A hot Dark chocolate a day keeps depression away
The main component of dark chocolate is cocoa. It contains serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters that have anti-depressant properties. Serotonin is said to relax the brain and hence is a great way to combat depression.
However proceed with caution, if you do not find the right balance of dark chocolate percentage and how much to consume (only one ounce a day) it could have the opposite effect as there is also a link between chocolate and increased depression.
Recipe: A hot Dark chocolate a day keeps depression away.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces dark chocolate candy bar, chopped
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
- Heavy whipping cream, whipped
Method
In a small saucepan, heat the first five ingredients over medium heat just until mixture comes to a simmer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Discard cinnamon stick;. Pour into mugs; top with whipped cream.
Garnish
- Chocolate sauce
- Chocolate / colorful sprinkles
- Additional cinnamon sticks, optional
Wet the rim of the glass with sugar / chocolate syrup, place the sprinkles on a flat plate. Turn the glass over so that the rim is in the sprinkles and ensure the entire rim is coated with sprinkles. Drizzle chocolate syrup along the inner circumference of the glass. Pour in your hot chocolate, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon and cocoa powder and a cinnamon stick
Additional information
Cinnamon regulates blood sugar and is therefore an added benefit for those suffering from anxiety and depression.