Raw Cacao Hot Chocolate with Mood Enhancing Anandamide!

Raw cacao, hot chocolate, sugar free, anandamide

The first time I saw cacao was in Ecuador, I could not believe this is where we got our chocolate from. I tried the pale flesh, it is sweet and slightly sour with the texture of a lychee. We get the cacao from roasting the brown beans inside.

Since then I've learnt of the powerhouse of nutritional benefits of Raw Cacao:

• Magnesium to help normal psychological function and energy levels

• Copper helps with energy yielding metabolism

• Zinc protects from oxidative stress

Recent research has revealed that cacao contains an ingredient called ‘anandamide’, which is a molecule that actually creates a feeling of euphoria and bliss. Raw cacao contains the highest levels of anandamide. Anandamide actually helps to increase neurogenesis, which is the formation of new nerve or brain cells. This also helps to create both an anti anxiety and antidepressant effect and even more reason to enjoy a mug.

Raw Cacao Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

Makes one big mug

• 250ml of unsweetened plant-based milk, I like Wunda unsweetened (pea protein), almond, coconut, (but there are loads to choose from)

• 2-3 heaped teaspoons of organic cacao powder or even better, organic freshly grated raw cacao

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Vanilla extract - couple of drops

• Small pinch of Himalayan salt

Directions:

Simple and super quick to make, a ritual of wellbeing

1. Gently heat the plant-based milk in a saucepan.

2. Add the raw cacao and stir gently.

3. Add the cinnamon, Himalayan salt and vanilla.

4. Ensure it is combined and piping hot.

5. Turn off the heat.

6. Either using a handheld or electric whisk, whizz up to create a foamy mixture.

7. Voila! Your hot cacao is ready. Get a good book, put on some tunes, and enjoy.

Other Variations

• Sweeter? If you want a sweeter hot chocolate, use a lower carb sugar replacement, like erythritol. Add one teaspoon to taste. Erythritol is a low carbohydrate plant-based natural sweetener. It has a much more natural taste that stevia.

• Creamier? If you want a creamier hot chocolate, add coconut cream or whipped cream, and sprinkle more cacao or cinnamon on top.

Optional Adaptogenic and Medicinal Mushroom Synergistic Boosts

• Maca powder 1-2 tsp - a malty taste, and a fantastic addition to improve energy and libido!

• Ashwagandha powder ½ tsp - relaxing calming effect

• Chaga mushroom powder extract ½ tsp - perfect for adding at your moon times, or if feeling tired and depleted

• Reishi powder ½ tsp - for an extra mood boost. Beware, it is bitter but works a treat to improve sleep and mood!

• Grass fed collagen powder 1 tsp - a boost of muscle building blocks, great for post exercise

• Orange zest ½ tsp - for an orangey kick

• Drop of rose tincture/tea - for a love boost!

• Turmeric ½ tsp - great for period pains

• Essential oil of orange or mint 1-2 drops - orange or mint choc effect

If you keep the sugar out (this includes honey, maple syrup and coconut sugar), this hot chocolate is a healthy, low carbohydrate nutritional treat that can easily satisfy sweet cravings.

Buying the good stuff:

Try to get good quality cacao, Fairtrade and organic if possible.

The Natural Dispensary do a good range and you can get 20% off if you use my discount code at the checkout SR20

I recommend brands such as Naturya and Organic Traditions

Ceremonial Cacao

This is the highest quality cacao -use a special treat or for energy work, dances or to share with friends.

My good friend Dani stocks raw cacao from Peru. You can find her on Facebook or Instagram Raw Choco Mama

Email her to order:

madcapcreations@hotmail.com