This little smoothie is so mega awesome and so mega healthy that I’ve copied it a bunch of times since first making it. First we have some fruit (frozen mixed berries), then some super greens (more on those in a moment), and then chocolate. I chose a Navitas Naturals raw cacao, which is unprocessed and full of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, fiber and you know… chocolate! And then I garnished it with some chocolate chips, because I felt like it!
The Importance of Green Smoothies
I try to keep all my smoothies green to help balance out the sugars found in the fruits. This super greens combo is mild in flavor but gives my smoothies a powerful green kick. My greens of choice are moringa, chlorella and fresh kale.
Moringa is one of the newer superfoods on the scene, but its health benefits have long been know to Southeast Asian cultures. Both the leaves and pods are used from the moringa tree in both medicinal applications and in recipes. Moringa has recently become one of my daily supplements for many reasons, primarily because it is a natural, whole-food way to get vitamin B12. Just half a teaspoon of the leaf powder is enough for the whole day! There are many other benefits of moringa too. From Organic India: Moringa contains an “amazing profile of important minerals, trace minerals, protein, vitamins, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, all essential amino acids and various phenolics including quercetin and kaempferol that it truly qualifies for the title: Superfood. Its antioxidant polyphenols detox and protect the liver, boost immunity via several mechanisms, and support healthy blood sugar and lipids… Daily use of Moringa can help to restore your imbalances, add concentrated superfood nutrition to your diet and help you to consumer the recommended 6-10 servings of vegetables per day.” Pretty amazing, right?
Chlorella is almost as stunning as moringa. Chlorella is a green microalgae that is comparable to spirulina, but without the potential side affects (read more about the potential risks of spirulina here and how chlorella is different and better). Here are some reasons to add chlorella, from Bright Earth Foods: “Chlorella is a highly enzymatic whole food that aids the body in digestion; i enhances the elimination of toxins such as mercury, cadmium and lead, DDT and PCB, and boosts the immune system. In scientific research it has been shown to increase the production of Interferons (INF), a glycoprotein known to be a powerful shield for various cancers. This algae also possesses the ability to deliver enzymes, such as pepsin and chlorophyllase, which aid in healthy digestion. In addition, it supports the growth of friendly flora in the intestinal tract, providing colon health and balance. It’s considered to be one of the most potent nutraceuticals.”
My other super green is regular old kale, curly or lacinato or baby kales. Not only do we love it in salads, soups, wraps and more, one big leafy blends well into any smoothie and adds a little boost of nutrition. According to World’s Healthiest Foods, kale offers an abundance of vitamins (especially A, C and K), minerals (manganese, copper and calcium), but also fiber and protein. And it’s much cheaper than these other greens too!
Chocolate Berry Super Green Smoothie Recipe
1 cup frozen berries
1/2 cup coconut milk or almond milk
2 Tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 leaf of kale
1 teaspoon each moringa and chlorella
Chocolate chips and chia seeds for garnish
- Blend berries, milk, cacao, kale and supergreens together until smooth. Add ice to make it colder if you like. Garnish with chia seeds and chocolate chips, and enjoy the green love!
Makes one, 6-8 ounce smoothie
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