Quick and Easy Fall Drinks with Cocoa Flavanols, Heart Health Benefits
Recently I teamed up with the CocoaVia® brand to educate my readers about the health benefits of cocoa flavanols. Sponsored by my friends at CocoaVia®, written 100% by me.
As the weather dips into cooler temperatures, you may be tempted to indulge in hot café drinks that may or may not be loaded with added sugars and calories. But enjoying your favorite fall flavors doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of fall drinks that have health benefits, like my favorite recipes below that include cocoa flavanols.
Based on a recent survey I conducted among my readers, “not having enough time” was reported as the biggest challenge getting in the way of healthy habits. With that in mind, I wanted to share my favorite fall drinks that whip up in just a few minutes that are delicious and nutritious.
The key ingredient in these drinks is CocoaVia® cocoa extract supplement, which contains the highest concentration of cocoa flavanols that you will find in a cocoa extract supplement today – 375 milligrams per serving. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that these flavanols promote healthy blood flow throughout your body†.
What are cocoa flavanols?
Cocoa flavanols are plant-based nutrients (aka phytonutrients) naturally found in cocoa that help maintain healthy levels of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a compound naturally produced in the body that helps maintain a healthy flow of oxygen and other nutrients to all parts of the body. This means that vital organs, including your heart and your brain, get the oxygen and nutrients they need to perform at their best – so you can perform at your best.
While you’ve probably heard that chocolate is good for you, the problem is that cocoa processing destroys most of the cocoa flavanols in chocolate. With CocoaVia® cocoa extract supplement, you know what you’re getting—375 mg of cocoa flavanols, without the fat, calories, and sugar of chocolate.
You can easily add one CocoaVia® stick pack to your favorite foods and drinks, or try in some of my fall favorites.
Just 130 calories + 10 g protein + 375 mg cocoa flavanols
Simply heat your favorite milk, then stir in your favorite sweetener (I love honey), pumpkin spice, and a stick pack of CocoaVia® Unsweetened Dark Chocolate supplement. Or make a CocoaVia® Hot Chocolate by eliminating the spice or adding a few mini marshmallows or vanilla extract.
3 g fiber + 13 g protein + 375 mg cocoa flavanols
CocoaVia® supplement works really well in smoothies. If you’re looking for an energizing breakfast or morning snack, work this smoothie into your routine, which contains oats, walnuts, cinnamon, and a CocoaVia® Cran-Raspberry stick pack–my favorite flavor! If you are super pressed for time: I love shaking up a stick pack with a bottle of water. It’s really refreshing and I feel good knowing that I’m grabbing a beverage that does something good for my health.
Just 130 calories + 5 g protein + 375 mg cocoa flavanols
If you love Chai tea like I do, I think you’ll love this smoothie, too, which is made with cooled, fresh-brewed Chai tea, milk, honey, and one CocoaVia® Sweetened or Unsweetened Dark Chocolate stick pack.
Find CocoaVia® stick packs and capsules at your local Walgreens or at CocoaVia.com.
†This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
You might also enjoy:
Get the Health Benefits of Cocoa Flavanols in These Refreshing Drinks
My Indy Style segment on smoothies and sparklers
My Indy Style segment on foods with heart-health benefits
I'm a chef nutritionist, not the food police. I eat cookies but make sure to eat my broccoli too.
I must try the recipe. Thank you!