Operation PMS: Brownies with Brazil Nuts

By: Miranda Hunt

Premenstrual syndrome:  Almost all of us get it but few of us know how to treat it naturally.  What if dessert held the key to soothing your bad mood, bloating, and cramps?  Welcome Brazil nuts: the richest source of selenium, a vital mineral that helps banishes the blues.  Adequate levels of selenium also help prevent coronary artery disease, liver cirrhosis, and cancers.  Brazil nuts also contain ample magnesium, another mineral that slays PMS, as it is a mild muscle relaxant and it helps reduce the yuckiest PMS symptoms such as: constipation, water retention and bloating, breast tenderness, and many mood problems, depression, irritability, and anxiety.

Below is my favorite brownie recipe.  They are really simple to prepare and super good for you!  These brownies are gluten free, raw, paleo, vegan, etc.  Huzzah to great health!

Brownies with Brazil Nuts

                                                                                                    Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups raw Brazil, unsoaked (set aside 1/4 cup chopped nuts for topping)

pinch sea salt

8 pitted medjool dates, unsoaked

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tb. maple syrup (grade b)

Directions:

Place 1 1/4 cups of Brazil nuts and salt in food processor fitted with the S blade and process until finely ground.Add the dates and process until the mixture sticks together. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla and process until evenly distributed. Add the maple syrup and process briefly until mixture comes together

Transfer to a mixing bowl.  Top with chopped Brazil nuts.  Pack mixture firmly into an 8”x8” square container and put in freezer to set up.  They will be ready to munch in a few hours.  Lasts a month, although they never seem to last that long..