As much as we may try to stay indoors during the winter the months, inevitably we’ll find ourselves to work or play. One major incentive to braving the elements is coming inside to a comforting cup of hot chocolate. But this classic drink that most of us remember fondly from our childhood, can also have seriously grown-up health benefits.

In the winter, when your sunlight exposure is limited, it’s important to prioritize whole healing foods that boost your immune system, to help guard against circulating bacteria and viruses. Rather than reaching for a traditional hot chocolate to warm your bones and souls this winter,why not try a healthier version that doesn’t sacrifice the flavor, froth or fun of the original.

The key ingredients in this hot chocolate are turmeric, cacao and cinnamon all of which will help keep you healthy all season long. The combination of the three pack a super-food punch, that will infuse your body with antioxidants and medicinal properties.

What is Turmeric Good For?

Oh, beloved turmeric. If you don’t know by now, turmeric is the God of spices and medicinal herbs. Used in India for thousands of years for its healing properties, turmeric contains compounds known as curcuminoids that that have a potent anti-inflammatory effect. The main active ingredient is curcumin, which is lends itself to turmeric’’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin is also known to treat cuts and burns, relieve GI stress, improve blood circulation, cure the common cold, and suppress molecules that play a role in chronic inflammation and disease in the body. It also contains other potential benefits including:

Neutralizing free radicals on its own and stimulates your body’s antioxidant enzymes
Improving brain function and a lowered risk of brain disease
Improving the function of the endothelium and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Preventing and treating cancer. Studies have shown that curcumin is beneficial in cancer treatment, slowing the rate of cancer growth and development
Anti-inflammatory compounds that have been show to treat symptoms of arthritis and be more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs
Incredible benefits for treating depression. It may also help delay aging and fight age-related chronic disease

What is Cacao Good For?

First used by the Mayan Civilization, cacao has been considered a popular health promoting medicine for centuries. Research has revealed that it contains important compounds that can benefit your health, often touted as an Amazonian Antioxidant King. Cacao comes from the unprocessed version of the cacao bean. This is different from normal cocoa power and chocolate which have been chemically processed and roasted, destroying a large amount of the antioxidants and flavanols in the cocoa. But true cacao has nearly 40x the antioxidants of blueberries, is a quality plant-based source of iron, is loaded will magnesium, and has more calcium than cow’s milk. It also contains other potential benefits including:

Polyphenols that reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol
Flavanols, which lower blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels and blood vessel function
Lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke
Reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disease and improve brain function and blood flow
Improving mood and symptoms of depression by reducing stress levels, improving calmness and over well-being
Reducing the risk of diabetes and maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Promising anti-cancer properties

What is Cinnamon Good For?

Cinnamon’s use as a medicinal ingredient dates back to Ancient Egypt, when it was used as a gift for kings. Loaded with antioxidants, such as polyphenols that protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, cinnamon is ideal during the winter season. It also provides other potential health benefits including:

Anti-inflammatory properties that help the body fight infections, repair tissue damage and may lower your risk for disease.
Reducing risk for heart disease, lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.
Improving sensitivity to hormone insulin and regulate the metabolism.
A powerful anti-diabetic effect and is known for its blood sugar lowering properties.
Positive effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Fighting bacterial and fungal infections and may protect against cancer.

These three super-spices are essential to your winter medicine cabinet. This health-ified hot chocolate contains a round-up of three amazing spices that will nurture, nourish and heal you this winter season. Snuggle up next to the fireplace to enjoy a fresh cup of this Turmeric Cacao Hot Chocolate. It’s creamy, frothy, and delicious – a hot chocolate that not only tastes good but is great for you too. You won’t be disappointed.