Banana Cacao Smoothie


This cream-cooled smoothie tastes like chocolate but is loaded with healthy ingredients including frozen bananas, cocoa powder and cocoo nibs.


This cocoo smoothie was one of the best smoothies I have had in a long time! It has cream, chocolate and I absolutely love the texture that adds cocoa nibs.


Ancestor vs Ancestor

Although both the ancestor and the ancestor come from the same ancestral tree Theobroma, a major difference is considered. Cork is often used to describe pods, beans or nibs made from cork beans. Once the beans are roasted the name changes to cork.


When it comes to cocoa powder and cocoa powder, both are made in the same way but cocoa powder is made from raw coconut beans processed at low temperature and ground into a powder there as cocoa powder is made from processed cocoa beans. at high temperature and ground into a powder. Cocoa powder is usually made alkaline during processing (also known as Dutch-processed) to reduce irritation and acidity.


Short story short, cork = green and cork = roasted. And during the process of frying cork beans lose some of their nutrients, which simply means that cork products (including cocoa powder and nibs) contain high levels of minerals and antioxidants.


It is also important to note that the strength of cork also has a strong flavor and will probably taste more bitter than cocoa powder.


Benefits of cork

Cocoa has not only a rich chocolate flavor, but also full of strong nutrients; including antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and iron. Here are some of the impressive benefits of cork:


  • It is one of the richest sources of polyphenols, which are naturally occurring antioxidants
  • Too many flavanols, which have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects
  • One of the highest sources of magnesium
  • It may help to lower your blood pressure
  • It may help to improve brain function and blood flow
  • It contains many compounds with antibacterial and immune-stimulating properties
  • It can help with weight management
  • It may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke


Ingredients Needed

Raw cocoa powder - this is a powerful food that adds flavor to rich chocolate and is packed with strong nutrients. I really like Navitas organic cocoo powder.

Cocoa nibs - cocoon pieces small pieces of crushed coconut with a bitter chocolate flavor. They give this smoothie a strong texture and add extra chocolate flavor. I love Navitas cocoa nibs without candy.

milk - I recommend using sugar-free almond milk but any milk you have on hand will work.

bananas - I highly recommend using frozen bananas for texture! If you are not a banana fan and want to use something else instead, I have some tips for you below.

blueberries - antioxidants and extra flavor. You can use ice or fresh. Frozen berries will help make the smoothie bigger and creamier.

almond butter - look for natural almond butter with no additional ingredients. The ingredient list should read just almonds and salt! Feel free to add some peanut butter or seeds such as peanut butter, sunflower seed butter or tahini.


Changes

I love the recipe I created and shared it below, but if you want to change it here are some ideas:


Add vegetables - to add extra nutrients and other vegetables you can completely add vegetables to this smoothie. Baby spinach, loaded with calcium, may be my first choice, but feel free to add your favorite greens.

Replace blueberries - frozen strawberries, blackberries or blended berries will work well here.

Add protein - do you want to add protein to this smoothie? Add a tablespoon of your favorite protein powder or Greek yogurt.

Almond butter - feel free to use your favorite butter or seed butter instead of almond butter. If you do not have peanut butter you can also add whole seeds or nuts such as almonds or chia seeds.

Add flavor enhancers - want more delicious flavors? Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract!


How To Make This Smoothie Without Bananas

Frozen bananas in this recipe give the smoothie a rich and creamy texture and add a little sweetness, without being too strong.


Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk, or oat milk
  • 1 frozen banana
  • ¾ cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 Tablespoon almond butter, or other nut butter
  • 1 Tablespoon cacao powder
  • 1 Tablespoon cacao nibs
  • 3 cubes of ice


Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a high-powdered blender and blend until smooth.
  • Taste and adjust ice or liquid amounts if needed. Pour into a glass and top with additional cacao nibs, if desired and enjoy!

Equipment

  • blender