Cocoa + Coffee = BETTER

In a double blind study, researchers gave subjects either 1) coffee alone, 2) cocoa alone, 3) a combination of coffee and cocoa, or 4) a substitute beverage containing neither coffee nor cocoa. The subjects were then given a range of different tests.

They found that those who drank a combination of coffee with cocoa performed the best on various standardized tests. In addition, those who drank the combo beverage had lower levels of anxiety. This is clearly a WIN WIN situation.

Many studies have shown that coffee helps with focus and concentration, improving tests scores when it comes to both mental and physical challenges. Coffee has loads of other benefits like lowering the risk of depression, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. In general, those who drink coffee live longer. But too much coffee can make people jittery and possibly anxious.

Here's where the cocoa comes in!

When you add anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon of cocoa to your cup of coffee, you reap multiple additional benefits. The cocoa contains flavanols not found in coffee. And the feel-good properties of cocoa, derived from the theobromine as well as the various minerals such as magnesium, adds a mellowing effect to the caffeine in coffee. And if you want less of a caffeine boost, you can always add cocoa to your cup of decaf.

I tested out the combo today by adding one teaspoon of cocoa powder to my afternoon coffee. (I always drink my coffee with half and half.) I used a handheld frother to blend the cocoa into my warm coffee. I didn't add any sugar or sweetener. I enjoyed my cocoa/coffee very much, and didn't think it needed sweetening, but some folks might disagree. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, you might add a couple of drops of liquid stevia.

Try it out and see what you think!