Who doesn't love chocolate syrup? It works on pancakes, cake or even any kind of fruit. Since learning this recipe I've made sure it's a staple in my home. Ok, I discovered it two weeks ago, but it's been very important since then.
This syrup is good for you because it contains two super foods: cacao powder and honey. I will warn you that before writing the recipe I will share some of the benefits of these foods and it could get technical, so feel free to skip to the end and get down and dirty in the kitchen.
The Benefits of Cacao Powder
1. Happy With Cacao: If it's one of those days and you need to find your bliss, cacao is the answer! It contains anandamide – known as the bliss molecule, which creates a feeling of euphoria.
2. Bye, Bye Cough: It's loaded with theobromine, found to halt coughs better than codeine or commercial cough suppressants with only two cups!
3. It Makes You Want to Get "Sexy": Or maybe not as much, but it does help. Another mood-enhancing compound found in cacao is PEA (phenethylamine), which releases endorphins and pleasurable opium-like neurochemicals. We often release these substances naturally when we fall in love and during sexual intercourse. Maybe that's why we love chocolate on Valentine's Day?
4. Keep Mood Swings At Bay: Cacao boosts brain levels of serotonin, also known as the feel-good brain chemical. So when you're feeling down in the slumps a good bit of cacao may just do the trick!
5. Protection From Heart Disease: Flavanols are an anti-inflammatory and heart-protective antioxidant group found in cacao. Studies have shown they can protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of stroke, and help improve blood circulation!
6. Forever Young: The polyphenol antioxidants found in cacao belong to the same group of antioxidants as green tea and red wine. These anthocyanins (found in dark colored fruits) and catechins (found in green tea) protect our cells from premature oxidation and can keep us looking and feeling younger longer.
7. Natural Energy Booster: Cacao energizes the body without overstimulating the nervous system, which means you get incredible long-lasting energy! How? It has one of the highest concentrations of magnesium in any food. Magnesium also helps to protect against osteoporosis, reduces type II diabetes, and lowers blood pressure.
The Benefits of Sweet Honey
1. Rich in Antioxidants: High-quality honey contains many important antioxidants, such as phenols, enzymes and compounds like flavonoids and organic acids. Scientists believe that it is the combination of these compounds that gives honey its antioxidant power. Also, they help lower blood pressure.
2. Helps Improve Cholesterol: Having high LDL cholesterol levels is a risk factor for heart disease. Luckily, several studies show honey can reduce total and LDL cholesterol, while significantly raising HDL (the "good") cholesterol.
3. Prevents Diabetes: Scientists have found that consumption of honey can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat the disease.
4. Get Better Sleep: Honey promotes restorative sleep in two ways. If you consume honey before bed, you'll restock the liver’s glycogen supply and prevent the brain from triggering a crisis search for fuel, which can wake you up. A nasty thing to go through. I'm sure we've all been there sometime.
5. Boost Your Immunity: This is linked to the point above. Eating honey fosters the release of melatonin in the brain by creating a small spike in insulin levels, which stimulates the release of tryptophan. This molecule converts to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin. The good news is that melatonin boosts immunity and helps rebuild tissue during periods of rest.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Research studies have linked honey consumption with weight loss! A San Diego State University study found that replacing sugar with honey can help prevent packing on extra pounds and lower blood sugar. Another study from the University of Wyoming found that honey can activate hormones that suppress the appetite. Make sure to eat honey when on a weight loss diet.
Chocolate Syrup Recipe
At last we've reached the most important par: The recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- Vanilla to taste
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together in a pan and heat over medium heat. Stir from time to time with a whisk to avoid lumps and prevent sticking. Cook until desired consistency.
I apologize for the bad pictures and video. It was already getting dark and they were taken with a phone camera. Since I like to cook and would like to keep posting yummy healthy recipes that are husband approved, I promise to instruct myself on how to take better photos.
__
All this content is mine.