Energizing And Anti-inflammatory; how I would describe this recipe. Many of my friends and coaching clients have asked for this recipe recently so I thought to share it with you all. On occasion I just feel like a sweet treat and these not only fill that desire, they are a great energizing pick me up treat and so much more!! How can something with chocolate in it and called candy be healthy?! How do these ingredients support you to be healthy? Let’s find out.

Coconut Oil

Information about coconut oil and its health benefits are being touted all over the internet and everywhere you look these days. Let’s do a quick review here though.

Raw, Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil:

• is a powerful inhibitor of a large variety of pathogenic organisms, from viruses to bacteria to protozoa, largely due to its naturally high lauric acid content because Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, a monoglyceride that can actually destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV and herpes, influenza, measles, gram-negative bacteria, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia
• provides your body with high-quality fat that is critical for optimal health.
• is comprised of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are easily digested and can readily cross cell membranes. MCFAs are immediately converted by your liver into energy rather than being stored as fat.
• is easy on your digestive system and does not produce an insulin spike in your bloodstream, so for a quick energy boost

Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil:

• helps to improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• promotes heart health
• promotes healthy brain function
• supports balanced thyroid function
• strengthens immune system
• helps maintain healthy and youthful skin
• helps maintain healthy hair and nails
• provides excellent “fuel” or energy for your body
• helps stabilize metabolism and supports weight loss

What Is Cacao?

This is chocolate in its raw and unaltered state. The real deal! Cacao is not cocoa. Cacao comes from cacao beans – the seeds or nuts of the cacao tree. Cacao refers to the plant, which is a small evergreen tree of the species Theobroma cacao, and its dried seeds, which are known as cacao beans or cocoa beans, before processing. Cacao products include cacao nibs, cacao butter, cacao mass or paste and (probably the most common) cacao powder.

Cacao vs Cocoa Powder

Raw cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter). It is best to purchase the whole beans and grind them yourself (a coffee grinder dedicated to cacao beans can be used for this) when using it in recipes.

Cocoa looks the same but don’t be fooled; it’s not. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s beenroasted at high temperatures. Unfortunately, roasting changes the molecular structure of the cacao bean, reducing the enzyme content and lowering the overall nutritional value, by a lot.

Therefore the benefits listed below will only come from raw cacao.

Raw Cacao:

• is thought to be the highest source of antioxidants of all foods and the highest source of magnesium of all foods
• contains healthy fats
• contains nitrogenous compounds, including proteins, methylxanthines theobromine, and caffeine (central nervous system stimulants, diuretics, and smooth muscle relaxants)
• contains a high mineral content; including potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium
• contains valeric acid; which acts as a stress reducer despite the presence of stimulants

You are going to love all these wonderful health benefits of cacao. Check these out!

Health Benefits Of Raw Cacao:

• is an anti-inflammatory(including 17 percent reduction in C-reactive protein)
• is an anti-carcinogenic
• is an anti-thrombotic,and also improves endothelial function
• is an anti-diabetic
• could help extend lifespan
• has anti-obesity effects; possibly due to the polyphenols’ ability to suppress fatty acid synthesis while stimulating cell energy expenditure in the mitochondria (great for providing sustained energy for those labeled with fibromyalgia)
• protects the cardiovascular system, including lowering blood pressure, improving lipid profile, and helping prevent atrial fibrillation
• improves liver function
• improves skin condition, and protection against UV damage
• improves gastrointestinal flora
• improves exercise endurance
• lowers risk of Alzheimer’sand has neuroprotective benefits
• protects vision, reduces symptoms of glaucoma and diabetes-induced cataracts
• protects against preeclampsia in pregnant women
• reduces stress hormones
• can slow progression of periodontitis

These reasons are why raw cacao is considered a superfood. With all these wonderful benefits you can feel good about adding raw cacao to your pantry and enjoying it.

This recipe below is only one of the many different ways to add and enjoy cacao in your life. Eating healthy doesn’t mean taking chocolate out of your life; it means making sure you are eating the right kind! The kind that supports you to Live Vibrantly!

Chocolate Coconut Bliss Candy

• 1 cup raw, extra virgin coconut oil,
• ½ cup raw cacao powder
• Pinch of Sea Salt
• 1-2 tablespoons raw, unpasteurized honey

Preparation:

Process all the ingredients together in a food processor or high speed blender until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze.

Once frozen, pop the candies out of the molds and store them in a freezer zip lock or jar.

Note: These taste really good and are really rich. Don’t eat more than 2 at a time!

Enjoy!

Live Vibrantly!

ps. Wondering what other foods you should include in your regular habits that support you to have more energy, feel amazing and restore your health? Then I invite you to check out my book: “Live Vibrantly! 10 Steps to Maintain Youthfulness, Increase Energy and Restore Your Health”. Go here for more information and how to get your free bonuses.