Beauty Bites | Collagen Infused Chocolates
We’ve all heard of the power of collagen.
It improves skin elasticity, health, and barrier function, helps maintain smooth, supple, bouncy skin, and prevents and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, not to mention how it superpowers nail and bone health.
Oral collagen supplementation has been research-proven to improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration, and more.
Today’s recipe will help you reap all the beauty benefits of collagen and other superfood ingredients packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and mood elevators.
Introducing: Beauty Bites.
Beauty Bites
Table of Contents
Let’s dig in.
Sugar, an Attack on Collagen
You may be aware of how sugar can exacerbate acne and cause insulin resistance, which can lead to severe hormone issues. But did you know that too much sugar can attack your body’s collagen through a process known as glycation, which can lead to premature aging of the skin?
Dermatologist Dr Jamuna Pai explained to Vogue India, “Our skin is made of collagen, a type of protein, that keeps it healthy and supple. With increased intake of sugar, the molecules attach to the proteins and form free radicals. The presence of these radicals, in turn, can cause oxidative damage in our body which is evident on our skin, hair, nails and overall energy levels in the body.”
She adds: “Collagen and elastin are vital for the skin to look and feel healthy. With hyperglycemia causing collagen damage, the skin can look dull, devoid of lustre, extremely dry, saggy and wrinkled. Excessive sugar intake can also lead to aggravation of acne as well as viral and fungal infections.”
What’s the difference between refined-sugar and fruit sugar?
Sugar, a ubiquitous ingredient in many foods, can be categorized into two main types: refined sugar and natural sugar found in fruits.
Refined sugar, often found in sugary snacks, sodas, and processed foods, undergoes extensive processing that strips it of the nutrients and fiber present in its original source, such as sugar cane or sugar beets. Without its natural fiber to slow it down, this processed sugar is rapidly absorbed by the body, leading to those sudden blood sugar spikes.
Natural sugars, on the other hand, are inherent in fruits and come packaged with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When consumed in whole fruit form, the natural sugars are accompanied by fiber, which slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This gradual release of sugar prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, providing sustained energy and reducing the risk of health complications associated with refined sugars.
In addition to the fiber content in fruits, the vitamins and minerals in whole fruit offers a myriad of health benefits that outweigh the presence of natural sugars. The key lies in consuming fruits in their whole form rather than as extracted juices or processed fruit snacks.
When I sweeten and cook with fruit sugar, I use the whole fruit, ensuring all of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals that it provides.
The Health Benefits of Dates
Dates are packed with nutritious goodies including calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin K, fiber, and more.
They also contain Vitamin C, which aids in your body’s production of collagen, and contain antioxidants that limit the damage caused by free radicals and postpone the development of wrinkles and fine lines.
But there’s one more little known exceptional benefit of the fruit that elevates it to a whole-nother level. That is a diet rich in dates research-studied ability to protect the brain and aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s.
The nih.gov article, Diet rich in date palm fruits improves memory, learning and reduces beta amyloid in transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, states:
“Date palm fruits are a good source of dietary fiber and are rich in total phenolics and natural antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid. These polyphenolic compounds have been shown to be neuroprotective in different model systems.”
Their results: “Our results suggest that date fruits dietary supplementation may have beneficial effects in lowering the risk, delaying the onset or slowing down the progression of AD [Alzheimer’s Disease].
That’s a powerful refined-sugar replacement.
Beauty Benefits of Collagen
Collagen is a major structural protein in our bodies and accounts for about 30% of your body’s total protein. It’s the primary building block of our skin, hair, muscles, bones, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and additional connective tissues, and it works with other substances, such as hyaluronic acid and elastin, to maintain skin elasticity, volume, and moisture.
The wonderful news is that our bodies naturally produce collagen using the amino acids from protein-rich or collagen-rich foods like bone broth, meat, and fish, and our collagen levels can be positively impacted by collagen supplementation.
Studies show that oral collagen supplementation can contribute to reducing or delaying skin aging, and has been research-proven to improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration, and more, and that marine fish collagen and collagen peptides have a high degree of homology to human structure and bioavailability through the gastrointestinal barrier.
Studies specifically featuring fish collagen peptides have shown that supplementation with the peptides significantly [reduced] crow's feet and periorbital wrinkles in women.
These Beauty Bites feature Marine Collagen Peptides.
Additional Health-Packed Ingredients in Beauty Bites
In addition to the super fruit dates, let's spotlight the other star ingredients of today’s recipe. Every ingredient in these Vanilla Date Bites was chosen for its health benefits, making this treat as nourishing as it is delicious.
Cashew Butter
A creamy base, cashew butter is not only delicious but comes with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats can help with weight management and support heart health.
Cacao Butter
Chosen for its rich, chocolatey essence, cacao butter is a well of antioxidants. These antioxidants can fight off oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting your overall health. Plus, cacao brings a touch of joy, enhancing mood naturally. And, though cacao does have caffeine, because of the way it’s extracted, cacao butter does not.
Vanilla Extract
More than just a flavor enhancer, vanilla has properties that can reduce inflammation and improve mental health. Its sweet aroma alone can elevate your mood, making each bite a little piece of happiness.
Now, let’s get down to the fun part––crafting these crave-worthy treats.
The process is as simple as the ingredients list, requiring minimal kitchen skill but promising maximum flavor.
Recipe
Ingredients
2 Tablespoon Medjoul Date Paste {Recipe}
1 Teaspoon Marine Collagen Powder
4 Tablespoon Cashew Butter
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Cacao Butter Wafers
You’ll also need non-stick silicone candy molds like these.
Instructions
Start by melting your cacao butter in a small sauce pot over low heat. This gentle approach preserves its antioxidants and ensures a smooth base for your bites.
Once melted, stir in the date paste and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is homogenous. The warmth will soften the paste, making it easier to integrate.
Introduce the cashew butter to the mix, stirring until you have a harmonious, liquidy, creamy blend.
Add your marine collagen powder.
Scoop the mixture into non-stick silicone molds. These molds make the process hassle-free and ensure your bites pop out effortlessly.
Cover your tray with foil and sit in the freezer for about an hour —until your bites have solidified.
Then, once fully solidified, transfer to the fridge to store.
Enjoy Your Creation: Once set, pop your Vanilla Date Bites out of the molds, and enjoy. This can be done immediately after freezing and solidifying, but I recommend allowing them to soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to fully appreciate the flavors and creaminess.
Store in the fridge and consume within 7 days.
Happy Healthy Indulging!
Beauty Bites
Ingredients
- 4 TBSP Cashew Butter
- 1 Cup Cacao Butter Wafers
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 TBSP Medjool Date Paste (Great Recipe)
- 1 tsp Marine Collagen Peptides Powder
Instructions
- Start by melting your cacao butter in a small sauce pot over low heat. This gentle approach preserves its antioxidants and ensures a smooth base for your bites.
- Once melted, stir in the date paste (recipe link in notes) and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is homogenous. The warmth will soften the paste, making it easier to integrate.
- Introduce the cashew butter to the mix, stirring until you have a harmonious, liquidy, creamy blend.
- Mix in your Marine Collagen peptide powder.
- Scoop the mixture into non-stick silicone molds. These molds make the process hassle-free and ensure your bites pop out effortlessly.
- Solidify in the freezer for about an hour. Once fully solidified, transfer to the fridge to store.
- Once set, pop your Vanilla Date Bites out of the molds, and enjoy! This can be done immediately after freezing and solidifying, but I recommend allowing them to soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to fully appreciate the flavors and creaminess.
- Store in the fridge and consume within 7 days.
Notes
You'll also need a non-stick silicone dessert mold tray.
Date Paste Recipe Link
This is a great date paste recipe. But be sure to use medjool dates.
https://detoxinista.com/make-date-paste-healthy-sugar-substitute/
Nutrition Facts
Calories
41Fat
2 gSat. Fat
1 gCarbs
5 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
5 gSugar
2 gProtein
1 gSodium
19 mgCholesterol
0 mgServing is one Beauty Bite.
All nutritional info is rounded estimates and not meant to be considered absolutes.
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