Is starting your day with coffee healthy, or is it a habit you'd better break? And what about the alternative that's gaining popularity: drinking a cocoa mix? And no, that's not the same as drinking hot chocolate (though it's just as delicious).
We'll compare the pros and cons of both drinks and explain why occasionally swapping that cup of coffee for cocoa isn't such a bad idea at all.
Is coffee healthy?
Fresh, organic coffee contains many beneficial compounds and can indeed be quite healthy. For example, it is known for its high content of antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid. These compounds can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, giving coffee a protective effect on health.
Additionally, coffee contains a relatively high amount of caffeine. This has both advantages and disadvantages for health. For instance, caffeine helps (temporarily) improve alertness, focus, and cognitive functions 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 means the body is in a heightened state of stress. If you drink a lot of coffee daily, it can lead to a form of chronic stress. Some people are more sensitive to this than others. Some may experience heart palpitations, restlessness, and anxiety after just one cup of coffee, while others only experience it after four cups.
Nutrients in cocoa
Cocoa has been used in spiritual ceremonies since ancient times, a practice that is making a comeback in recent years. The renewed popularity of cocoa is not surprising: it contains many compounds that are good for health. Like coffee, cocoa is rich in antioxidants, in the form of flavonoids. These are linked to heart health as 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 truly distinguishes cocoa from coffee is its connection to 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. This makes cocoa a pleasant drink to use very consciously and with intention during a moment of calm in the day, for example during meditation or journaling. Coffee, on the other hand, is often something people consume 'quickly', for example on the go or during a meeting.
Coffee or cocoa: what do you choose?
Both coffee and cocoa have benefits and are therefore neither strictly healthy nor unhealthy. It really comes down to intention: why are you drinking this? How do you want it to make you feel right now? We are proponents of cocoa because it is uplifting and opening, but does not induce stress or anxiety in the body. Additionally, our pure and raw cacao mix is blended with other beneficial ingredients: mushrooms, maca, and Brazilian ginseng, which enhance its health benefits. So, it's not such a bad idea at all to occasionally swap your regular cup of coffee for a cup of pure cacao mix. You can drink it cold or hot and with (plant-based) milk or water, so there's something for everyone.
