HOT CHOCOLATE OR COFFEE?

One thing they both have in common is that they are both best taken in cold weather. Another thing is their caffeine content, although that of coffee is more than the hot chocolate and that is why it is mostly consumed in the world, by students, labourers, bankers, just anyone who wants to get through their day without feeling tired.

In this article, we will be looking at the health benefits of both drinks.

WHICH IS HEALTHIER?

In truth, if we are looking at the nutritional profile of both drinks, we can say both are as healthy as both are unhealthy. Let's take a look.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF A CUP OF HOT CHOCOLATE

Calories: 221
Total fat: 3.4g (of which saturated: 2.1g)
Carbohydrates: 38.3g
Fibre: 1.2g
Sugar: 32.8g
Protein: 9.4g
Calcium: 312.5mg
Vitamin D: 2.5 microgram
Potassium: 558mg
Phosphorus: 307.5mg
Caffeine: 5mg

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF A CUP OF COFFEE

Sodium: trace
Potassium: 9.2mg
Magnesium: 8mg
Manganese: 0.05mg
Riboflavin: 0.01mg
Niacin: 0.7mg
Caffeine: 63-126mg
Protein: 0.3g
Sugar: 0g
Fibre: 0g
Carbohydrate: 0g
Calorie: 2.4g
Fat: 0g

From their nutritional profile, we might say that where hot chocolate lacks, coffee augments, vice versa.

Hence, a cup of both drinks a day can be said to be healthy, but when taken in several portions, then we have an unhealthy situation.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HOT CHOCOLATE

— Hot Chocolate contains antioxidants that help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, or even cancer.

— It is rich in important vitamins (B12, B2, D, A), and minerals (zinc, phosphorus, iron).

— It has anti-inflammatory properties that help fight bacterial inflammation and also help improve blood circulation.

— It is a comfort drink, so it calms down the nerves and helps fight against anxiety, stress, and depression.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COFFEE

The health benefits of coffee are mostly from its caffeine content, even though it contains some important minerals also.

— The caffeine content of coffee increases your alertness while reducing fatigue, making it possible for you to work overnight without getting tired.

— Caffeine in coffee also helps in burning off fat by 10%, given that a lot of people are struggling with weight loss

However, continuous intake of coffee might lead to an addiction, hence caffeine levels in your bloodstream increase, causing pressure in blood circulation.

CONCLUSION

We see that while increased intake of coffee can increase your blood pressure, a cup of soothing hot chocolate improves your blood circulation. Like I had said, where one lacks, the other augments. So instead of relying on just coffee to get through your day, why not balance a cup of coffee with a cup of hot chocolate? Besides, after a long day's work, you will need something to calm your nerves.