As passionate as most people are about chocolate, I have never been one to really care
that much about it.
Sure, I love to enjoy a dark chocolate bar from time to time, but I had never experimented
with raw cacao powder in my kitchen at all.
Until recently.
While browsing the shelves at a well-respected health food store, I noticed a package of organic
cacao powder and decided to buy it.
When I got home, I stuck it into my pantry with thoughts of using it right away to make some of
the yummy chocolate creations I have seen or tasted.
Life interceded and that did not happen until one day I stopped by one of my favorite raw, vegan
restaurants–a cozy spot located in the heart of the East Village.
I had already eaten a hearty dinner, so I didn’t need anything heavy.
But I still had a desire–room–for a healthy dessert.
After browsing their menu, I decided to try their Raw Cacao Pudding.
This dark, sweet, creamy concoction was topped with coconut cream and cacao nibs.
It was love at first bite.
When I got home I was determined to try mind hand at creating a healthy, raw, chocolate dessert
of my own.
I fetched that package of cacoa powder from the pantry shelf and scoured the kitchen for other
ingredients to create with.
Previously, I had read several articles about the health benefits of chocolate and so I approached this
project without a bit of guilt.
Health Benefits of Cacao Powder
Cacao provides numerous health benefits especially for the cardiovascular and immune systems.
1. Improves Mood
Cacao powder provides “legendary” mood-elevating effects due to chemicals, such as endorphins,
stimulants, phenylethylamine, and serotonin, which can help improve your mood.
2. High in Antioxidants
Cacao powder is high in flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage and increase your risk of developing
disease.
3. Lowers High Blood Pressure
Chocolate may help to lower ‘’bad’’ cholesterol level and raise ‘’good’’ cholesterol level when used
in moderation.
This also helps to lower your risk of developing heart complications.
The magnesium in cacao powder helps to lower high blood pressure by improving blood circulation
and distribution.
4. Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Because they are rich in flavonoids which help with circulation, cacao powder can improve the
function of the heart–preventing the development of heart attacks and strokes.
Chocolate’s benefits are too often far outweighed by the negative consequences of the fat and refined
sugar we often pair with our raw cacoa powder.
We can’t go around overindulging on sugary chocolate bars, however, there are many healthful
ways to add cacoa powder to your diet without any of the unhealthy ingredients.
Buying Tips
When buying cacao powder, look for:
*certified fair trade
*organic
*higher fat content
*unsweetened cocoa powder
*cocoa as the only ingredient
*Avoid buying “ground chocolate” which is actually powdered chocolate bars full of ingredients we’re
trying to avoid
Cacao should be used in moderation.
Ready for some chocolate goodness?
Try this healthy, easy to make, Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding recipe.
This guilt-free chocolate pudding is a thick, rich, creamy, smooth treat!
It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Chocolate Banana Berry Chia Pudding
Ingredients:
2 ripe organic bananas
1/2 organic avocado
1 organic orange peeled and separated
1/2 cup organic blackberries (save a few for the topping)
2 teaspoons raw organic cacao or cocoa powder
1/2 cup organic unsweetened almond or coconut milk
3 tablespoons organic chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla
1-2 tablespoons organic coconut palm sugar (optional)
Directions:
Add the ingredients to your blender–I use a VitaMix
Blend until smooth.
Pour the pudding into a bowl.
Top with a few blackberries.
For a firmer pudding, place in your refrigerator for a few minutes to chill.
You can top your pudding with a dollop of coconut cream and coconut flakes,
if you like.
Enjoy!
Got a craving for chocolate?
What are your favorite ways to use cacao powder?
Share your thoughts and suggestions with us.
“PIN & SHARE”
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Looks yummy! Have never made anything with cacao powder, might have to give this a shot! #wowlinkup
Alright I really need someone to taste test chia pudding ON CAMERA so I can tell if it is really delicious or just slimy. LOL. #wowlinkup
I haven’t tried chia pudding yet, but it’s everywhere! I might just have to try it now. Love chocolate 🙂 Thanks for sharing #wowlinkup
Hi Catherine,
I really hope you like chocolate chia pudding. It is so much tastier than the pudding I grew up with. Thanks for hopping by.
Luscious! Love the ingredient list. And thank you SO much for sharing it at the first weekly Potluck!
I like to use cacao powder in my hot chocolate drink after dinner in the winter time. I decrease the regular hot chocolate mix by 1 tablespoon and add the cacao powder. #wowlinkup
This makes my mouth water. I love puddings made with chia seeds and this has such healthy ingredients in it. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Friday Blog Hop. Always glad to see your posts.
Hi Deborah,
Just a note to let you know I choose your post as one of my features on this weeks Real Food Fridays Blog Hop. Thanks for sharing with us and looking forward to more of your great recipes and tips. Have a healthy happy day. Marla
I am really loving chia puddings right now with the gorgeous (and hot!) summer weather. This one sounds especially delightful Deborah =) It sounds so creamy and wonderful – I can almost taste it!
Thank you for posting it at Healthy Vegan Fridays, I have pinned your recipe to our Pinterest Page.
Hope you had a lovely weekend =)
Yum! this sounds good. thanks for sharing on healthy living link party