Reasons to Eat Chocolate

Chocolate Superfood Truffles Recipe

By now, we’re sure many of you have heard that eating a small amount of dark chocolate is good for your health. But we’re talking about real, low-processed cacao – not a Snickers or Hershey’s bar. Come on now, did you think we were going to give you free rein of the Valentine’s Day candy aisle in Target? 

You will notice that we said “cacao,” not “cocoa,” and yes, there is a difference besides the spelling. Raw cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans. By cold pressing the raw beans, it keeps the enzymes intact. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures, which reduces the enzyme content. So, if you can choose, always choose cacao for its nutritional value, but cocoa will also work in a pinch. 

If you enjoy the right kinds of chocolate, you could be lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, consuming more antioxidants than green tea, increasing magnesium levels in your stomach, and therefore reducing acid levels (eliminating stomach irritability.) 

Sometimes a stressful day can result in overeating at dinner and long into the evening to increase the pleasure spot in our brains. Dark chocolate can reduce cortisol levels and increase pleasure levels all at the same time. The best part is it only takes a small amount right after dinner to do the trick.

But again, not all dark chocolate is created equal, not even close! And like other superfoods, the real cacao can be an acquired taste, but we promise you will get used to it! 

When shopping for the right kinds of dark chocolate:

1. Try a 70-80% cacao level or higher- the higher the level, the more health benefits. If you’re new to dark chocolate, start at 70% and work up.

2. Look for Organic – This will ensure the beans the chocolate is derived from are safe and non-toxic.

3. Avoid soy – avoid any soy content in your dark chocolate. Soy lecithin is commonly

   added, but sunflower lecithin is a better option, or better yet, no additives at all.

4. Low sugar content – This will likely work itself out if you’re following all the above guidelines. However, be sure there isn’t more than 5 grams of sugar per serving. Try to find options that are sweetened with coconut sugar or honey.

Because dark chocolate is considered a healthy fat, it can technically be eaten alone and not affect your blood sugar poorly. Try to add it in addition to a meal or within 30 minutes of a meal for the nutrients to be better absorbed. But in a pinch, it’s fine to eat it alone. And yes, you can enjoy this every day – you’re welcome! 

So skip the store-bought Valentine’s candy this year and make your loved ones some homemade chocolate treats. These truffles taste delicious but are also nutritious. 

Chocolate Superfood Truffles

Ingredients

• ½ cup raw almonds

• ½ cup raw walnuts

• ¾ cup chopped pitted Medjool dates

• 3 Tablespoons cacao powder plus 1/4- 1/3 cup extra, for coating

• 3 Tablespoons maca powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt

• 1 Tablespoon virgin coconut oil

• 1 Tablespoon raw honey

• 1 Tablespoon water

Directions

Pulse nuts in a food processor until finely ground. Be careful not to pulse too long, or the oils will release, and the mixture will turn into a nut butter.

Add the rest of the ingredients. Pulse until ingredients are well incorporated.

Transfer mixture from food processor into a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, add the extra cacao powder. Using a cookie scoop, portion out the mixture into a ball, then roll it with your hands, forming it into bite-size pieces. Place balls in cacao powder and roll around to coat lightly. Shake off excess. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Optional: Skip the cacao powder coating and dip into high-quality melted chocolate with a toothpick. We recommend a ½ cup dark chocolate chips ratio it to 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted over low heat in a double boiler. Place on a parchment-lined sheet and cool in the fridge or freezer for at least 2 hours before serving.