These brownies are not only dark, rich and delicious, but they’re also healthier thanks to the addition of coconut flour and coconut oil. While brownies may not be a cure-all for hypothyroidism, you can certainly give your sluggish thyroid and metabolism a boost with these coconut-infused brownies.
Sluggish thyroid?
Do you suffer from a low body temperature, sensitivity to cold that extends to cold hands and feet? Do you frequently experience headaches, insomnia, dry skin, puffy eyes, hair loss, brittle nails and joint aches? If you answered yes, then you, my friend, could be suffering from an underactive thyroid. But sadly the symptoms don’t end there. An underactive thyroid may even leave you walking around in a fog, with constipation, a hoarse voice, ringing in the ears, dizziness, low sex drive and the dreaded… weight gain.
Why coconut oil?
Although coconut oil is about 90 percent saturated fat, which is a higher percentage than butter, it also gives “good” HDL cholesterol a boost. Fat in the diet, whether saturated or unsaturated, tend to raise HDL levels — slightly. But coconut oil seems to be especially potent at raising good HDL levels, says Harvard Health.
In addition, coconut oil is about 2/3 medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). These types of fatty acids are extremely beneficial for weight loss. MCFAs are easily oxidized in the liver, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, which means that the fast rate of oxidation leads to greater energy expenditure and greater weight loss. So, before coconut oil has a chance to store as fat, it’s already being converted into energy. Animal studies also demonstrate that the relationship between MCFA and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) results in less weight gain and decreased the size of fat deposits after several months of consumption.
Thyroid Boosting Brownie Recipe
These brownies are denser than the flourless versions, but they’re also rich and moist! The addition of espresso powder elevates the flavor, and the walnuts add crunch and an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid. Adding walnuts to your diet can help you maintain your ideal weight, over time.
Serves 8 (2 squares each)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp finely ground espresso powder
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnut pieces
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line an 8-inch glass baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt. In a separate bowl, combine coconut oil, eggs, maple syrup and vanilla until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well, and fold in the walnut pieces.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting. Cut into 16 squares.
6. Store your brownies at room temperature, or in the fridge, in an airtight container. Enjoy!
— Katherine Marko
