Health Benefits

1. Avocados: are a creamy, nutrient-dense fruit, packed with healthy fats. In fact, according to Harvard Medical School, an avocado a day may keep high cholesterol at bay. Study participants that ate a diet with 34% fat, that included an avocado, had their LDL cholesterol levels drop an average of 13.5 points in just 5 weeks.

2. Peaches: are a delicious summer-time stone fruit with impressive health benefits. Just one medium-sized peach contains 15% of your DV for vitamin C. Peaches are also rich in vitamin E, vitamin K, niacin, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, and copper. In a healthy chocolate smoothie recipe, frozen peaches provide a silky and creamy texture.

3. Spinach: is the perfect hidden-veggie smoothie ingredient. Spinach has tender leaves that break down well in high-power blenders. And, as a key ingredient in a weight-loss smoothie, spinach has also been found by researchers to reduce atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes because of its high levels of lutein. Spinach is high in fiber, helping you to feel full longer.

4. Apple juice: is an excellent ingredient for this matcha green tea smoothie because it adds sweetness and a touch of tartness. Because of apple juice’s high sugar content, it is wise to use it sparingly.

5. Matcha green tea powder: is pulverized green tea leaves that are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and other nutrients. In a smoothie, matcha green tea powder adds caffeine to give you a boost of energy after a workout or when your energy is slipping. Currently, according to Clinicaltrials.gov, there are over 560 studies on green tea researching its effects on a wide range of conditions, including cancer, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and so much more.

6. Lucuma powder: is a natural sweetener made from the Peruvian lucuma fruit. In addition to adding sweetness to our Rise and Shine Chocolate Matcha Smoothie recipe, the lucuma is known for its high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin B3, protein, calcium, iron, and zinc.

7. Cocoa powder: is dark chocolate, just in a powdered form. Avoid using Dutch-processed cocoa powder, as it has been alkalized with a solution to lower its natural acidity. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and flavanols that are associated with reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease and lowering blood pressure. And what better ingredient could there be to create a delicious weight-loss smoothie?