Heart Healthy Cocoa Powder

{Hi Friends}

A cup of hot cocoa is a nice way to stay warm and cozy on cold winter days.    

Did you know that a spoonful of this chocolaty goodness has health perks?

Here are some insights worth knowing: 

1. Pure cocoa powder is made by roasting and grinding the bean of the cacao plant.
2. Cocoa powder contains no sugar and is low in fat.
3. A 2-Tbsp. serving contains 25 mg of caffeine.  So no worries if you want to sip this before bedtime.
4. Cocoa powder is a great source of flavanols, the same heart-healthy antioxidants found in berries and red wine.
5. Cocoa powder contains 10 calories per serving & has 2 grams of fiber.

Cocoa powder maintains its taste & antioxidant levels for at least a year if stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Mine has been in my cupboard for about that long and it is still fresh

I sprinkle a dusting on my fruit, oatmeal, or yogurt for a yummy way to control those sugar cravings.

A few home-baked cookies are always good at any time.

Using one of my favorite mugs I purchased a while back is my small cure for the winter blues.

 It has one of my favorite flowers (Peony) painted on it.