This Creamy Avocado Smoothie Is a Delicious Way to Help Your Heart - and Waistline

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This creamy avocado banana smoothie is "the perfect natural pick-me-up," says Rich Goldstein, owner of the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts. It's also a delicious way to protect your heart: the monosaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in avocados and potassium in bananas all offer cardiovascular support, while cinnamon can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Even better if you're watching your waistline: MUFAs have been shown to target belly fat, so sipping on this frosty low-calorie smoothie when the temperatures rise is a good idea.


Enjoy this creamy, dairy-free smoothie in the morning for breakfast or as part of a cooling lunch.

Chef Mark Bailey

Avocado Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
2 cups coconut water
1/2 avocado, mashed
2 tablespoons honey
12 ice cubes
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash of salt
Banana slices and crushed almonds for topping (optional)

Directions

1. In a blender, combine bananas and coconut water. Puree until smooth.
2. Add the following 6 ingredients, and continue to blend until smooth.
3. Serve in frozen mug or glass. Top with banana and crushed nuts, if desired.

Source: Calorie Count

Information

Category

Drinks, Smoothies

Yield

2 servings

Cook Time

5 minutes

Nutrition

Calories per serving

272