4 Delectable Dark Chocolate Desserts
February 1 is Dark Chocolate Day which is a wonderful time to celebrate its brain-healthy benefits! Dark chocolate is a great source of important brain healthy nutrients like potassium, magnesium, which supports memory and mood, and flavonoids, which are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that provide numerous benefits. Studies show that eating dark chocolate has been associated with enhanced cognitive function, and improved memory.1
As Valentine’s Day approaches, you might be looking for a brain-healthy and delectable treat to share with loved ones. Below are 4 of the best dark chocolate desserts we love that may strengthen memory, reduce brain fog and support your overall cognitive function. You don’t have to sacrifice all your favorite sweet treats to keep in line with the Mediterranean/MIND diets, which are known to be neuroprotective. Simply replace highly processed and high sugar desserts with dark chocolate or one of the delicious recipes below.
Our Favorite Delectable Dark Chocolate Desserts
Vegan Chocolate Mousse: This vegan dark chocolate mousse is soft, light, airy, and ultra-rich. It will melt in your mouth and is sure to be a crowd pleaser for your loved ones and their brains.
Better-for-you Chocolate Chunk Cookie by Dr. Annie Fenn: This brain nourishing cookie by Annie Fenn has a crispy border and chewy center, is gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with olive oil instead of butter.
Chocolate Almond Butter Cups: A twist on a classic favorite, these chocolate almond butter cups have a creamy center with a satisfying crunch on the outside. For a simple and quick recipe on this classic, visit here.
Chocolate and Berry Bark: For a recipe that’s quick and easy to make, try this chocolate and berry bark. Melt a 10 ounce bag of dark chocolate chips with a 10 ounce bag of white chocolate in a microwave, and pour on a parchment paper lined tray. Using a fork or toothpick, swirl them together. To finish, top with dried berries or nuts for an added brain boost. Our favorite additions are dried cranberries, blueberries, and pistachios. Put it in the fridge to harden, and crack it up for that beautiful crunchy bark.
If you’re short on time or prefer readily made options, order these delicious (and beautiful) dark chocolate bars from Spring & Mulberry which are sweetened with dates instead of refined sugar and include brain-healthy toppings like nuts and dried fruit.
While sweets are a universal love language, don’t let processed and high sugar desserts get in the way of your brain health goals this upcoming Valentine’s Day. Enjoy dark chocolate instead! And don’t forget, your diet as a whole contributes to your memory and cognitive function, so follow the Mediterranean/MIND diets to ensure your brain gets all the nutrients it needs and fill the gaps with a nutritional supplement like RELEVATE. With 17 nutrients geared toward long-term brain health, you'll be showing your brain a little extra love . Learn more about RELEVATE here.
References
- Sumiyoshi E, Matsuzaki K, Sugimoto N, Tanabe Y, Hara T, Katakura M, Miyamoto M, Mishima S, Shido O. Sub-Chronic Consumption of Dark Chocolate Enhances Cognitive Function and Releases Nerve Growth Factors: A Parallel-Group Randomized Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Nov 16;11(11):2800. doi: 10.3390/nu11112800. PMID: 31744119; PMCID: PMC6893800.
