There is something inviting about a warm cup of cacao: the deep chocolate flavour, the creamy texture, and a few quiet minutes before the day gets busy.<\/p>\n
Then there is the question you may have heard people ask: is cacao good for your heart?<\/p>\n
Researchers have tested cocoa products rich in natural plant compounds and found small improvements in blood pressure. That is encouraging, although it does not tell us what any particular bag of drinking cacao will do for you.<\/p>\n
If you are curious about trying cacao, here is what the research means\u2014and how to choose a cup you will actually look forward to.<\/p>\n
For an everyday drink, the appeal starts with what is in your mug.<\/p>\n
Pure cacao paste is made from ground cacao beans and retains their natural cacao butter. That gives it a rich texture when it is blended into a warm drink. An unsweetened product also gives you control over how sweet you make it.<\/p>\n
Try it with warm milk for a fuller cup, or water if you want the cacao flavour to lead. Add cinnamon, a little vanilla, or a touch of your favourite sweetener. You can adjust it until it tastes right to you.<\/p>\n
If you enjoy dark chocolate, that deep, slightly bitter flavour may be exactly what you have been missing in your usual hot drink.<\/p>\n
Ready to make your first cup?<\/strong> Explore Cacao Laboratory, our featured cacao partner, and choose a product you would enjoy trying at home.<\/p>\n