The Best Healthy Chocolate Pudding with Medicinal Mushrooms

As a Nutritionist specializing in menopause recipes, the best healthy chocolate pudding I can recommend is one that is high in protein, sugar-free, and has anti-inflammatory benefits. How can one pudding check all these boxes? Read on to find out.

What makes this healthy chocolate pudding the best

• Rich in protein (10g per serving) from ricotta cheese
• Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup
• Gluten and grain-free
• A source of calcium for bone health
• No baking required
• Antioxidant benefits from raw cacao powder and mushrooms
• Anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and immune-boosting benefits from medicinal mushrooms
• So decadent and creamy

What are medicinal mushrooms?

We love this blend of the 5 most researched mushrooms in the world: Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail and Reishi. 

How Mushrooms Nourish the Body (from Harmonic Arts)

Immune System Support 

The 5 top mushrooms contain polysaccharides that boost immune function. Turkey Tail contains a polysaccharide called PSP. It’s shown to increase white blood cells, allowing our bodies to fight infection and strengthen immunity. Reishi gently modulates the immune system over time, helping to boost its natural defenses. 

Gut Health 

The PSP in Turkey Tail is a prebiotic fibre. This promotes healing and diversity within the gut microbiome. Lion's Mane may inhibit the growth of H. pylori and protect the stomach lining from damage.  

Energy 

As a functional mushroom, Cordyceps is prized for supporting the respiratory tract. It improves oxygen uptake, helps move oxygen into the cells and increases endurance and stamina as a result. Cordyceps supports energy through the generation of cellular ATP. 

How Mushrooms Support the Mind

Resilience to Stress 

Reishi is a relaxing and revitalizing mushroom with the longest record of medicinal use, dating back over 2,000 years. Reishi can regulate cortisol levels, creating a more balanced nervous system. This polypore is a potent adaptogen that helps us build resilience to stress and combat anxiety. 

Focus & Memory 

Lion’s Mane is known for its ability to sharpen memory, boost concentration and inspire creativity. It stimulates the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). This is a protein that helps to maintain healthy neurons. It’s been shown to improve symptoms of dementia, as well as improve spatial and visual recognition. 

Read the full article about functional mushrooms on "Shroom School for resources

Ingredients and equipment you will need

• Ricotta cheese
• Raw cacao powder (not hot chocolate powder)
• Pure maple syrup
• 5 mushroom blend
• Unsweetened milk
• Pistachios and coarse sea salt
• A blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to make the best healthy chocolate pudding

Put all the ingredients (except the pistachios and coarse sea salt) in a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds until it is combined and creamy

Spoon the pudding into 2 small ramekins, glasses, or bowls and refrigerate for an hour (optional: you can absolutely eat it right now)

Garnish with chopped pistachios and sea salt before serving

If you love healthy chocolate snacks, try these

Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Loaf

Chocolate Lemon Bliss Balls

Healthy Chocolate Granola Bars

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies