Is there such a thing as a healthy fudge recipe? This anti-inflammatory fudge recipe gives the taste of chocolate with a healthy twist of spices! And with just 6 ingredients, it is very quick and easy to make. No sugar is added to this recipe, but a little bit of honey can be added to give it some sweetness, if needed.
Below is a list of a few research articles about the anti-inflammatory potential of ginger, turmeric, and some of the other spices in this recipe.
Anti-inflammatory Fudge Recipe Ingredients
- 8 ounces of dark chocolate
- 12 ounces of virgin coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp of turmeric powder
- 2 Tbsp of ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder
- 1-2 Tbsp of honey (optional) depending on how dark your chocolate ingredient is
- Optional: Orange peel twists
Anti-inflammatory Fudge Making Instructions
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil on low heat, preferably using a double boiler.
- Then, remove from heat and add the spices.
- Next, pour into ice cube trays.
- Optional: garnish with orange peal twists.
- Allow to cool.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Anti-inflammatory Fudge Research: Some Studies on the Actions of Turmeric, Ginger, and Spices
- Phytochemicals derived from spices may help reduce inflammatory diseases and inflammation. These include: turmeric, red pepper, cloves, ginger, cumin, anise, fennel, basil, rosemary, garlic, and pomegranate. From: Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.
- This mega review discussed the many therapeutic actions studied about turmeric and its curcumin constituent. It showed potential action against pro-inflammatory diseases, including: cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, tropical pancreatitis, peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers, gastric inflammation, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, renal conditions, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and more. Curcumin has also shown protection against hepatic conditions, chronic arsenic exposure, and alcohol intoxication. From: Gupta, S. C., Patchva, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2013). Therapeutic roles of curcumin: lessons learned from clinical trials. The AAPS journal, 15(1), 195-218.
- In this study, arthritis patients experienced relief of pain and swelling with the use of a ginger extract. From: Srivastava, K. C., & Mustafa, T. (1992). Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Medical hypotheses, 39(4), 342-348.
- Cinnamon essential oil and its constituents demonstrated anti-inflammation action in vitro. From: Tung, Y. T., Chua, M. T., Wang, S. Y., & Chang, S. T. (2008). Anti-inflammation activities of essential oil and its constituents from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) twigs. Bioresource Technology, 99(9), 3908-3913.
- Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. From: Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.
Click here to learn more about ginger and turmeric.
By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, LMT
Post Updated: 11/23/18
