By Stacy Goldberg

February is National Heart Health month…Instead of choosing milk chocolate, try to make the switch to dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa as a healthy alternative.  New findings indicate that cocoa flavanols may be an important part of a healthy diet for people with cardiovascular disease, which affects more than 80 million Americans, according to research by a team of internationally-renowned researchers, including scientists from Mars, Incorporated.

Baking with cocoa, also is a good way to add these heart healthy flavanols to your diet! Here is an easy recipe for Dried Fruit Balls..Rich in iron and fiber, high on the “YUM Index”, and fun for kids to make with you!  These are great for vegans & vegetarians as well

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/4 cup raw organic walnuts
• 1/4 cup rolled oats, not instant ( I like Bob’s Red Mill, can substitute for Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats as well)
• 1/4 cup cocoa or Carob powder

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