Magnificent Magnesium Milk Mug (you won't miss Midol)

Let's face it, women deal with cramps on a regular monthly basis, and for many they can be debilitating. We all know the PMS cravings for chocolate, my theory is that it's our body's way of getting magnesium, which chocolate contains plenty of, and calories, to give us the extra energy when we lose a lot of blood over the week of menstruation**. Magnesium helps with cramps, because it relaxes smooth muscles, including the uterus and surrounding muscle tissues. "Dietary sources of magnesium include legumes, whole grains, vegetables (especially broccoli, squash, and green leafy vegetables), seeds, and nuts (especially almonds)." (Source WebMD.) Dairy products and chocolate are also sources of magnesium. 

After listening to a podcast by holistic chef and nutritionist, Bianca Osbourne of The Vitality Kitchen, I learned that molasses is also a good source of magnesium and can be used for menstrual cramps. I decided to concoct my own magnesium drink, because as much as I love molasses in ginger cookies, drinking molasses in water, as Bianca suggested, didn't appeal to me! Find out more on her post "Rethink Your Period," here. I've already told my hairdresser all about this last time I got a haircut, so I figured it was time to share here!

Magnificent Magnesium Milk Mug

1 cup of your favourite milk* (I used almond & also added a couple of tablespoons of a coconut milk creamer pictured below)

1 tbsp of raw cacao

1-2 teaspoons blackstrap unsulphured molasses (or more to taste - molasses is a strong & acquired taste, I'd suggest starting on the low end and work your way up)

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 

Pinch of nutmeg

Additional sweetener if needed, maple syrup is nice

 *milk ranges from about 6-15% of your RDI (recommended daily  intake) for magnesium, depending in the variety you use (dairy, soy, coconut, almond, etc.)

1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder contains 34mg of magnesium which is about 9% of your RDI - hello this is why we go for the chocolate! Mood boosting and pain reducing!

Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of potassium, iron and calcium, vitamin B6 and a good source of magnesium. One teaspoon has a few more calories per teaspoon than sugar, but it's comparable.

Maple syrup is higher in calories than sugar or molasses, but it is also chock full of nutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium and especially manganese.

1. In a small saucepan on medium, heat the milk, cinnamon and nutmeg.

2. Slowly heat, whisking until bubbles start to form on the surface.

3. Add the cacao and whisk until combined and continue heating through.

4. Remove from heat and add in the molasses, whisking until thoroughly combined.

5. Allow to cool slightly in the pan and then pour into your favourite, fancy mug or tea bowl.

Bottoms up! :)

**(Disclaimer: please note, this post/recipe is not intended to replace medical advice nor do I make any medical claims with this post/recipe. Please consult your doctor before any dietary changes or adding supplements.)

© Kooks in the Kitchen. 2016.