World Chocolate Day is a delightful celebration marked every year on July 7 and it will be the perfect occasion to gift a box of exotic chocolates to your loved ones.

Instead of only chocolates or chocolate bars, try gifting a healthy hot chocolate.  Just for a change.

The roots of hot chocolate can be traced back to the ancient Mayan civilization in the regions of present-day Mexico and Central America. Around 500 BC, the Mayans began cultivating cacao trees and discovered the pleasure of a drink made from its beans.

Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved or melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener.

Hot chocolate is also packed with antioxidants, which are important for maintaining good health. The cocoa powder used to make dark chocolate contains flavonoids and catechins, which have been linked to several health benefits including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

Regular, moderate consumption of cocoa-rich hot chocolate can support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol. However, choosing high-quality cocoa, like the ones we use in our creations, is vital to reap the optimum benefits.

This delicious beverage contains compounds like theobromine and tryptophan, which are known to have mood-enhancing effects. Theobromine, similar to caffeine, provides a little boost of energy and alertness. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in chocolate, promotes feelings of well-being and happiness.

Hot chocolate can be a comforting and delicious treat, but it is important to remember that, like other sugary foods, it is also high in calories, sugar, and fat. If consumed in moderation, hot chocolate can be part of a healthy diet as it provides some essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids along with minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc. So, a morning cup of drinking chocolate can provide a great nutrient boost along with a crave-able taste and distinctive richness.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use milk or water when making hot chocolate comes down to personal taste. While some people may prefer the creaminess that milk adds to their cup of cocoa, others might enjoy the lighter flavor provided by using water instead.

If you are mindful of your overall intake of added sugars and calories and choose a hot chocolate that is lower in sugar and fat, enjoying it regularly can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Opting for skimmed or plant-based milk versions with little to no added sugars is a sensible choice for daily consumption.