Raw Cacao-Raspberry-Avocado Smoothie

Ingredients

Directions

I was so thrilled when Nicola from G-Free Mom Invited me to Participate in D-tox January! Nicola is a stage 3 survivor of Breast Cancer and has become such an inspiration to me. If she can take on cancer then I most certainly can put a smile on my face as I deal with my own health ailments. And So Can You!  Why else can we smile? Well.. Because real living food  has serious healing powers- taking time to discover what your body likes and dislikes and nourishing it with Fruits and Vegetables everyday can make a HUGE difference. I have considered myself a healthy eater- but thanks to this D-tox January Event I was inspired to take my “healthy” eating to a whole new level.. and boy have I felt the difference.  My energy levels are through the roof. For the first time in a year I have the energy and desire to get myself to a gym, to go out and see my friends, to enjoy life to its fullest.

The smoothie I am sharing with you today may be a bit more on the decadent side- but I assure you it is loaded with only the best kind of Fat possible. For my Colonic Inertia Issue- my doctor recently recommended upping my Healthy Fats- and this smoothie was the result of this suggestion. This smoothie has proven to be a very happy thing for my tummy.

Here are a few health benefits just from Avocado Alone: Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, they encourage better absorption of many nutrients, The contain high levels of Folate which is key to stroke prevention.
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. They have more of carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit which protects against macular degeneration and cataracts. Avocado is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer and prostate cancer. It is also a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.

The Next fun ingredient in my Smoothie that I was very excited to include is Raw Cacao-  Raw Cacao is incredible- it has the highest antioxidant value of ALL foods.  Raw Cacao also  has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Its a good source of the minerals magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, and manganese; plus some of the B Vitamins. and my favorite part.. Raw Cacao also contains the amino acid Tryptophan which makes the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which promotes positive feelings and helps keep us from feeling depressed. As one of my Best Friends Kate Says Best “Chocolate is therapeutic, time is irrelevant.” This is believe whole heartily. I gladly and happily drink chocolate for breakfast!

Raspberries. I love them! Especially like the rest of the world does. WITH Chocolate- they have some nice health perks of their own. Raspberries are packed with fiber and manganese. Fiber helps slow the digestive process so you feel full longer. Manganese is a trace mineral that helps keep your metabolic rate high, which in turn burns fat. How cool is that? And  they are High in ellagic acid, a phenolic compound that may help prevent cancer!

And Finally the Peaches. The Last Fruit in this concoction. Peaches have been shown to help make the skin healthy and also add color to the complexion. They are rich in rich in Vitamin, Also have Anti Cancer properties, and are also high in fiber.

So seriously.. why NOT start your day with a Smoothie. Even if you don’t have health problems. Why wouldn’t you want to get all of these health benefits in a glass and help prevent future problems?

…and Not to mention that this smoothie- tastes like Chocolate Raspberry Mousse. What could be better?

Raw Cacao-Raspberry-Avocado Smoothie

1/2 Avocado

1 1/4 Cup frozen Raspberries

3/4 Cup of Frozen Peaches

2 TBS Raw Cacao Powder

1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

1-2 TBS Natural Sweetener (Such As Honey , Raw Agave Nectar or Coconut Nectar)

In a Blender Combine All Ingredients Until Smooth. Feel Free to Use Any sort of “Milk” I Love Almond Milk in Smoothies-Coconut Milk would also be awesome here. Feel free to use bananas instead of Peaches- they will provide the same effect. Adjust the sweetener to your liking and make sure to use only Raw Cacao Powder- otherwise you will be losing many of the awesome health benefits it provides. This recipe makes 16 ounces!

This recipe has been linked to Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays