It’s generally difficult to help yourself to a piece of chocolate without feeling like you’re totally reversing your efforts to eat healthily. But these chocolate truffles can help your diet rather than hinder it. Made with dark chocolate, this sweet snack can enhance your health in surprising ways.
Reasons to Go Dark
It’s common knowledge by now that chocolate isn’t the greatest food to add to your diet – milk chocolate that is. There is an exception that can be made for dark chocolate, however.
According to authoritynutrition.com, “Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary stuff) can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease.”
In addition, dark chocolate is a good source of minerals like magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. As well, it provides you with some fiber. Other health benefits of dark chocolate include:
- Improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure
- Raises good cholesterol levels
- Reduces insulin resistance
- Lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease
- Can protect your skin from sun damage [For more foods that offer sun protection read this: Everything You Need to Know to Avoid Sun Damage WITHOUT Using Cancer-Causing Sunscreen].
- Can improve brain function
This rich, decadent chocolate satisfies your sweet tooth without the sugar crash. Being rich in magnesium, these mouth-watering chocolate truffles will bring down your stress levels and the coconut oil will help balance your blood sugar levels.
This recipe is shared with permission from our friends at drhyman.com.
Chocolate Truffles with Coconut Oil
These Chocolate Truffles are a crowd-pleasing treat and make excellent gifts (especially for those who don’t believe eating healthy can be delicious and satisfy your sweet tooth every once in a while). This version is vegan, gluten-free and has the benefits of coconut oil (including medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid).
Serves: 24 truffles
Total time: 2 1/2 hours
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces unsweetened dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil
- ¾ cup coconut milk (full fat) or coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
- Stevia, honey or maple syrup to taste
For the coating:
- ½ cup cocoa powder OR coconut flakes OR slivered almonds (optional)
Instructions:
- Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate and coconut oil together, stirring continuously. Add the coconut milk and whisk until smooth.
- Remove from heat, then add the vanilla, salt, and a little bit of the recommended sweetener.
- Chill mixture for 2 hours or until set.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop a spoonful of the mixture, roll into a ball and then roll in the coating of your choice.
- Return finished truffles to the refrigerator and chill truffles for at least 10 minutes, then serve.
- Store in a cool place.
Nutritional analysis per serving (per 1 serving without sweetener or coating)
Calories 96 • Fat 10 g • Fiber 6.9 g • Protein 2 g • Carbohydrate 5 g • Sodium 22 mg
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