The chocolate bark recipe below is adapted from @notsomumsy Superfood Chocolate! Check out her beautiful site -B xx
If you read our recent top ten mood boosting foods you will know that chocolate made our list! So why is chocolate such a great mood booster? Below we give you three reasons as to why it may be perfectly healthy and EVEN beneficial to include a little bit of chocolate into your day!
First of all, let’s just say that all chocolate was not created equal! White chocolate, milk chocolate and any chocolate that has a low cocoa content will simply not have the same health benefits that dark chocolate will have. For chocolate to have any beneficial properties it will need to be at least 70% cocoa. Conventional chocolate that contains cocoa has been heat-treated. Cacao (which is made from the raw cocoa bean) has not been heat-treated and is cocoa in its raw form. For all of the most healthy, beneficial properties of chocolate it is best to consume it in its raw non-heat treated form. You can buy raw chocolate made with cacao and you can also buy the raw powdered cacao from health food shops to add to smoothies and to make your own raw chocolate goodies like bliss balls and raw chocolate.
Three Reasons to Eat More Chocolate!
1. IT RAISES ENDORPHINS + HAPPY CHEMICALS:
Chocolate contains several different things that can work to give your brain a natural high! First of all, it contains tryptophan which is an amino acid precursor to our bodies production of serotonin (that happy, high vibe brain chemical!)(2). Chocolate also helps to naturally boost endorphins (similar to that natural high you get after you go for a run or do some intense yoga)(2). Dark Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine which simulates in our brain the feeling that we get when we are in love – pretty powerful stuff!
2. IT IS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS:
Chocolate is high in flavonoids which are known for their high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids are also the largest known group of phytonutrients (which are important plant-based compounds that science does still not know too much about!) Flavonoids help to protect our cells from nasty molecules – like free radicals which are known to be a factor in premature ageing (1). Flavonoids are also known to naturally help to lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol and prevent heart disease! (1). Inflammation is a strong factor in premature ageing and disease. Antioxidants work to reduce inflammation in our bodies.
3. IT BOOSTS BRAIN POWER:
The flavonoids that chocolate contains also help to increase blood flow. An increase in blood flow is going to be great news for our skin health and brain health! Dark chocolate also helps to increase memory, attention span, problem-solving and our rates of reaction all by increasing brain blood flow! (2) Antioxidants from flavonoids also help to protect the brain from free-radical damage and help to reduce premature ageing of the brain (2). Dark chocolate also contains small amounts of caffeine which is a known brain booster!
EY MAG Chocolate Bark Recipe:
This is a super quick and easy raw chocolate recipe that will boost brainpower, all those happy brain chemicals and it will give you a vast assortment of vitamins and minerals that your body needs. As with anything in life – don’t overindulge! Chocolate is a treat food 🙂 A small amount of people will be sensitive to chocolate so always listen to your body and if you have any adverse effects don’t eat it!
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup powdered cacao
3 tbsp natural maple syrup (there are a lot of fakes out there so check that it is proper maple syrup as it will contain vital vitamins/minerals)
1 tbsp nut butter (peanut/almond/cashew – whatever you may have on hand)
A pinch of natural sea salt/Himalayan crystal salt
Optional extras: you can largely add any type of chopped nut/seed/dried fruit to make your own unique raw chocolate to suit you! We added chia seeds and coconut flakes for a yummy twist!
METHOD:
1. If the coconut oil is not soft place it in a bowl and put it inside a larger bowl of hot water to melt.
2. Mix all ingredients together with the melted coconut oil plus add any extras that you may want.
3. Spread into a baking paper lined glass dish or deep plate.
4. Place in the fridge for at least one hour to set.
5. Cut/break into chunks and enjoy! ♥
Links:
1 – Chocolate Benefits from Readers Digest.
A comprehensive article with lots of links to research:
2 – Brain Benefits of Dark Chocolate from Be Brain Fit.
EY MAG picks:
Natava Superfoods cacao powder
Pics peanut butter
