Healing Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

It’s that time of year when a nice warm mug of hot chocolate seems to make everything all cozy both inside and out. If you’re used to opening up a packet of hot cocoa mix, you are getting a mug full of ingredients that aren’t health-building. In fact, a mug full of packaged hot chocolate is inflammatory and immune-suppressing.

Just check out the ingredients from a popular gourmet hot cocoa: “sugar, sweet whye, maltodextrin, partially hydrogenated coconut oil, corn syrup solids, cocoa (processed with alkali), non-fat dry milk, natural and artificial flavors, salt, sodium caseinate, mono and diglycerides, dipotassium phosphate, carrageenan.”

Why not make your own healing dairy-free hot chocolate that is anti-inflammatory and immune boosting? Just look what’s in this recipe:

Ginger. Rich in potassium, which is excellent for digestion, relieving nausea and protecting our body from inflammation.

Raw Cacao. Rich in antioxidants, essentials vitamins and minerals, and it improves cardiac health, reduces appetite and boosts mood and energy.

Turmeric. Contains curcumin, which is a potent antioxidant, liver detoxifier, plus it’s anti-inflammatory, and has also been shown to fight cancer.

Cinnamon. Contains anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties. It also aids in balancing blood sugar and increases blood circulation.

Cardamom. Good for cardiovascular health, promotes digestion, oral health and immunity, and is anti-inflammatory.

Raw Honey. Rich in enzymes and contains anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties that boost the immune system.

Coconut oil. Contains medium chain fatty acids that are easily digested and immediately burned for energy, contains anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties, regulates blood sugar and is an immune and metabolism booster.

Sea Salt. Contains trace minerals essential for many bodily functions. My favorite sea salt, Redmond Real Salt, is mined from ancient sea beds in my home state.