Falling in Love with this Anti-Inflammatory Hot Cacao

I’ve spent the better part of two years working towards reducing inflammatory foods, skincare, and household items from my life, and that’s where today’s anti-inflammatory hot cacao drink comes in. If you’ve been reading this blog, you know that I gave up chocolate about 2 years ago (among many other foods and drinks) due to excruciating endo pain. Since then, I’ve been adding in as many anti-inflammatory foods and beverages as possible so I’ve been playing around with anti-inflammatory hot cacao recipes, and this one wins!

This anti-inflammatory hot cacao is packed with some of the best ingredients, starting with the powerhouse of cacao, which numerous studies have shown reduces inflammatory markers, followed by turmeric powder (also an incredible anti-inflammatory powerhouse), agave syrup, a touch of cinnamon, and a tiny bit of black pepper (to help activate the benefits of turmeric) and sea salt. It’s creamy, has that wonderful chocolate fix without triggering acid reflux or inflammation (for me at least – with cacao, everyone is a little different – so give it a try and see how your body feels), and is ready in just a few minutes. It’s so good, it’s worth doubling this recipe and sharing with those you love on these chilly winter nights.

I make this recipe over the stovetop, as I try to avoid a microwave as much as possible, but please do what’s most convenient for you. This anti-inflammatory hot cacao recipe definitely hits the spot when you have that chocolate craving, and the benefits of cacao far outweigh the benefits of chocolate, even dark chocolate, since cacao is raw and minimally processed. As I mentioned, adding a bit of turmeric powder here really increases the anti-inflammatory benefits of this drink, and if you’re not a turmeric fan, know that you can barely taste it.

If you like your drinks a bit sweeter, simply increase the amount of agave syrup used, although I encourage you to try this recipe as is before making any adjustments. To me and my family, it’s the perfect amount of sweetness, and I think you’ll be happy with “less is more” in this anti-inflammatory hot cacao recipe.

There’s no better time than the winter to curl up with this drink, and really there’s no better month than the one of love to fall for something as delicious, soothing, and sensual, as this anti-inflammatory hot cacao. I hope it becomes a regular part of your winter self-care routine.

I hope you give it a try and please if you do, I’d love a review! You don’t have to sign in to leave one; it’s super easy and quick, and it helps these recipes appear in search results. It’s an easy way to help spread the word about vegan and anti-inflammatory foods!

On to the Recipe: Anti-Inflammatory Hot Cacao

Some Additional Notes About this Anti-Inflammatory Hot Cacao Drink Recipe:

For this anti-inflammatory hot cacao recipe, I use Navitas Organics Cacao Powder. It’s sold at most large retailers, and you can also easily purchase it online. I love the taste of cacao, and this brand seems to be pretty legit.

Also, if you’re on the anti-inflammatory health kick like me, you can read more about the foods I eat (and don’t eat) on this blog about my vegan endometriosis diet, and the best pain-relieving foods I’ve found. I also posted on several lifestyle tips to help with inflammation, specifically with endo sufferers, but they might help you as well if you’re also on this path. And if you are, I just want to say, I’m sorry you’re in pain, and I hope with all my heart that these tips and recipes help.

Thanks so much for being here. I’ll post more anti-inflammatory drink recipes in the near future, as I have one every afternoon now. I rotate based on what I’m most craving, and imagine that’ll continue to change as the months and years progress.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours.

With love,
Jen