Thursday, February 4, 2010

Chocolate For Valentine

The benefits of cocoa beans: 
    •    Keeping the body young: great source of Magnesium and antioxidants.
    •    Increased concentration: cocoa beans help us stay focused due to their source of PEA, a chemical that increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).
    •    Lifting our spirits: cocoa contains Anandamine, a lipid (fat) known as "the bliss chemical", because it is released while we are feeling great. It supplies serotonin, dopamine, and phenylethylamine, three well-studied neurotransmitters, which help alleviate depression and are associated with feelings of well being.

We will not receive the benefits of cocoa through most commercial or milk chocolate. It is best to have chocolate with no added dairy products/milk or refined sugar. Some studies show that the additions of dairy products block the absorption of all the great antioxidants in chocolate! Choose dark chocolates with a high percentage of cocoa. Most fine quality chocolates will list the percentage of cocoa. Check the ingredients and see if cocoa or sugar is the first ingredient listed.

Even better than dark chocolates are raw cacao beans which possess all the magical properties of chocolate without any adulteration or processing!  Power the body by adding cocoa nibs (crushed cacao beans) to your favorite dessert, shake, or cereal.

When giving a Valentine’s gift of Chocolates, make sure the chocolate you choose contains a high content of cocoa. Give the gift of health to your loved ones.


Recipe:  Vegan Chocolate Pudding

1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup raw cacao powder (or regular unsweetened cacao powder)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 medjool dates (about 3-4 dates)
(if using other date types, it is best to soak them for 15 minutes in hot water)

Throw everything into food processor and mix until creamy. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to achieve a creamy consistency (if you soaked dates, use the soaking water)

If you desire more sweetness, add maple syrup or agave nectar.
This will last in the fridge for several days.
YUM!!!



Click Here for The Ultimate Chocolate Truffle Recipe

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