoa is not a psychoactive substance like some powerful psychedelics, it does contain certain compounds that can have a subtle influence on consciousness and mood. Because of this, cocoa is a fine beverage to use very consciously and with intention at a quiet time of the day, such as during a meditation or while journaling. Coffee, on the other hand, is something that people often do "just quickly," such as on the road or during a meeting.
Coffee or cocoa: which do you choose?
Coffee and cocoa both have benefits and therefore are neither healthy nor unhealthy. Actually, it's all about intention: why are you drinking this? How do you want this to make you feel right now? We are an advocate of cocoa because it is uplifting and opening, but does not create stress or anxiety in the body. In addition, our pure and raw cacao mix is mixed with other good substances: mushrooms, maca and Brazalian ginseng, which enhance the health benefits. Not a bad idea at all, then, to replace your regular cup of coffee with a cup of pure cacao mix every now and then. You can drink it cold or hot and drink it with (vegetable) milk or water, so there is something for everyone.