Nourishing Cacao Tonic

As I sit here looking out my window watching snow falling, collecting on branches and creating a little winter wonderland. I begin to develop a strong desire for hot cocoa. Not just any hot cocoa but my Nourishing Cocoa Tonic chock full of vitamins and nutrients!

 

Ingredients:

12 Ounces Spring Water

1 Tbl Vermont Chaga Powder

10 Raw Almonds, soaked overnight and peeled

2 tsp Raw Cocoa Powder

1 tsp Maca Powder

2 tsp Lucuma Powder

2 tsp Yacon Powder

¼  tsp of Vanilla Powder

2 Drops Stevia Liquid

Method:

Pour water into a small sauce pan, add Chaga Powder and bring to a boil

Turn down and simmer for 10 minutes covered

Strain and pour into a Vitamix Blender

Add peeled Almonds and blend on high, higher, highest 

Add the rest of the ingredients and blend 
Do not strain, but enjoy this luscious vitamin and mineral rich Tonic 

Nutritional Information:
Almonds are so nutritious due to their vitamin content. Almonds are also rich in folic acid and vitamin B therefore when consumed during pregnancy it helps to reduce birth defects of fetus. Copper content helps in proper development of bone and improves nerve functioning. Almonds function as powerful antioxidants due to its Vitamin E content. It helps in improving blood circulation and lowering of cholesterol thereby providing added cardiac protection. Not only this, it helps to stabilize blood sugar as well. Therefore it can be the best snack for diabetic patients. One of the other significant health benefits of almonds are due to its laetrile content which serves as an anti cancer component.

Chaga contains a complex "cocktail" of phytonutrients and immune activating compounds such as Beta Glucans (Complex Carbohydrates) or Polysaccharides also found in Algae, Yeast, Oats, etc. Chaga's Beta Glucan - polysaccharides are a potent immune activator. The Beta Glucans are powerful immune boosters that work by stimulating the body's ability to set up cellular defenses. Beta Glucans are largely responsible for modulating immune deficiencies.

Cacao contains Theobromine a weak but effective stimulant, containing substances that are chemically and pharmacologically related to the brain lipids anandamide (the word "anandamide" is derived from "ananda" which is Sanskrit for "bliss"). This would account for the euphoric sensation some feel when indulging in chocolate.The theobromine naturally found in raw cacao is a mild, non-addictive stimulant that some believe can treat depression.The much touted nutritional benefits or raw cacao range from reducing cataracts to improving heart function to alleviating stress. Amongst the loftiest claims in raw food culture is that raw cacao (without added sugar or dairy products) will reduce your risk of cancer as the high levels of antioxidants reduce the amount of free radicals in the body.

Yacon powder has a slightly sweet flavor and is known worldwide as the future food for diabetics. Due to its unique carbohydrate composition, Yacon stores carbohydrates as fructooligosacharides (FOS), which makes it an ideal Superfood for diabetics and those watching their sugar intake. It contains inulin, an indigestible sugar, which means that although is has a sweet flavor, it contains fewer calories than would be expected.
Yacon is also beneficial in colon-related problems and also acts as a prebiotic that balances the flora and flow in the intestines. It has also proved effective against parasites and fungus.

Lucuma Powder is from a very nutritious fruit with high levels of beta-carotene, B vitamins and iron, with significant amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

Maca is a root vegetable that is widely used for medicinal purposes and can be found in powder and various supplemental forms. Claims of its benefits include increased energy and moods, sexual enhancement, immune system function and disease-fighting properties. Maca is used to treat conditions such as osteoporosis, stomach cancer and stomach ulcers, erectile dysfunction, depression, leukemia, AIDS, HIV and tuberculosis.

Stevia extract is a super-sweet, low-calorie dietary supplement that helps regulate blood sugar and supports the pancreas. It is valuable for anyone with diabetes and hypoglycemia.

I love using my best China or colorful mug to serve this in. I find it makes this treat that much more special.

Enjoy!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.  These ingredients are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.