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February 15, 2024
These days chocolate comes in exciting flavor combinations that make it an adventure. I’ve seen many of these gourmet versions in stores such as Whole Foods and upscale supermarkets. I’ve also had the opportunity to sample many unusual forms of chocolate at the Natural Products Expo, which takes place in Anaheim, CA each March. By now, we all know that dark chocolate is truly FoodTrient-worthy. It’s loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and even some fiber. The flavor, texture and nuances of dark chocolate, like fine wine, are determined by where the beans are grown and how they’re processed. A 100 gram […]
November 17, 2023
Chocolate Chip Spice Cookies These chocolate chip and spice cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, rolled oats, whole-wheat flour, and applesauce to reduce caloric content while maximizing nutrients. They are made without butter and without white or brown sugar, yet they maintain a traditional taste and texture. Oats have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-itch, and anti-irritant properties. The fiber and omega-3 fatty acids in oats help lower your cholesterol. Cinnamaldehyde is a powerful antioxidant found in cinnamon. The spice also contains coumarin, a natural blood thinner. YIELDS 24 Cookies Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut) 1 cup […]
May 22, 2023
Chocolatey, rich mousse is a perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day or any time of the year, really. Heart-healthy compounds abound in cocoa, so a lightened-up, vegan version of this classic recipe will benefit you and the ones you share it with. Many mousse recipes use chocolate chips for flavor, but this one features pure baking cocoa for an antioxidant punch and tangy bitterness to balance the sweetness of the syrup. Using vanilla almond or soy milk as well as vanilla extract offers depth in flavor aside from pure chocolate. Be sure to garnish with fresh strawberries or cherries for texture, […]
March 28, 2023
If you have old Valentine’s Day chocolates in the house or are planning to indulge in chocolate for Easter or Passover, you might want to treat yourself and eat up. There are several studies that have found that chocolate — at least dark chocolate — is good for your health. “With an increasing number of studies focusing on chocolate and cardiovascular health, chocolate’s popularity is on the rise and frequently discussed in the media. The reason…is that the cocoa bean, which is one main ingredient in chocolate that is rich in flavanols, has an antioxidant effect that reduces the cell […]
June 7, 2022
It’s hard to imagine, but this vegan version of chocolate mousse offers the same satisfaction as its richer, less healthy sibling. Contributed by my colleague Dr. Lynn Blair, it has all of the same creaminess, the satiny, melt-in-your-mouth pleasure, and the full, no-holds-barred taste you expect from a dense and rich chocolate mousse. And if that’s not enough, just add plenty of great health benefits. Soy contains isoflavones, which help preserve bone density, lower your risk of certain cancers, and may alleviate menopausal symptoms. Dark chocolate has catechins, which are neuroprotective, and theobromine, which improves blood flow and lowers blood […]
July 20, 2021
Over the past year, FoodTrients has been exploring foods and flavors from around the globe. This week, we take a look at the flavors of South America as part of our new series on the world of foods
March 29, 2021
Let’s face it. Many of us love chocolate. Yet, we may have reserved it as a once in a while treat because it has traditionally fallen into the “bad choice” category of sweets. With the results of recent research coming out of Sweden though, many chocolate lovers are going to be reunited with their former love. In doing so, they’re also going to lower their risk of stroke. Here’s why. Chocolate: A Superfood in a Sweet Package Well, technically, it’s cacao, or cocoa, from which chocolate is made that’s the heart healthy, stroke preventing superfood. The more cocoa that’s in a chocolate […]
February 2, 2021
This decadently rich chocolate smoothie bowl tastes like an indulgence, but it’s actually a rich source of energy-promoting carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and healthy fats. Cacao powder is similar to cocoa powder, but has no sugar, milk, or cocoa butter in it. It is simply ground cacao pods or beans, not treated with alkali powder. Cacao nibs are a larger grind of the pod. Serve these smoothie bowls for breakfast or dessert and feel free to use your own favorite toppings! Goji berries are packed with beneficial antioxidants and anthocyanins that help protect our cells from damage, inhibit the growth of […]
October 30, 2018
Maca—you’ve probably seen it in foods like chocolate, energy bars, by itself, and in supplements. But what is it and what’s it for? Maca is a plant native to the Andes Mountains. It’s available in red, yellow and black varieties. While maca root has several uses, its most popular ones are for enhancing fertility and sexual function. The Sperm-Enhancing Effects of Maca Maca appears to enhance sperm-producing ability. In men, maca has been shown to increase sperm count and motility. A study of men ages 20 to 40 years found increases in sperm concentration and motility in comparison with non-supplemented group […]