Healthy Non-Dairy Chocolate Smoothie Recipe

This Healthy Non-Dairy Chocolate Smoothie Recipe is the perfect treat.

This Healthy Non-Dairy Chocolate Smoothie Recipe is rich and smooth but provides many nutrients. 

Serves: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients
½ banana
½ large avocado
One tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 cup ice
½ cup coconut milk
water to cover all ingredients

Directions:

Blend in a blender or using a hand blender.

Healthy Non-Dairy Chocolate Smoothie Recipe

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Nutrition Notes:

Banana

Bananas and Mood

• Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan, which does wonders for your mood as your body converts it to serotonin.

Bananas and Working Out

•  Bananas help moderate blood sugar levels during workouts. They also contain magnesium, which can help muscles relax after workouts.

Bananas and Vitamin B6

•  Bananas help you sleep well because of their levels of Vitamin B6. This vitamin also has been shown to help protect against Type II Diabetes.

Other Vitamins and Minerals of note in Bananas

• Vitamin A – helps with vision wellness
• High potassium and low sodium help your body avoid hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Manganese – helps your body maintain healthy bones
• Vitamin C

Sources accessed 1/4/15:
http://www.livescience.com/45005-banana-nutrition-facts.html
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1846/2
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=7

Avocado

It is high in soluble fiber, which helps you feel full faster and longer. Soluble fiber is also great for your digestive tract and slows down the breakdown of carbs in your system.

Avocados are a great source of folate, which reduces the risk of birth defects and heart disease.
The oleic acid in avocados can help lower your bad cholesterol.

Avocados are a good source of protein…for a fruit. 🙂

Avocados are an excellent source of these vitamins and minerals:

• Potassium – This is a great electrolyte for healthy weight loss. It helps your body create muscle and process carbs.
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamins B6, B9, and B5

Sources accessed 1/2/04
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270406.php
http://www.avocadocentral.com/nutrition/avocado-weight-management
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/healthy-eating/5-reasons-to-eat-more-avocados

Honey

“In the laboratory, honey has been shown to hamper the growth of food-borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella, and to fight certain bacteria, includingStaphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” (WebMD link below)

“There is some research to suggest that honey may be useful in minimizing seasonal allergies.” (MedicalNewsToday linked below)

The glucose in honey is absorbed quickly by the body and can boost energy for a workout.

“Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.” (Care2 linked below)

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/medicinal-uses-of-honey
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264667.php
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/health-benefits-of-honey.html
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-health-benefits-of-honey.html
http://www.honey.com/honey-at-home/honey-nutrition-information/

Cocoa Powder

It contains natural solid flavonoids, which can help control insulin resistance and reduce the risk of diabetes.

Cocoa can reduce blood pressure and improve blood vessel health, both of which reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Source:
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20110323/cocoa-rich-in-health-benefits
http://www.medicinehunter.com/cocoa-health-miracle

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is rich in lauric acid, a beneficial medium-chain fatty acid.

“According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, lauric acid has many germ-fighting, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that are very effective at ridding the body of viruses, bacteria and countless illnesses. Lauric acid may also reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which lowers heart disease and stroke risks. “

Source:
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-coconut-milk-2031.html

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