This is a perfect summer dessert or afternoon treat. An actual mint chocolate chip milkshake is loaded with sugar and most likely contains artificial coloring or ingredients, which can lead to unstable blood sugar levels and other negative effects on our bodies and overall health. This version is loaded with nutrients from the spinach, mint, banana, and avocado, but is creamy, decadent, sweet, and refreshing! I promise you’ll be super satisfied with this “milkshake,” and you’ll feel much better afterwards too!
Ingredients:
(serves 2)
4 cups spinach leaves
¾ cup of fresh mint leaves (or 4-5 drops peppermint extract)
1 banana (frozen if possible)
1 cup full fat coconut milk
1/2 cup water
½ an avocado
2 tbsp dark chocolate (shavings from a chocolate bar or chocolate chips)
Handful of ice cubes
Directions:
Blend all ingredients (except the chocolate) until smooth.
Add chocolate to the blended smoothie and stir.
Top with additional chocolate shavings
I am all about adding fresh herbs to dishes to enhance flavor, but also because they are packed with nutrients! Mint might just be my favorite one out there; I even have two varieties growing in my brand new urban garden. It has a clean and refreshing taste and can add a whole new layer of flavor to any dish. Read on for the health benefits of cooking with mint.
Health Benefits of Mint:
Mint can improve digestion because menthol increases bile in the stomach, which helps us digest foods more easily
Mint helps soothe an upset stomach because the menthol helps relax the stomach muscles.
It can combat bad breath because the antimicrobial properties in mint can kill off bacteria in your mouth
Studies show it can improve alertness and cognitive function; the scent of menthol stimulates the hippocampus area in the brain, which is responsible for controlling focus and clarity
Mint can even help you overcome the common cold because of its antioxidants and antibacterial properties, but also because it contains menthol, which helps relax muscles, opening up airways and relieving congestion
