Cacao Ice Cream that’s not only yummy but actually good for you:) This is non-dairy, creamy, delicious and RAW. I mentioned that you need not deprive yourself to be on some restrictive diet which does not give you the emotional lift. There are always wise alternatives and ways to reduce calories without sacrificing the taste. There’s no need to suffer when we are so blessed with many delicious alternatives.
Having said that I can’t tell you the exact calories per serving on this because it depends on the kind of dried fruits you end up using…experiment with half portion recipe… again, controlled portion size would be best, just saying, because you might feel like finishing the whole tub otherwise.
1 3/4 cups of raw cashew nuts
3 1/2 cups filtered water
dried fruits
6 tbsp raw cacao powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cans or 13.5 oz coconut milk
1/4 cup maple syrup, or organic agave nectar
1. Mix all ingredients in a Vitamix until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer to the ice cream maker and mix according to that ice cream maker’s instruction. When done,
3. Transfer the ice cream to a container, freeze as instructed.
4. May take out a little earlier before serving to bring out the creaminess.
Cacao, or the raw form of Cocoa, the main ingredient and taste dictator in chocolate, is known to be a good source of magnesium which helps relieve nervous tension that causes headaches and cramps. Great during PMS or just plain stress.
According to Mayo Clinic’s article, when it comes to chocolate, dark chocolate with cocoa(*) content of 65 percent or higher is recommended. The article further goes on to say “Limit yourself to around 3 ounces (85 grams) a day, which is the amount some studies have shown to be helpful. Because this amount may provide up to 450 calories, you may want to cut calories in other areas or step up the exercise to compensate.”
I would be happy to exercise more if that allows me to eat more chocolate:)
(*)Recent analysis of 21 studies with 2,575 participants shows that cocoa (cacao is the raw form) consumption is associated with decreased blood pressure, improved blood vessel health, and improvement in cholesterol levels, among other benefits.
Eric L. Ding, PhD, of Harvard Medical School says the apparent health benefits come from polyphenolic flavonoids in cocoa that have the potential to prevent heart disease. Flavonoids are antioxidants that are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, tea, wine, and coffee.
This kind of finding puts a smile on my face:) and more motivated to exercise. Blessed.
