Vegan Chocolate Beetroot Adzuki Bean Brownies with Hemp

I have been meaning to create the most “period friendly” chocolate brownie I could for a while now. The inspiration for this recipe came from me thinking about how I could get all of the most period friendly nutrients into a brownie. As you know I have been working hard on raising my iron (which I have finally achieved) a huge part of doing so was learning to prioritise iron-rich foods specifically in the menstrual phase. This is because this is when we lose our iron and for me, this was the only part of the month where I was symptomatic. If I could add more iron than I was losing then I would not only correct my deficiencies but also have a much easier time on my period. This recipe covers all the bases: high iron from beetroot, adzuki beans and hemp seeds, as well as some anti-inflammatory omega 3 from hemp to help with period cramps and a good portion of zinc from hemp and adzuki beans. The recipe is also a good source of magnesium from the beetroot, hemp seeds and cacaso powder to help ease any PMS tension and relax muscles that could be causing cramps.

As you can see hemp seeds really are the perfect food of periods. They have all the necessary ingredients needed to ensure an easier monthly flow! They’re also packed with protein (they are my alternative to protein powder as I can’t take any protein powder) which further helps to stabilise blood sugar and mood. Hemp seeds were one of the things I started to incorporate into my diet daily postpartum to help me recover from the depletions of pregnancy and breastfeeding, I only really used to small sprinkle on my breakfast every day (which I still do today) but because I was consistent I was able to notice results fairly quickly. I love Mt Elephant

for all of their hemp products! I have used their hemp seeds and hemp oil in this recipe. You can get 15% off any of their products with my code TALIDA15

The recipe is fairly easy to make. I don’t think it resembles a traditional brownie but It is still delicious. I posted this recipe on my Instagram first and already had a few recreations with very positive feedback. It is one of those desserts that you eat in order to improve your health! My only problem with it is that I had hoped to make it into a vibrant red velvet brownie. The batter looked beautifully red, but as soon as I baked the brownies, they went to brown. Some of the recreations I saw were much redder than mine! Apparently, a trick is to sprinkle some coconut shreds over the top… this helps it keep its colour? I have no idea how but I have had people swear to me that it works!

Hope you enjoy the recipe and hope it helps nourish you in the way that I hoped this recipe would.