Superfood Smoothie

8:32 AM |

What better way to start the New Year than with a nutritious snack?

After doing some research on various superfoods, I put together a smoothie recipe packed not only with the sweetness of fruit, but also with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.

Ingredients:

1 banana (semi-ripe)
1 cup of frozen mixed berries
1 cup of almond milk (Silk, unsweetened vanilla flavor)
1 tablespoon of organic chia seeds (Viva Labs)
1 tablespoon of organic cacao powder (Viva Labs)
1 tablespoon of blue agave syrup

Serves 1 - 3

Put all ingredients together and blend about 30 seconds until smooth. Then, enjoy as a meal or share with friends.

For sweeter smoothies, use more banana or agave syrup.

Add more cacao for a chocolatey taste (may be slightly bitter).

Health Benefits:

Banana – potassium, magnesium, and B-vitamins, as well as tryptophan for increased serotonin production. Improves mood, digestion, heart health - there are too many benefits to list! Check out the links below for more information.
Berries – antioxidants and polyphenols for prevention of cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
Almond milk – a lactose-free substitute for milk; Low in calories, with calcium, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, it tastes delicious and doesn’t spoil as readily as cow’s milk.
Chia seeds - omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein and many minerals. No wonder they are known as the Aztec superfood!
Raw cacao - antioxidants, dietary fiber, essential minerals and vitamins, particularly magnesium. Good for mood, stress, and energy.
Agave syrup – fructose, so it has a lower glycemic index than sucrose.

(Disclaimer: agave syrup should be used with moderation, as it is mostly just sugar and may still be associated with insulin resistance. Honey or maple syrup may be better since they have other nutrients.)