“Just like other spices, cocoa itself has virtually no impact on your daily calorie count, but can make your levels of health-protecting nutrients soar.” –Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD

I drink a lot of beverages throughout the day, but I don’t know if it is because I am actually thirsty. In fact, I would say I just like to have a cup of something next to me or in my hand (a comforting habit, perhaps.) Most of them are home brewed, although I haven’t yet dared to embark on fermenting kombucha. I will leave that to G.T. Dave.

My first beverage of the day is matcha tea, which I sip while I am walking the three dogs. I have managed to master the art of holding the three leashes in one hand, while balancing the tea in the other. It took me a while to perfect this, and I didn’t really think anything of it. However, people have pulled over and taken photos of me, so I have begun to think of this as some kind of skill, although I’m not sure how I would word it on a resume.

Throughout the day, I drink kombucha or water laced with ChlorOxygen, which I add because I believe it gives me some kind of green energy superpowers (not really, but my kids tease me because Iron Man drinks it).

Recently, a friend of mine was waxing poetic about the healing properties of cocoa and directed me to the book Healing Spices, by Bharat B. Aggarwal. In it, he states:

“Cocoa – the spice – is one of the richest sources of flavanols, plant compounds that help protect the heart in a variety of ways. Study after study shows that cocoa flavanols can disarm cell-damaging free radicals, preserve cell membranes, protect DNA…”

There is too much information to include here, but he makes a compelling argument for including cocoa as part of our regular diet.

I am fond of nutrient-dense, healing foods.  In the aftermath of all the stress, I am always trying to replenish and rebuild the resources I have left, and I think cocoa might be a great way to enhance this goal.

I always think of cocoa drinks as a sugar-laden, heavy experience to be saved for the rare indulgence. Upon further investigation, and a mess in my kitchen, I discovered it doesn’t have to be that way. Without a boatload of sugar, cocoa is quite refreshing and earthy.

There is a lot of room for experimentation here, so please don’t hem yourself in to my recipes. You can add Cinnamon, ground Goji Berries, Chile or Maca powder for variety.

This first cocoa recipe is a comforting drink on a cold day:

In a sauce pan,  mix 2 Tablespoons of Cocoa, 8 ounces water, ½ Cup of Hemp or Almond milk and a few drops of Stevia, to taste.

Whisk well and heat until mixture is warm.

Next, a refreshing cocoa recipe for enjoying on a warm day. The powdered cocoa can be somewhat gritty and the avocado seems to remedy that quite nicely.

2 Tablespoons Powdered Cocoa

8 Ounces Water

½ Cup Hemp Milk

¼ Avocado

Stevia, Honey or sweetener of choice, to taste

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Pour into a glass. If desired, top with ground Goji berries or Cacao nibs.

Enjoy.

-db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.