It also helps release that feel-good neurotransmitter , releasing serotonin, in the brain.
But eating the wrong kind and you’ll get loads of sugar, calories, and junky ingredients.
How to Eat Chocolate Responsibly
Chocolate in it’s purest form is raw cacao (pronounced kah-kow) beans. It is loaded with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and plant phenols, cacao is a powerful superfood. The more processed cacao becomes, the fewer healthy components remain.
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% to 85% cacao. Go raw or as unprocessed as possible.
Here’s one of my most favorite chocolate recipes. The use of avocado as a healthy fat makes it smooth and creamy:
Creamy Chocolate Mousse:
• 1 1/2 cup cocoa powder, raw or toasted unsweetened
• 3 very ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup Date Paste
• 1/4 cup liquid sweetener, or more date paste
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
• fresh berries (for garnish)
Place the cocoa powder in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Add the avocados, date paste, sweetener, vanilla and salt and process to blend. Add the milk and continue to process until smooth. Be sure to scrape the sides to insure that the mixture has blended thoroughly. Servings for 4 people
Spoon into glasses and serve with fresh berries.
