Ready in just five minutes, this delicious fruit dip will make your heart and your taste buds rejoice. Very large studies have shown that dark chocolate (including cocoa) has powerful cardiovascular benefits, including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving arterial health, and reducing risk for coronary artery disease. Some studies suggest that dark chocolate may also help protect against cancer.
This easy recipe pairs chocolate dip with fresh berries. Not only are these tasty treats packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, but they also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases. In addition, a diet high in fresh produce has also been linked to lower risk for stroke. The dip also contains an optional secret ingredient — cayenne pepper — that adds a delightful hint of spice. Try adding a tiny pinch, mix well and taste.
Ingredients
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Tiny pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh berries, for dipping
Combine all ingredients except fruit in a medium-sized serving bowl. Stir until well mixed and the sugar granules have dissolved (about 3 minutes). Serve dip with fresh berries of your choice — and enjoy! Serves four. Adapted from Stonyfield.com.