Is Chocolate Good for You? Let’s Chat:
Chocolate has been used for centuries to treat bronchitis, fatigue, hangovers, anemia, depression, memory loss, high blood pressure, poor eyesight and even sexual malaise.
Chocolate is said to support cardiovascular health, reduce risks of cancer and also help with energy, stress, and metabolism. It also helps release that feel-good neurotransmitter - serotonin in the brain, and we all love that!
But eat the wrong kind (white milk, or lighter in color) and you'll get loads of sugar, calories, and junky ingredients.
How to Eat it Responsibly
Chocolate begins life as raw cacao (pronounced kah-kow) beans. Loaded with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and plant phenols, cacao is a powerful superfood. The more processed cacao becomes, - think commercially produced candy bars - the fewer healthy components remain. Research has shown that eating dark chocolate may actually help with weight loss. Dark chocolate has found to be more filling and helps cravings for salt, sugar, and fats. By having just a small piece a day, cravings subsided and therefore help you keep on track.
So how to get the most out of your chocolate fix?
- Don't be afraid of the dark. The darker the chocolate, the more beneficial cacao it contains. By going rich on the flavonoids, your boosting brain power for at least 2-3 hours,
- Know your percentages: the number on dark chocolate packaging refers to the percentage of cacao bean in chocolate. For maximum health benefit, look for dark chocolate that has 75% to 85% cacao.
- Go raw - or as unprocessed as possible. Raw chocolate has not been heated, processed, or mixed with other ingredients. Raw chocolate contains magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, B1,B3.B5, B9, potassium, heart healthy fat and protein as many other beneficial properties.
Looking for more fun ways
to enjoy your favorite food?
You'll love this dark chocolate treat. A little bit will do you GOOD!
Raw Chocolate Truffles
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 25 Truffles
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cacao powder
- 1 cup cashews or macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- Water (to mix)
- Roll-in ingredients: shredded coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate nibs, raw sugar, cacao powder, ginger, or something else you love
Directions:
- Mix cashews in a food processor until it forms a powder, adding enough water to create a thick paste.
- Add maple syrup to cashews and pulse to process.
- Add cacao powder. Pulse to process. Refrigerate for four hours or overnight for best results.
Form teaspoon-sized balls of dough. Coat balls in your chosen roll-in ingredients!