Salted Red Velvet Hot Cacao

Something amazing happens when you add beet crystals to hot cacao. Examining the nutrient profile of this recipe suggests beet crystals and chocolate are a natural duo.

Salus Red Beet Crystals lend a beautiful dark red hue to this hot cacao.

Obtained with a process that uses no heat, solvents, or chemicals, you can get excited about all of the antioxidants and minerals inside. Beets are a good source of manganese, potassium, and copper. Something unique to red beets is a pigment called betalain, which supports the second phase of detoxification. You might recall that phase one involves the loosening and neutralizing of toxins within the body. Phase two, however, involves the excretion of toxins from the body, which is just as important as phase one if not more so. The unique nutrient profile of beets lends itself well to an active winter day. Beets contain electrolytes which need to be replenished after exercise—aiding in circulation and cardiovascular function, and antioxidants, the antidote to oxidative damage post-exercise. And we haven’t even touched on the taste yet. This is by far my favorite hot chocolate I’ve ever consumed. It’s so delicious, and I can only say that so many times until you discover it for yourself! Solely sweetened by dates, a powerhouse of nutrition and fiber, which prolong glucose release into the bloodstream, this recipe is the perfect addition to your winter.

Nitric Oxide

Beets are a unique source of nitrates, which are a precursor to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is excellent for blood pressure, circulation, and endurance activities because it expands blood vessels and increases the circulation of blood. Athletes, those with high blood pressure, or arteriosclerosis can really benefit from adding beet crystals and beets to their diet.

Betaine

Betaine is a nutrient found in significant quantities in beets. It plays a role in liver detoxification, fat metabolism, and has been shown to reduce levels of C reactive protein and homocysteine, which contribute to chronic inflammation. Because this recipe includes a fat (chocolate), the betaine in beets plays a helpful role in processing those fats as we digest them.

Vitamin C

Beets are loaded with this. I can’t talk about this vitamin enough! Vitamin C has many roles in the body. Among them is immune function, wound healing, and collagen formation. Vitamin C also significantly helps with the uptake of iron. Because 100% cacao contains high amounts of iron, the two make a perfect pair in this recipe! <104>
Lindsey Young is a registered holistic nutritionist, advocate for intuitive eating, and functional food recipe creator. For the original hot cacao post and more delicious recipes, follow her on Instagram @eatyoungnutrition and visit EatYoungNutrition.com.
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