Chocolate Green Smoothie

I came across a similar smoothie recipe to this on kalesmoothierecipes.com and had to try it. It was soo good! I was really in the mood for something chocolate, and this did the trick! It wasn't as rich as a chocolate milk shake but had all of the sweet chocolate taste I needed...definitely a healthy, nutrient-rich way to get your chocolate fix without the empty calories of ice cream.

Chocolate Green Smoothie

Makes ~3 8oz servings

Ingredients

3 cups baby kale leaves, rinsed

1 banana

1/2 cup cashews

1/3 cup chopped dates

3 Tbsp cocoa powder

1 cup cold water

1 cup ice

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in blender and blend until liquified and there are no visible pieces of ice

2. Pour in a glass and enjoy!

(Recipe adapted from kalesmoothierecipes.com)

What are the nutritional benefits of this smoothie? Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K. It is also a good source of minerals calcium, copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorous. Cocoa powder contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, and contain a prebiotic substance called fructooligosaccharide which ferments in the digestive tract, encouraging the growth of probiotics, and enhancing the absorption of calcium in the body! Cashews contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are rich in minerals copper, magnesium, tryptophan, magnesium, and phosphorous. Dates are high in minerals calcium, magnesium, selenium, and calcium, as well as carotenoid antioxidants.