This recipe is perfect for women during their period, but great anytime of the month.
Refined sugar and flour causes inflammation, which adds to pain and bloating. This loaf, however, is sweetened with blackstrap molasses and bananas. Oh, and it’s gluten free.
Chocolate; or more specifically cacao, has a beneficial effect during menstruation for at least two powerful agents: iron and magnesium. Women often experience iron deficiency, particularly during their period and a heavy flow can compound the problem. Cacao is an excellent source of iron.
Magnesium helps alleviate period pain by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus and by reducing prostaglandins, particularly PGE2. Cacao is an extraordinary source of magnesium!
For the best results use 100% cacao, Camino is a brand I recommend.
Blackstrap molasses is also an excellent source of iron and the coconut oil provides good fats which are essential for balancing female hormones.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas mashed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp of blackstrap molasses
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- 1 cup of chana flour
- 4 tbsp of raw cacao (or unsweetened cocoa)
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 tbsp of cinnamon
- ⅓ cup of sugar free chocolate chips or bakers chocolate chopped in chunks
- ⅓ cup of walnuts
Note: Sweetness can be regulated by the ripeness of the bananas
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- In a large bowl combine coconut oil, molasses, eggs, and bananas
- In a separate bowl combine chana flour (besan), cacao powder, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon
- Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients
- Fold in chocolate chunks and walnuts
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the loaf clean.
For women who suffer from severe menstural cramps we recommend Yurika! Cramp Free Naturally.