Antioxidant-Rich Pomegranate Chocolate Smoothie Recipe
By: Joy McCarthy Holistic Nutritionist of joyoushealth.ca
I’m sure many of you are on the smoothie-train already right? If so, congrats! Smoothies do the body good when made with the right ingredients. 
Smoothies are my go-to for an energizing breakfast or mid-aft powersnack as a quick way to get a dose of nutrients into my body from one cup. However, it’s easy to get into a habit of using the same smoothie ingredients day after day…. Sound familiar?
This particular smoothie was made by my man Walker. Whenever he creates anything in the kitch, it’s always with taste being the main goal (not unlike most people) but little did he know he made a super beautifying smoothie based on the ingredients he chose!
In fact, when he handed me the mason jar to give it a swig, he said “Nothin’ fancy Joy, just a few basic ingredients to taste good”. It was absolutely delicious and decadent. I was even more joyous when he told me what he put in it! Here’s what he did:
Antioxidant Rich Smoothie
- 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder (or 1/2 cup hemp seeds w/ 1/2 tsp pure vanilla)
- 1 tbsp pomegranate powder*
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1 tbsp almond butter (or organic peanut butter on occasion)
- 1 frozen banana
- Just enough almond milk to cover the ingredients
Blend and sprinkle some raw cacao nibs on top. enJOY. Serves 1.
Pomegranate is powerful stuff. I’ve been enjoying pom seeds this month since they are in season, more affordable at the grocery store and include an incredible dose of antioxidants. However, I also love pom powder and here’s what makes it so joyous for your skin which translates to the beautification aspect from Navitas website:
Pomegranate contains a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, with especially notable amounts of vitamin C and potassium. It is also a powerful source of antioxidant phytoestrogens, polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory essential amino acids. Among the most important effects of this beneficial nutrient collection is the ability to inhibit free radicals (a biological component attributed to disease and aging). Remarkably, polyphenols may inhibit estrogen synthesis, and the oil from the pomegranate seed has been proven effective against the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro.
Let’s not forget the raw cacao powder loaded with antioxidants and important minerals like magnesium and iron, equally as beautifying pom powder. In fact, David Wolfe refers to raw cacao as a beauty food in his Eating for Beauty book.
If you enjoy this recipe and want to learn more about beauty nutrients, then check out my upcoming workshop “INNER OUTER BEAUTY” at 889 Yoga on Saturday November 24th from 1:30-2:45pm. You will get to sample this smoothie recipe, get plenty of recipes and knowledge to beautify from the inside out. Register online or by calling 417.925.7206.
