Why do we crave hot chocolate when we are sick?
Hot chocolate brings a warm, sweet feeling, helps relax and relieve temporary sore throat. Many people believe that this drink will help enhance the ability to recover health. However, according to Divya Gandhi - a nutritionist at Divya Gandhi Nutrition Clinic (Delhi), not all soothing drinks support the immune system, especially when coughing and cold.
What happens when you drink hot chocolate when you have a cold?
One of the main problems is milk, a popular ingredient in hot chocolate. Milk can thicken the throat, causing more discomfort when coughing and stuffing the nose. In addition, high sugar in hot chocolate or made-up powders and syrups can also impair white blood cell function, making it harder for the body to fight bacteria.
Benefits of hot chocolate
Cocoa in chocolate contains antioxidants and can improve mood by increasing serotonin. However, most hot chocolate today contains a lot of milk, sugar and additives, so the benefits of cocoa are often limited. If you want to enjoy it, you can use black cocoa powder mixed with warm water or unsweetened plant milks as an alternative.
What should you drink to reduce cold symptoms?
Experts recommend prioritizing drinks that have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, such as:
Warm water mixed with honey and ginger
Herbal tea
Turmeric milk (in moderation)
Vegetable soup
Honey helps soothe the throat and reduce cough, while ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling in the respiratory tract.
Note
Although hot chocolate is pleasant, milk and its sugar can aggravate cough symptoms, nasal congestion and weaken the immune system. Instead, warm water mixed with honey and ginger, herbal tea or vegetable soup is a more effective choice to help the body recover.
