Chocolate is the only ingredient that is its very own food group. Well not really—but it seems as if it should be! Powerfully comforting, creamy, delicious—many people eat chocolate at least several times a week. Which begs the question… Is Chocolate Good for You? The answer is both yes and no.
Chocolate has been used for centuries to treat bronchitis, sexual malaise, fatigue, hangovers, anemia, depression, memory loss, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, and more. It also helps release that feel-good neurotransmitter— serotonin—in the brain. But eat the wrong kind and you’ll get loads of sugar, calories, and junky ingredients.
How to Eat it Responsibly
Chocolate starts out 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, however (think commercially produced candy bars) the fewer healthy components remain. So how do you 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. 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% and above cacao. Go raw—or as unprocessed as possible.
Looking for more fun ways to enjoy your favorite food? You’ll love these dark chocolate treats. Invite some friends over and make a batch!
Raw Chocolate Truffles Prep time: 20 minutes Makes 25 truffles
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cacao powder
1 cup cashews or macadamia nuts
½ cup maple syrup or honey
Water (to mix)
Roll-in ingredients: shredded coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate nibs, raw sugar, cacao powder, ginger, or something else you love
Instructions:
Mix cashews in a food processor until a powder, adding enough water to create a thick paste. Add maple syrup or honey 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
Avocado Pudding Prep time: 5 minutes Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado - peeled, pitted and cubed
3tbsp organic raw cacao powder
3tbsp maple syrup or honey (Monk fruit sweetener for sugar free option)
5tbsp unsweetened almond milk
chopped nuts for topping (if desired)
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients and blend starting low then moving to high speed until smooth. If the avocado is larger you may need to add a bit more of each ingredient. If too thick drizzle a little more almond milk, add more Syrup or honey to taste. Refrigerate and serve cold. Top with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate nibs, raw sugar, cacao powder, ginger, or something else you love.
WANT TO GET EVEN HEALTHIER! Are you curious about how to choose chocolate—and other delicious superfoods—to keep you healthy (and your taste buds happy)? Let’s talk! Schedule a complimentary discovery call with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about!
ABOUT ME I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “roadmap to health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.