11 Feb Chocolate Avocado Mousse {Gluten Free}
Most of us have heard the health claims of avocado, unsweetened cocoa, coconut oil, and cayenne. I love this recipe for chocolate avocado mousse because it incorporates all of those nutrient-rich foods and makes me feel like I’m eating a decadent dessert! If you’re anything like me, you love the foods you eat even more knowing how they help and heal your body! Let me review a few of the key ingredients in this recipe and their health claims.
GOOD FAT IN AVOCADO
Avocado is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – all of which give you energy, help you fight infection and assist in controlling inflammation. Inflammation is the root cause of most major illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and more.
Avocado is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – all of which give you energy, help you fight infection and assist in controlling inflammation. Inflammation is the root cause of most major illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and more.
FIBER
Fiber cooperates with your body to eliminate waste and toxins. The fat in avocado is considered healthy because it is a monounsaturated oleic acid, making it fairly stable, thus decreasing the risk of oxidation and inflammation
UNSWEETENED NATURAL COCOA
Unsweetened Cocoa holds many health claims dating back to the Mayans. In addition to potassium and calcium, cocoa is concentrated with powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. This is the fundamental piece that gives cocoa bragging rights when it comes to decreasing inflammation and possibly fighting cancer and heart disease. But buyer beware – not all unsweetened cocoa can boast these benefits. Heat and processing can affect the composition of various products.
The bitter flavor in cocoa primarily comes from the polyphenols that can be considered an undesirable flavor profile, so it is often treated with alkali to make it more palatable and tasty. This process is also referred to as Dutch process. I prefer to purchase raw cocoa nibs and grind them into powder myself to know I am getting the maximum health benefits, but you can purchase unsweetened natural cocoa powder that has not been alkalized through Dutch processing.
POWER OF COCONUT
Coconut oil is becoming increasingly more popular despite the conventional arguments you may still hear regarding saturated fat and heart disease. But coconut oil is fighting for more than just its spot as a named health food. It is known to fight bacteria, fungus and inflammation. It does this by disrupting the lipid coating on bacteria, changing the cellular integrity and killing the cell.
Coconut oil is associated with improving heart disease, kidney and UTI health, inflammation, cancer and immune health. In addition, coconut oil is easy to digest because it is a medium chain fatty acid that passively absorbs through the intestinal lining.
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Cayenne contains capsaicin and is associated with decreasing pain, inflammation and cholesterol, as well as stimulating circulation and aiding in digestion while decreasing gas. When it comes to spicy food, I am a wimp! The small amount of cayenne in this recipe leaves a hint of heat on my throat to let me know it is there without overpowering the dish. Give it a try and see what you think!
Remember to add as little coconut sugar as you can by eating the mousse with fruit to increase sweetness and antioxidants. Enjoy this delicious chocolate avocado mousse dessert – guilt free! You can even try it for breakfast!
| Prep Time | 5 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 Minutes |
| Servings |
4
|
- 2 Large Ripe Avocado
- 1/4 - 1/2 Cup Coconut Sugar or Nectar Start with less - berries enhance sweetness
- 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 Teaspoon Himalayan Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne
- 1-2 Cups Raspberries or Strawberries
Ingredients
|
|
- Add all ingredients to a food processor except for 1/4 C coconut sugar and the berries.
- Blend until super creamy and smooth.
- Taste the mousse and determine if you like it as is, or need the additional sugar. I prefer it less sweet and I like raspberries on top to sweeten it up and cut the bitterness from the unsweetened cocoa powder. Less sugar & more antioxidants!
- Serve chilled or immediately with raspberries or strawberries.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
