Before the birth of my child, I was not a big expert on sweets; I did not eat chocolate at all. After my son came along, a lot of things changed in my life, including my relationship with desserts: I haven't had enough sleep in two years, and this is known to increase the body's need for fast carbohydrates: sugar and flour. I started buying and eating cakes, chocolate and cakes.
Then the child grew older, I overcame my cravings for sweets, but he became an addict. After three years, when he escaped from my total control and became acquainted with pancakes, candy, ice cream, my war with the sweet started all over again. Luckily, he doesn't like all of the above, and what he does, I'm learning to cook myself, reassuring myself that home-cooked is less unhealthy than store-bought.
You can find some of my recipes in the appendix, but here I want to talk about how and why to make homemade chocolate.
What are the health benefits of chocolate
Chocolate that is high in cocoa, low in sugar (and preferably stevia) and without artificial flavors is beneficial for a number of reasons.
Protects the heart
Studies have shown that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two to three times a week helps lower blood pressure and prevents arteriosclerosis - a chronic disease that is expressed in the thickening of the walls of blood vessels.
Good for the brain
Cocoa-rich chocolate stimulates blood flow to the brain, which improves cognitive function. It reduces the risk of stroke. And dark chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, or PEA, the same substance the brain produces when we fall in love. PEA promotes the production of endorphin, the "hormone of joy.
Helps control blood sugar levels
Dark chocolate helps keep blood vessels healthy and maintain normal circulation, which protects against the development of type II diabetes. It contains flavonoids, and they help reduce insulin resistance, helping cells to function normally, as well as restoring the ability to effectively use the insulin produced in the body. In addition, chocolate with lots of cocoa has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants, which are rich in dark chocolate, allow the body to get rid of free radicals. And we remember that oxidation of free radicals damages cells and ages the body; in addition, they can be one of the causes of cancer.
Strengthens tooth enamel
Theobromine in cocoa strengthens tooth enamel. Thus, dark chocolate, unlike all other sweets, reduces the risk of tooth decay. With proper oral care, of course.
How to make chocolate at home
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup melted unrefined coconut oil,
- 1/4 cup raw organic cocoa powder,
- 3 tablespoons honey (or to taste).
If desired, add vanilla extract, coconut shavings, any chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Preparing
Mix the coconut oil and honey together thoroughly. Gradually add the cocoa powder and stir, stir, stir until the mixture is smooth and thick. Put nuts/coconut flakes/dried fruits into silicone molds and fill with chocolate mixture. Put it in the fridge to chill for 2-3 hours.
It makes a wonderful chocolate for children and adults )))
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