Chocolate-Cherry Anti-Inflammation Shake

I made this delicious shake on the second day of our cruise. The chef provided for us the most delicious middle eastern dark chocolate I’ve ever had.

Cruise Chef receives book from Cherie!

We’ve known that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, namely catechin and epicatechin. But recent studies have shown that gut bacteria breaks down and ferments components in dark chocolate, turning them into anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit your health. And if you consume cocoa with prebiotics, you’ll encourage polyphenols to convert into highly absorbable anti-inflammatory compounds in your stomach. Prebiotics are undigestible carbohydrates found in whole foods, which good bacteria can digest.

Tart cherries may help reduce chronic inflammation, especially for people suffering from joint pain and arthritis. Researchers suggest tart cherries have the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food” and can help people with osteoarthritis manage their disease. A study from University of California at Davis found that regular consumption of cherries for twenty-eight days produced a decrease in biochemical signs of inflammation in blood, including a 25 percent reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), the most widely studied marker of inflammation. Elevation of CRP in blood is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Chocolate Cherry Shake

• 1 Tbsp. unsweetened, unprocessed cocoa powder
• ½ cup frozen dark cherries, pitted
• 1 cup coconut, almond, or flax milk
• ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Several drops of liquid stevia (suggest Sweet Leaf Vanilla Crème)
• Ice cubes as desired

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.