Saturday, 23 March 2013

Chocolate Treat



A desert recipe that is not only guilt free but is actually good for you? You thought it could never happen but here it is, the most delicious treat you will ever have. You can change the type of fruit that you add to this to suit your own taste. The best thing about it that it does not take any time at all to prepare or make. This means you can serve those hungry mouths at a drop of a hat. 

Chocolate has gone back and forth in the media trying to determine if it good for you or not. And as many other things it largely has to do with its processing. The cocoa bean has so many benefits but processed "chocolate" is full of chemicals and all sorts of nasties. The chocolate that is pre packaged is so far removed from its original bean that its hard to put them in the same category. There is plenty of raw chocolates available now which have not been heated and do not contain copious amount of sugar.  

Here is a list of raw chocolate companies I recommend 

Loving Earth raw chocolate bars are my favourite they have the most amazing chocolate plus all there products are raw and taste delicious.
Conscious chocolate is gluten, dairy and soy free and complete raw.
Cocolo chocolate is a beautiful Australian based company and they sell at most health food and deli stores.
Mast Brothers hand crafted chocolate made and packaged locally in brooklyn.



Benefits of cocoa

 Cocoa contains a substance called phenylethylamine a feel good chemical that is the same chemical that is released when you fall in love. This is great if you need a mood booster.


High in magnesium which helps regulate moods and keep your stress levels down as well as helping with PMS symptoms.


Boost your energy levels due to a substance called Theobromine that gives you a natural lift without the lows of other stimulants.


Help your heart! Recent studies have shown that it can help with your cardiovascular system such as lowing blood pressure and reducing cholesterol.


Cocoa also contains substantial amount of protein to this is good for cell repair.

Ingredients

2 tsp of cocoa
1 handful of blackberries (fresh or frozen)
5 pitted dates
2 avocados

Method
1. Make sure that the dates do not have any seeds even when you buy pitted dates on the odd occasion they will still be there. So it's best to be on the safe side.
2. Mix all ingredients in a blender till smooth. You can use a hand blender if you do not have one.
3. Garnish with blackberries. 


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