I am really missing my coffee this morning. We are in the midst of an ice storm in Atlanta, it is cold and it is early morning. So why have I given up my hazelnut coffee and half-n-half creamer?

That is a good question and I am wondering why myself. You don't know how many times, I debated about making a big pot of coffee and sipping on it all morning - especially since the roads are closed and I have no place to go.

I made a cup of green tea and that just didn't do it for me. Then I made a cup of bilberry tea, which did taste better. But I needed something ... a little more indulgent.

Ah, the one hot drink that keeps me from going back to a cup of coffee in the morning is my hot cocoa recipe.

Now, you are probably wondering how can hot cocoa be healthier than a cup of coffee? Well, not all hot cocoas are healthy for you - it depends on what you make it with.

The secret healthy ingredients that not only make this cocoa taste great - but also make it good for you are raw, organic cocoa powder and virgin coconut oil.

Cocoa Health Benefits

Do you know what the best source of antioxidants is? With a higher ORAC value than blueberries, goji berries and the acai berry - combined??

Raw, organic cocoa powder. Surprised? So was I.

David Wolfe, in his book, Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future , lists organic cocoa as one of the 10 super foods - who knew?!

Since reading his book, I've started using his raw, organic cacoa (cocoa) powder to make my hot cocoa. To get the most antioxidants from this healthy drink, it is important that you purchase and use raw, organic cocoa powder or organic cacao powder. The Sunfood brand of organic cocoa powder has a really "chocolatey" taste and satisfies my chocolate cravings.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil benefits our health in many ways, but it is especially good at protecting us from free radical damage as well.

That's because this saturated fat consists primarily of medium chained fatty acids. Look for virgin coconut oil that is certified organic and made from fresh, organic coconuts.

No chemicals or high heat should be used in the processing method.

For my simple, easy to make, great tasting hot cocoa recipe click here:

Hot Cocoa Recipe

Thanks so much for subscribing to Macular Degeneration News.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision

www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com