If you’re searching for an enjoyable yet healthy morning beverage alternative to coffee, why not give cacao beverages a try? They are composed of cocoa powder (the raw form of chocolate) combined with water or any type of plant milk as desired and flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and spiced depth. A cacao morning beverage offers less caffeine and more nutritional benefits.

Cacao powder is an excellent source of polyphenols and other phytochemicals, as well as magnesium for heart health, iron for oxygen delivery to brain and muscles, theobromine for energy boost without creating anxiety, and potassium to support brain health. It also offers natural stress-busters like caffeine for mental clarity.

Coffee and cacao both contain alkaloids, particularly caffeine and theobromine pyridine alkaloids such as theobromine. While caffeine has more of an immediate impact on our central nervous systems than its counterpart, theobromine works in much the same way by increasing energy and focus while simultaneously relaxing muscles – two qualities which can make it an effective antidote to stress.

Coffee is a global beverage beloved by millions, known for its abundance of polyphenols. Studies have demonstrated that coffee’s polyphenol content helps protect DNA from oxidative damage, improve insulin sensitivity and suppress production of proinflammatory molecules such as Isoprostanes and Isoprostanols; yet conflicting evidence exists on its effects on lipid peroxidation or other markers of oxidative stress in humans.

Cocoa has not been studied on its own or combined with coffee to determine its impact on human oxidative stress markers; however, one study did find that cocoa and dark chocolate reduced lipid peroxidation significantly while increasing resistance against H2O2 oxidative insult in healthy young men.

Cacao may offer additional health benefits by having an impactful influence on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk factors, including triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. This effect occurs because cacao contains naturally occurring theobromine which relaxes smooth muscles while blocking absorption of triglycerides by the body.

Cocoa flavonoids may help protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while simultaneously being anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting agents. Studies have demonstrated this; reports show consumption of coffee and cocoa flavanols significantly reducing risks such as oral, pharynx, colon, liver and endometrial cancer in humans. Unfortunately, most commercially available cocoa and chocolate drinks contain very low amounts of these flavanols while being high in fat and sugar content; further investigation needs to take place regarding their overall nutritional benefits and nutritional values.