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There are so many ways to feel and express love, but I like to say that there’s no food that symbolizes love better than chocolate. I don’t mean Kit Kats or Hershey Kisses. I’m talking about real raw chocolate, also known as cacao. Gifting someone a sweet treat with rejuvenating and anti-aging elements will truly express that you care about them.

I’ve created three divine cacao recipes especially for Valentine’s Day, but before we get to making these delicious treats, there are two important things you should know about cacao:

1. The secret inside cacao is the “bliss chemical.” It’s a neurotransmitter called anandamide, which actually stimulates feelings of love and joy and opens up the energy of the heart chakra. It’s pretty powerful stuff and should really only been eaten as a special treat every once in a while.

Although it’s super popular in the raw food world (because it tastes so good and is a natural replacement for traditional chocolate), the truth of the matter is that cacao contains caffeine and toxic compounds such as theobromine. It’s in our bodies best interest to only have a small amount, so these chocolaty treats are best saved for very special occasions, like Valentine’s Day!

2. A variety of natural sweeteners can be used in making raw chocolate treats, but choose them wisely! Just because they’re natural doesn’t mean they’re good for you. In fact, the popular agave nectar should be avoided. The best choice is a sweetener that’s low on the glycemic index and has low fructose content. This way they don’t affect your blood sugar (or only slightly affect it). This also helps avoid long-term health risks like cancer and obesity. Stevia and coconut sap are on the top of the “good” list.

Now, with all that being said, here are three blissful recipes for Valentine’s Day treats:

XOXO,

Ashley

P.S. If you’d like to amp up your own beauty and treat yourself to a little Valentine’s Day gift, Yoga Today has a special coupon code for 30% off of my 3-Day Detox. Use the coupon code “iambeautiful” to redeem your discount. The offer is good through February 21st.

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Ashley Pitman is a fresh and authentic voice that brings potent ancient wisdom to the dinner table – as something the entire family can understand, embrace and enjoy. She supports thousands of people in crafting a thriving day-to-day experience that’s in favor of their best work – we’re talkin’ raw foods, ayurveda, cleansing, life-enhancing relationships, yoga, meditation, conscious business, and community. For tons of free valuable content visit her blog or sign up for the free weekly newsletter.