Healthy Raw Chocolate Recipe

Chocolate is a favourite treat for many people, however commercial chocolates provide unhealthy ingredients like dairy, sugar and nasty additives. Luckily the cacao bean which chocolate is made from is a highly nutritious superfood.

Raw cacao contains high levels of antioxidants, magnesium, fibre and theobromine. These components are believed to reduce blood pressure, slow aging, improve heart health and boost mood. The increase in antioxidants you experience when eating high quality raw cacao helps to neutralise the damage done by smoking, drinking alcohol, sun damage and pollution.

Coconut oil is used to make raw chocolate and also provides numerous health benefits. It contains medium chain triglycerides, which boost metabolism and brain health. Lauric acid that is found in this oil has strong anti-microbial properties that can help to combat infections and yeast overgrowth. People who eat coconut oil typically have smaller appetites, higher energy and better blood lipid levels.

Raw honey is used to sweeten the raw chocolate. It is important that it is unheated and unprocessed because this allows the honey to retain its healthy properties. Raw honey contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and anti-microbial properties. Those with infections or allergies are advised to take 1-3 teaspoons of raw honey per day.

Ingredients:

200g cacao butter
1/2 C coconut oil
1/2 C raw honey
2 C cacao powder
Few drops of vanilla extract

Method

Melt the cacao butter and coconut oil on low heat. Put the melted liquid into a blender and add the coconut oil, honey and vanilla and blend. Sieve the cacao powder into the mixture and blend slowly until well mixed. If you do not have a blender you can do this by hand.

Pour into molds and allow it to set in the fridge. Keep it in the fridge as it will become soft and melt at room temperature