Just give me some organic red wine and some superfood chocolate and I am good to go. Women, you know what I'm talking about!
Marie Exley was one of our recent guests and she has studied health and nutrition for many years. She treated us to her very own "Raw Superfood Chocolates" and at the same time, introduced us to several new healthy ingredients such as Maca powder, Spirulina and Reishi mushroom.
Marie Exley was one of our recent guests and she has studied health and nutrition for many years. She treated us to her very own "Raw Superfood Chocolates" and at the same time, introduced us to several new healthy ingredients such as Maca powder, Spirulina and Reishi mushroom.
What Makes it a Super Food?
Cacao is the main ingredient in "Marie's Raw Superfood Chocolate" and it is a superfood powerhouse. Note the subtle difference in the spelling. As a kid, we all loved our hot cOcOa, which was mostly sugar and some chocolate from a questionable source thrown in. But simply rearrange the letters and you have cAcAo, which is the best antioxidant around. In fact, on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) chart, raw cocoa powder is at the top of the antioxidant list with almost four times the amount of antioxidants (anti-aging guys) as Goji Berries. However, in high concentrations, Cacao can be hard on your nervous system. But limit your dosage to 40-50 grams of raw cacao per day and it is beneficial as well as quite enjoyable.
Coconut Oil, organic virgin coconut oil specifically, is the second main ingredient in these delectable chocolate bites and it has many health benefits:
- resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness
- helps to fight off yeast, fungus and candida
- positively affects our hormones for thyroid and blood-sugar control.
- improves insulin balance
- boosts thyroid function
- helps to increase metabolism, energy and endurance.
- increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
- lowers cholesterol
- and last but certainly not least, it can even help you lose weight! Really?!
Maca is the superfood of the Andes. Maca is an herbaceous plant native to the high Andean Mountains of Bolivia and Peru. It is one of the only food plants in the world able to thrive at such a high altitude. Maca, and more specifically the root of the plant, has a long history as a superfood. The maca root was prized throughout the Incan empire for its adaptogenic-like qualities that enable it to nourish and balance the body's delicate endocrine system, and to help cope with stress. It also energizes naturally, without the jitters and crashes of caffeine, and it can aid in reproductive function, helping to balance hormones and increase fertility. Navitas Naturals Maca Powder is the raw and natural form of this special root.
Reishi Mushroom is a fungus that is used for boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Consider any allergies you may have before adding this ingredient as it can cause a reaction for some people.
Reishi Mushroom is a fungus that is used for boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Consider any allergies you may have before adding this ingredient as it can cause a reaction for some people.
Spirulina, a blue green algae found in warm, fresh-water bodies, nourishes your body by providing:
Spirulina comes in capsules, tablets, powders and flakes. The recommended daily dose is typically between three to five grams. You can spread the dose out to twice or three times a day if you like. It is safe to take higher doses, but this is a good place to start. Remember to increase your intake of spring or filtered water when taking spirulina to help it absorb into your system.
- most of the protein you need to live
- reinforces your immune system
- helps control high blood pressure and cholesterol
- helps protect you from cancer
- prevents the annoying sniffling and sneezing from allergies. Wow! Now that is super!
Spirulina comes in capsules, tablets, powders and flakes. The recommended daily dose is typically between three to five grams. You can spread the dose out to twice or three times a day if you like. It is safe to take higher doses, but this is a good place to start. Remember to increase your intake of spring or filtered water when taking spirulina to help it absorb into your system.
Recipe for "Raw Superfood Chocolate"
Now that you understand the benefits of these superfood-packed chocolates, I'm sure you are as eager as I am to start eating them. So without any further adieu, let's get to making our very own batch.
It is important to note that there is no heat, cooking or baking involved in making these chocolates. This is wonderful because heat can so often destroy important enzymes in the food. By using our freezer to "bake" the chocolates, we are preserving all of the natural goodness and potency of the powerful ingredients in our healthy chocolate. Let's begin.
It is important to note that there is no heat, cooking or baking involved in making these chocolates. This is wonderful because heat can so often destroy important enzymes in the food. By using our freezer to "bake" the chocolates, we are preserving all of the natural goodness and potency of the powerful ingredients in our healthy chocolate. Let's begin.
Ingredients
1 C Cacao powder
1 C Coconut oil (melted)
1/2 C honey
2 Tbsp Maca powder
2 tsp Spirulina
3 drops Reishi mushroom
Optional: chopped nuts of your choice; walnuts, pecans or almonds.
Method
Mix all ingredients together into a glass Pyrex measuring pitcher. Pour into your favorite chocolate mold, filling 2/3rds of the way full. If you want to add nuts, crumble a few pieces delicately into each form. Then fill each one to the top with more chocolate. Now carefully transfer to the freezer and let set for about 30 minutes. Once set, remove and add to a container and store them in the freezer, as they can begin to melt quickly at room temperature. Makes about 45 pieces.
1 C Cacao powder
1 C Coconut oil (melted)
1/2 C honey
2 Tbsp Maca powder
2 tsp Spirulina
3 drops Reishi mushroom
Optional: chopped nuts of your choice; walnuts, pecans or almonds.
Method
Mix all ingredients together into a glass Pyrex measuring pitcher. Pour into your favorite chocolate mold, filling 2/3rds of the way full. If you want to add nuts, crumble a few pieces delicately into each form. Then fill each one to the top with more chocolate. Now carefully transfer to the freezer and let set for about 30 minutes. Once set, remove and add to a container and store them in the freezer, as they can begin to melt quickly at room temperature. Makes about 45 pieces.
Marie recommends enjoying 2-3 pieces per day for optimal health.
I have to tell you, when I tried these, my bliss meter went off the chart. Marie said, "And they're good for you. How awesome is that?!"
Indeed, Marie. INDEED!
By, Sue Hoyuela
I have to tell you, when I tried these, my bliss meter went off the chart. Marie said, "And they're good for you. How awesome is that?!"
Indeed, Marie. INDEED!
By, Sue Hoyuela
RSS Feed
