Creamy Avocado Fudge Pops
More Information
Ice pops and frozen puddings and ice creams on a stick are a
snack that’s well-loved around the world. Kids love them, especially on a hot summer
day. However, the problem with this type of food is that it’s usually processed
and is high in sugar and very low in nutrition, which isn’t ideal for you and
your growing kids.[i]
Instead, I recommend you try this scrumptious frozen fudge pop
recipe. It uses avocado as the base ingredient, along with cocoa powder to give
it an appealing flavor for people of all ages. This is one summer treat your
children will definitely look forward to all the time.
Ingredients:
·
2 large organic avocados
·
1/2 cup of homemade or
organic Greek yogurt
·
1 cup of organic full-fat coconut milk
·
1/2 cup of raw cocoa powder
·
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
·
1/4 cup of monk fruit
·
Pinch of salt, optional
Procedure:
1.
In a blender, puree all the ingredients until
smooth.
2.
Pour or spoon the mixture into ice pop molds to
freeze.
3.
Tap the molds on the countertop several times
once they are full to try to remove air bubbles.
4.
Insert ice-pop sticks and freeze until pops are
solid (four to six hours or preferably overnight).
Note: This recipe
makes six full-size frozen fudge pops or 12 mini pops.
Avocado: The Superfood You Should Be Eating Regularly
This green fruit may not look like much, but it’s actually
one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet. Avocado can be eaten by
itself or used in various ways, such as in this recipe. But what makes avocado
a superfood anyway? Just take a look at what it may be able to do for you:[ii]
·
Anti-inflammatory:
The healthy fats in avocado are primarily composed of oleic acid, which has
been suggested to help reduce C-reactive protein, a biological marker for
inflammation.[iii]
·
Rich in fiber:
Seventy-five percent of the fiber in avocado is insoluble, while the remaining
is soluble. The combination of the two may help contribute to weight management
by helping you feel full longer, reduce blood sugar spikes and feed the healthy
bacteria in your gut.
·
May help
with cholesterol management: Several studies have found that consuming
avocado may help lower harmful cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol
levels.[iv],[v],[vi]
·
Offers assorted
nutrients: Avocados are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins K, C,
B-5, B-6, E, potassium and folate, which are all necessary for optimal health.
Real Chocolate Is Not Just Tasty — It’s Healthy as Well
Chocolate is often used as a flavor for countless drinks,
foods and snacks. However, the problem is that most chocolate sold nowadays
contain a lot of sugar, which can contribute to insulin resistance and a host
of other health problems.
However, dark
chocolate made from high-quality cocoa powder is a healthy dietary choice
that can provide a host of potential benefits. Prominent examples include:
·
Anti-inflammatory:
Chocolate may be able to help fight inflammation in your system thanks to its
polyphenols.[vii]
·
Improve cognitive
function: According to a study published in the British Journal of Clinical
Pharmacology, chocolate has neuroprotective benefits and may preserve cognitive
performance.[viii]
·
Promote heart
health: Chocolate may help lower bad cholesterol levels, as well as
maintain blood pressure in a healthy range.[ix]
·
Build up stamina:
Research suggests that flavonols in chocolate may help improve your capacity
for physical endurance, which can be beneficial to athletes.[x]
Greek Yogurt Turns Frozen Fudge Pops Into a Protein Powerhouse
Greek yogurt is a modified form of regular yogurt. To make
it, the yogurt is strained to remove the liquid whey. This results in a thicker
consistency and a tangier flavor, as well as these other characteristics:[xi],[xii]
·
Higher
protein: With the whey removed, a 100-gram serving of Greek yogurt has
three times more protein compared to the same amount of regular yogurt.
·
Lower
carbohydrates: Greek yogurt has a lower amount of carbohydrates, which can
be helpful if you’re cutting back on your carb consumption and implementing a
ketogenic diet.
·
Less
sugar: The sugar content in Greek yogurt is lower compared to regular
yogurt. This can benefit your health in many ways, as excess sugar consumption
has been linked to various health problems.
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, Greek yogurt typically
has the same benefits as regular yogurt, such as a source of healthy gut
bacteria, calcium and vitamins A and B-12.[xiii]
However, I advise limiting your consumption of this type of yogurt (and the
recipe) because of its high protein amount. Excess protein can stimulate your
mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which may increase your risk of
developing cancer.
Go Ahead and Enjoy This Summer Treat, but in Moderation
With summer just around the corner, it’s important that you nourish
yourself and your family with healthy refreshments to keep everyone’s nutrition
and energy levels up. This chocolate avocado frozen fudge pops recipe is the
perfect way to achieve these goals, but remember to consume it in moderation
due to the high protein amount.
Source:: Mercola Health Articles