Another PWO addition?

[XTrainer]

Decided to toss a spooful of plain, unsweetened, powdered cocoa into my PWO shake today.

"Using special analytical techniques to evaluate the total antioxidant content in each beverage, the researchers showed that, on a per serving basis, the antioxidant concentration in cocoa was the highest - almost twice as strong as red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea, and four to five times stronger than black tea."

http://www.nutraingredients.com/news...ns-antioxidant

Berries+chocolate whey is not so good, but here's another great way to get a load of antioxidants in your PWO shake. Plus, it's easier to always have a tin of cocoa powder in the house than fresh fruit.

Plus, cocoa really enhances the flavor of the shake.

I think I'll start adding it to my OATs occaisionally too.

(Not saying cocoa should replace fresh fruit or other "real" food).

Thoughts?

[chipmafia]

I have been adding it to my shakes for a few weeks now. Sometimes, I make the shake with coffee instead of water. A bit of cocoa and cinammon(sp) make it great. I use Vanilla Whey so it can mix with many things, so I found it quite natural to add cocoa powder

I had no idea that cocoa was as healthy as it is. I assume cocoa - bad, because chocolate - bad. I realize (after eating a spoonful as a child) that cocoa doesn't have sugar, but I never would have dreamed it could be healthy.

[Madmick]

That's not a bad strategy at all. I've combined cocoa + splenda before for this effect.

In addition, you should know that dark chocolate and milk chocolate actually have a low glycemic index despite their high sugar content. The risk with these foods is weight gain because of their high calorie count (and high carb ratio). But, like many foods, in moderation, they are healthful. Many have difficulty maintaing moderation, though. I like the cocoa powder strategy better for that reason.

Remember if that Wiki info is accurate (from those books), the kind of the ORAC is the Goji Berry- by far.

[BoxingFanNoMore]

Why wasn't hot water used for tea?

[MikeMartial]

Great idea, X!

[Monger]

Thanks for the tip, Xtrainer. I actually never thought of that before.

[XTrainer]

No prob, probably owed you one or two.

[Forsaken]

Any suggestions on serving size?

[XTrainer]

With an antioxidant density like that, anything between a teaspoon and a tablespoon ought to be plenty.

[Monger]

Originally Posted by XTrainer

With an antioxidant density like that, anything between a teaspoon and a tablespoon ought to be plenty.

I put a heaping teaspoon in a PB chocolate MM shake this morning and it was pretty damn good.