Hot Cocoa

It seemed almost too good to be true when the news broke that chocolate was healthy. One study in the August 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association showed that consuming 3 ounces of dark chocolate daily can lower blood pressure. It's also been shown to increase serotonin levels, which in turn produces a calming, soothing effect (just what's needed in mid December). And cocoa contains potent antioxidants called flavonoids that reduce inflammation, which is involved in heart disease. Plus, it's a rich source of catechins -- antioxidants that may help boost the immune system and prevent disease.

But not all hot chocolates are created equal, cautions Lauren Slayton, MS RD, a nutritionist in New York. The key is to use dark chocolate, which has the highest concentration of good stuff. Look for cocoa mixes that list dark chocolate as their first ingredient, or simply melt a bar of dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa. To make your hot cocoa even healthier, make it with low-fat milk, which cuts fat and calories.

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