Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the world? People with PCOS commonly experience metabolic syndrome which increases the risk of developing heart disease. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of conditions including elevated triglycerides, high “bad” cholesterol, low “good” cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and increased belly fat.
Fortunately, each day most of us can help decrease our risk of developing heart disease. Nutritional intake is important with some evidence suggesting to decrease saturated fats and other evidence to decrease trans fats. Decreasing salt intake is also recommended while increasing phytonutrient, fiber-rich foods, like fruits and vegetables. Secondly, regular exercise can reduce body weight, blood pressure, “bad ” cholesterol and increase insulin sensitivity. In addition, sleep deprivation has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease and related conditions. Finally, quitting smoking is the single greatest change one can make to improve their heart and overall health.
You may be wondering where brownies fit into a heart-healthy lifestyle. Surprisingly, these delicious, fudgy treats are primarily made from black beans and unsweetened cocoa powder! Carry on to find out how these two ingredients can make a crowd-pleasing dessert that can support a healthy heart. PS. The trick is to not reveal the ingredients until AFTER your loved ones have tried the brownies. I promise they will be shocked. I would love to hear what you do to protect your heart!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried black beans (must pre-soak and boil)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (>75% real cocoa)
How to:
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Blend all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a food processor until completely smooth.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour into an 8×8 pan pre-greased with olive oil.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes being careful not to overcook as this could dry them out.
- Let brownies cool before cutting. I popped these in the freezer to firm up even more.
PCOS Powers:
Black beans:
- high in protein, fiber, potassium, magnesium, folate, vitamin B6 and phytonutrients
- may help lower blood pressure, manage blood sugar levels, and prevent cardiovascular disease
- contain several flavonoids including quercetin which is anti-inflammatory and may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis
Unsweetened cocoa powder:
- may support the cardiovascular system by enhancing vascular function and decreasing platelet reactivity
- may help improve cholesterol levels
- has been shown to improve cognitive function, insulin resistance and blood pressure
PIN FOR LATER:
These look so delicious!
They were too good for even myself to believe!
Yum!! My 4 kiddos and I eat a lot of rice and beans…but these seem like a way better way to eat beans!!
Mmm, rice and beans are great plant-based foods. And I agree with you. I boil beans a lot and sometimes they turn into mush which inspired me to blend them up further into these delicious chocolatey brownies!
Are you sure the measurements are correct? I tried making these but they were much too think to blend smooth.
Hi Meagan, I am sorry to hear that! I have had quite a number of people make them without issues so I am not sure what happened there! Did you use canned beans or dried/then boiled beans?
I am interested in this recipe but wonder how long do I have to soak the beans and how long do I boil them?
Hi Lana! Typically I cover beans with water (about an inch above the beans) and soak them overnight. Then for boiling, it depends how much you make but usually i bring them to a boil and let simmer for an hour. Here is an article: https://www.delish.com/cooking/a25656923/how-to-cook-black-beans/
wow black beans.. never thought of it.
Right?! This was my first taste of them too but I promise they will pleasantly surprise you. 🙂
Wow, very interesting.. They look delicious… hmmm I’m intrigued
Haha, that is pretty much the consensus I am getting on these. They were delicious though!
Oh my gosh I HAVE to try this for my 2 year old and see if she notices!
I would love to hear how they go! Is your 2 year old curious in the kitchen with you yet?
Wow, this black bean brownie recipe looks so delicious! I love trying new and healthy recipes! Thank you for sharing!
You are very welcome. I love sharing unique recipes. Especially when yummy treats turn into nutritious eats.
I’m not knocking it until I try it… but black bean? I’ve never heard of such a thing, which makes me excited! And the images you used really make them look DELICIOUS. I will for sure be pinning this and saving for later.
I appreciate your openness! I realize it sounds a little shocking at first but the amazing taste left me shocked! The cocoa really overpowers any bean-y taste. 😉
Having a parent with heart disease, this topic is near and dear to me! I take care of my heart by eating pretty healthy and hitting the gym daily. Thanks for this! I will be trying these brownies!
Thanks for sharing your close relation to heart disease. Those are both great ways to protect your heart. 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of them.
I am totally going to try this and not tell anyone at home what i made it with =)
I still have to try black bean brownie. They look awesome !
This looks amazing, I’ll have to give it a go. I’m always on the look out for healthy snacks I can give to my daughter. Thanks for this recipe
As Dylan’s taste testing guinea pig with extremely high standards, I must say that these brownies are one of my favorites! They have a very smooth and creamy texture with the perfect chocolaty sweetness. They taste delicious!
Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe, I will definitely try it. I shared it on my Pinterest group board at https://www.pinterest.com/fannnart/lets-eat-and-drink/.
These look heavenly! do you taste the black beans in them?
Never heard of black bean brownies. Sound super healthy.
Wow I would never have imagined black beans in brownies but it sounds interesting, and frankly absolutely yummy. I def want to give this recipe a go!
I’m doing my best to work out so that i can be healthier and put less strain on my heart. Doing that AND eating these brownies would be sooooo perfect!
Danielle | http://www.FollowMyGut.com <3
looks healthy and yummy,thank you
My mom use to make black bean brownies, they really are very good.
These look so decadent! And healthy?? win win!
xo Jen
http://www.asipofbliss.com
Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Wonderful! I would love to hear what you think of it after you taste them. 🙂
Now this looks delicious! I don’t really care for brownies but healthy, black bean brownies? Heck yeah!
Haha, right?! Suddenly brownies became my new favorite treat 😛 Thanks for dropping by.
We can make brownies with black bean!!! That’s new to me. I have never made brownies before. So this could be my first one.
I think it is a new idea to many, not just you! This was my first taste and attempt at them and they were too delicious not to share. 🙂
Love the idea. healthy and yum
Thank you! 🙂
Mmm, you had me at brownies! Love that these are made a little healthier too!
Wow these look awesome! I tried vegan black bean brownies a few months ago and would love to try your recipe next!
I’ve never baked with black beans but I made vegan blondies using chickpeas a few times. I love adding unusual ingredients to baked goods
I have always wanted to try these! These look so good!
Oh my god I am so hungry now! I need to try these…Im pinning them for later, thank you for the share!
I honestly never would have thought to combine black beans with chocolate, let alone use them to create a “Brownie”, However, since I am always up for converting an unhealthy food fav into a healthy one…why not?! They look delicious, so I will definitely be giving them a try!
Wow, these brownies look really good! And I agree, I never tell my husband what “secret ingredient” maybe hiding in my baking until afterwards. It’s best to let them taste and like it first. 🙂
I love the added chocolate chips, a few go a long way in making healthy desserts taste decadent. These look so fudgy!
Black bean brownies are on my ‘to do’ list and yours seem particularly tempting. Bonus points for the health benefits!
My sister’s best friend makes black bean brownies for her 5 year old. He doesn’t know there are beans in them but he loves them!
I have few vegan friends that would love to try this recipe. Heck, anything with chocolate in it is a win win situation…lol
This looks so good but so healthy! I’ve recently made changes in my diet to improve my health, and this fits in perfectly with my new plan.
Mmh, these really do look delicious! I am always on the look out for healthier dessert versions, so this is perfect! Thank you!
Black bean brownies are the best! My dad got a recipe for them when he was in physical rehab after getting heart surgery, and they are so delicious. It’s amazing how many people don’t even notice the difference! xx
http://theblondechiffon.com
I’ve made zucchini brownies but haven’t tried black bean brownies yet. I’ll have to give these a try!
These look so good! I didn’t even know you could make brownies with black beans!
xo
Sami
http://www.theclassicbrunette.com
I never thought of making brownies with beans, never tried one. I think I should make it. Thanks for sharing!!
I was a skeptical at first of using beans for sweet dishes but once I’ve started I am hooked! I’ve used chickpeas in cookies but I am excited to try black beans. Thanks for sharing!
What a clever idea. I’ve heard of people using courgettes and sweet potatoe and beetroot in cakes, but would never have thought of this
I love brownies I may have to try and make this soon maybe for xmas eve party were having
Ooo these look so amazing! Mmmm.
I have a pretty big sweet tooth which is always getting in the way of my health goals so I’ll have to give this recipe a try!
Thank you for sharing this recipe, I am a PCOS sufferer so excited to try these as a treat.
This not only looks healthy but absolutely yummy. I am going to try this very soon.
Oh my goodness I want 10,000! I’m bookmarking this page.
OMG these look delicious! I need to try these out and see what people think like you said before telling them the ingredients!!
Wow these look yummie.
I love brownies but the sugar is just too much to handle! I would love to learn this recipe, it’s perfect for people like me who are trying to stay away from sweets but still crave for desserts like brownies and cake!
I am going to be honest, I was skeptical at first, but by the end of the article I was a believer. Can’t wait to try these.
I will definitely add this recipe on my list. This is a healthy brownies and I can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing this.
This is good for everybody. The taste of the regular brownies that we used to eat is quite the same with this healthy brownies.
I’ve never imagined using black beans on brownies but it’s an awesome idea! I would love to give the recipe a try. It looks filling as well, which is great because you won’t overeat!
I am not a great fan of brownies – a bit too sweet for me. I would never have thought black beans would make brownies so I might have to try.
Omg these brownies look absolutely delicious!!! I must give your recipe a try!
Whistle* I didn’t know that about cardiovascular disease.
This recipe is awesome! i love love brownies
I love brownies. Thanks for sharing the recipes. I will definitely try making some bean brownies.
Sounds fabulous – pinned and shared
Hello, My mom used to baked me brownies and she always find different recipes online, I saw this and for sure I will let my mom know about this. I cant wait for my mom to baked like this.
Hey there, I saw your article online and this was really nice. I cant wait to bake this and let my family taste this kind of healthy brownies. I think this is really good while looking at the recipe.
I have canned black beans I would like to use. Do you know the conversion of canned beans to dry and cooked?
Thanks! Looks yummy.
Looks like a good healthy alternative to the much-beloved regular brownie recipe. I too am wondering if canned beans couldn’t be used instead of the dry beans which need to be cooked?
You can certainly use canned beans! That does make it quicker and easier. I try to limit canned foods due to BPAs and/or other chemicals that may be in the cans.
Made these today along with the almond date sauce…a perfect combo! ?
Amazing! Oh, that is so smart!