Berry Cacao Mood-Boosting Smoothie

Life can move quickly, and sometimes just trying to keep up leaves us in a slump. Thankfully, tapping into the right nourishments can go a long way in lifting our energy and spirits! Take this refreshing mood-boosting smoothie – a mere minute to prepare and just bursting with berrylicious benefits and flavor. I like to add Organic India Bacopa and Tulsi supplements for a wealth of wellness support enhancing the vibrant, fresh ingredients; these are of course optional.

What’s in this energizing boost?

Berries
Good things really do come in small packages. As a group, berries are packed with stress-relieving, wellness-boosting, mood-enhancing antioxidant properties. Most are especially high in vitamin C, known to bolster immune function and help reduce stress. All berries are not created equal, however; each variety is its own unique little powerhouse. Blackberries are brimming with vitamins A and E, for instance, and also contain anthocyanins, compounds that have been linked to supporting mood. 

Blueberries are loaded with nutrients that help promote the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that aids in regulating mood. Bright, beguiling strawberries contain folate, a B vitamin associated with the production of neurotransmitter dopamine. 

While we love bananas in our household like any good little monkeys —and the creaminess they provide alongside rich nutrients—sometimes it just tastes extra refreshing to forego banana such as in this blend; this lets the assortment of berries–or berries and cherries–truly shine. Moreover, recent studies suggest that mixing bananas with berries in beverages may reduce the bioavailability of flavanols, antioxidants found in berries renowned for various health benefits, by more than 80%. In lieu of the usual banana, lend a little creaminess as well as calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics, with a good dollop of plant-based yogurt. 

Cacao
Essentially the purest form of rich dark chocolate, cacao powder is often labeled as a superfood for good reason. High in magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, omega 6 fatty acids, and more, cacao further contains the natural mood enhancer anandamide as well as soothing tryptophan. In this blend, cacao powder adds a little depth–dancing chocolate notes with a smooth red velvet quality. We like the slight bitterness that tempers the sweet berries, but feel free to blend in a Medjool date or two or add another sweetener to taste. 

Tulsi and Bacopa
Also known as Holy Basil or the incomparable one, Tulsihas been used in Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years. The potent adaptogen is cherished for its stress-relieving, detoxifying, immune-supporting, and overall restorative properties, enriching both bodily and spiritually. Known as the herb of grace, nootropic Bacopa a powerfully harmonious complement to “Queen of Herbs” Tulsi, lauded for its brain health and nervous system benefits. 

Combined, the two make a formidable team. Indeed, Tulsi and Bacopa make for a tremendous team; add to any smoothie of your choice for whole body benefits including mood support. The potent pair makes this beautifully playful mix of flavors, at once rich and light, especially revitalizing. And with the noise, heat, and chaos in the world, we can all afford to restore where we can. Love and light, friends!

Use code HAPPYAPPLE for 15% off Organic India Tulsi, Bacopa, or other products!

Yield: 1-2
Author:
Berry Cacao Mood-Boosting Smoothie

Berry Cacao Mood-Boosting Smoothie

This refreshing mood-boosting smoothie takes a mere minute to prepare and is just bursting with berrylicious benefits and flavor!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coconut water (more as needed, or add/ replace with plant milk)
  • ½ cup plant based yogurt (unsweetened plain or vanilla, or plant milk of choice)
  • 2 cups frozen mixed berries or berries and cherries
  • 3 T cacao powder
  • 1 Tablespoon almond or other nut butter (tahini for nut free)
  • ¼ Teaspoon (1 capsule) ORGANIC INDIA Bacopa ½ Teaspoon (2 capsules ORGANIC INDIA Tulsi optional
  • Optional garnish: fresh berries, cacao powder, shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Add additional liquid of choice as needed to reach desired consistency. Add desired garnish and enjoy your mood-boosting smoothie any time of day.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Fat

14 g

Sat. Fat

3 g

Carbs

62 g

Fiber

20 g

Net carbs

42 g

Sugar

35 g

Protein

10 g

Sodium

261 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg
Wendy McMillanComment