Heart-Healthy Chocolate Date Bars

So easy! These are a nice and simple no-bake snack for any time of day, or year. I first made these back in September, and have made them a few times since.  Read on for the recipe and benefits these heart-healthy bites. 

INGREDIENTS: 
1 container pitted medjool dates
1/2c nut butter of choice
1/2c dark chocolate
1tbsp coconut oil
Flakey sea salt

Directions: 
On a small baking sheet, lay out parchment paper (I used a banana loaf pan because I didn't have parchment!) 
Open each date and press down to flatten, connecting each date to each other. 
Spread nut butter in an even layer over the dates. 
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil on low heat, stirring constantly, until 90% melted. 
Remove from heat and continue stirring until smooth and creamy. Pour over bark and spread in an even layer. 
Top with flakey sea salt.
Place in fridge for at least 3-4 hours, until chocolate has hardened. 
Cut into pieces and enjoy!

Health Benefits: The reason I am highlighting heart health is I have high LDL Cholesterol (hereditary) and am aiming to reduce this naturally with the foods that I consume.  

✔️ Dates are a heart-healthy food
They can lower risk of heart disease.  Medjool dates’ soluble fiber content lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol. Fiber binds with this cholesterol and prevents its absorption into your bloodstream. This keeps cholesterol’s fatty deposits from building up in your arteries, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Studies show that soluble fiber may also help control blood sugar levels and reduce blood pressure.
Research suggests that the antioxidants in Medjool dates may reduce triglycerides, a fat found in your blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease. 

✔️ Almonds can help lower cholesterol levels 
Almonds (and other tree nuts) have been found to have a consistent LDL-C-lowering effect in healthy individuals, and in individuals with high cholesterol and diabetes, in both controlled and free-living settings. Almonds are low in saturated fatty acids, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and contain fiber, phytosterols, and plant protein.

✔️ Compounds in cocoa may help with cholesterol management
A 2022 review found that several compounds in cocoa may help with cholesterol management. For example, polyphenols may prevent the LDL cholesterol in your blood from oxidation, while resveratrol may increase HDL cholesterol.

However, chocolate is often high in added sugar, which negatively affects heart health. You should only use cocoa alone or choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 75–85% or higher.


Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is carried through your body by lipoproteins. There are two typesTrusted Source:

• Low density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol may build up in the form of plaque in your arteries. These may increase your chance of stroke and heart disease.
• High density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol helps absorb cholesterol in your blood and transport it back to your liver, where it gets excreted.