Hot chocolate with antioxidants

Despite its relatively high sugar and saturated fat content chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants seem to protect against heart disease, especially fighting LDLs, or ‘bad; cholesterol, and some cancers.

The reason that cocoa leads the other drinks is its high content of compounds called phenolic phytochemicals, or flavonoids, indicating the presence of known antioxidants that can stave off cancer, cardiovascular disease and other ailments. The flavonoids also known to help lowered the blood pressure and improve heart health.

Part of the secret to the antioxidant magic is the ‘hot’ in hot chocolate. More antioxidant will be released once the chocolate is heating up.

Cocoa contains the flavonoids epicatechin and catechins as well as the larger oligomeric flavanols procyanadins.

Apart from cocoa and chocolate, flavanols are also found in a number of other foods and drinks such as apricots, apples, tea and red wines.

The scientists discovered that a cup of hot cocoa 611 milligrams of the phenolic compound gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and 564 milligrams of the flavonoid epicatechin equivalents (ECE) in a single serving of cocoa.

Study by Cornell University in 1988, shows that antioxidant concentration in hot cocoa is two times higher that red wine.

A cup of hot chocolate can contain approximately 150 mg of phenolic compounds. And a piece of milk chocolate bar provides almost 200 mg. Pure powder has the most antioxidants, followed by baking and dark chocolate, then milk chocolate.

Phenolic compounds protect plants against insects and pathogens, and they remain active even after food processing.
Hot chocolate with antioxidants 

What is flavored water?

It is well known that flavor is the integrated perceptual response to the combined taste and odor of foods. 

Flavored water may have just a hint of flavor, derived from a natural fruit essence. The technology of flavored water is simple and involves little more than mixing and blending.

Flavored water is a lightly flavored beverage with few or no calories, but often containing vitamins, minerals, herbs or other unneeded substances. Not superior to plain water for athletic competition or training.

Several flavored drinks simply offer a tastier way to stay hydrated. Other contains additives such as vitamins, antioxidants, herbs, and caffeine and makes claims about helping people to relax, boosting the energy level and supporting the immune system.

A number of flavors combinations have been devised, which are aimed at sophisticated adults and which are seen, at least partially as substitutes for alcoholic beverages. The addition of flavorings to whiskey, to stimulate aging was one of the first uses of a flavored product. Coca cola was first sold in 1886.

Flavored water can be alternative for people making the switch from soft drinks. Add fruit slices like lemons, oranges or even lime on the water for a refreshing drink.

Need to read labels on flavored water because some of these waters contain a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients which defeat the purpose of drinking water.

These drinks typically contain juices such as peach, which have a relatively subtle flavor, as well as herb extracts to provide a flavor contrast.

Flavored water s are a great way to meet hydration needs, but some have a s much sugar as a can of soda. The sweetness of a drink is a major factor in its palatability, but people differ in their preferred flavor. Flavor preference depends on various factors, including ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

The best thing for quenching the thirst is good old plain water. Water is the best drink for the body. If preferred to drink flavored water, avoid the ones with sugar or sugar substitutes to sweeten them.
What is flavored water?