Jean Hailes’ Women\u2019s Health Week, proudly supported by smoothfm, is the biggest week in Australia dedicated to good health and wellbeing for women and girls. Day one is all about physical activity, body image and healthy eating \u2013 so why not start the week “baking” yourself a little healthier with this chocolate slice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This slice can satisfy a chocolate craving while giving you a good dose of nutrients that may support mood \u2013 in particular, magnesium and vitamin B6. By Jean Hailes naturopath and herbalist Sandra Villella<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1\u00bd cups rolled oats Tip<\/strong>: Store in an airtight container in the freezer or fridge to keep them fresh, as they become a little sticky when left out at room temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why do so many women crave chocolate around the time of their periods? Popular, but largely debunked theories include fluctuations in hormone levels and deficiencies of nutrients, such as magnesium, around menstrual cycles. More recently, research has shifted towards the theory that premenstrual chocolate cravings in Western woman are associated with the ‘allowing’ of otherwise taboo or forbidden foods, justified by menstruation or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever the reason, this slice satisfies the chocolate craving while giving you a good dose of nutrients that are thought to be lacking, or required, to help keep your mood even \u2013 in particular, magnesium and vitamin B6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is not much good research to support a role for magnesium in managing PMS, but there have been observations between low magnesium levels and anxiety in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily some of the best dietary sources of magnesium are seeds (hemp, pepitas and linseeds) and nuts, especially Brazil nuts. So, hemp seeds and Brazil nuts are in this recipe for that reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raw cacao is here too as it also contains magnesium; slightly more than cocoa powder. The unhulled sesame seeds in this recipe provide some calcium, a mineral known to be useful for PMS management when taken as a supplement. Seeds, nuts and wholegrains also provide some B vitamins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the theories of the cause of PMS is an interaction of hormones from the ovaries with chemicals from the brain (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin. The B vitamins are involved in the metabolism of these brain chemicals through different mechanisms, so dietary sources (or in some cases, nutritional supplements) are important in this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However you slice or dice it, this chocolate slice is not only a good-mood food, but a high-fibre treat that’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, giving you a chocolate ‘high’ without the unhealthy fats or refined sugars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2153 cup each of hemp seeds, unhulled sesame seeds and pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1 cup raw Brazil nuts
2 cups pitted dates
\u00be cup raw cacao
\u00bc cup ABC (almond, Brazil and cashew) nut spread (from health food store or supermarket health food section)
\u00bc cup pure maple syrup<\/p>\n\n\n\nMethod<\/h4>\n\n\n\n