Dark chocolate shakes taste like dessert for breakfast! Add dark chocolate cocoa powder to your morning healthy smoothie recipe for an amazing burst of delicious chocolate flavor. This is the latest in that decadent – you won’t believe it’s that good for your taste! Dark chocolate cocoa powder is very healthy because it is high in polyphenols, which means it has antioxidant power. It is also rich in vitamins. This chocolate is a bit bitter, so the base of the shake should be vanilla flavored yogurt and vanilla almond milk with a little agave or honey syrup. Adjust the sweetener to your desired level.
Chocolate comes from the cocoa bean. This bean contains antibacterial agents that fight cavities and help boost your immune system. These agents subside once sugar and milk are added to the chocolate to create milk chocolate. Cocoa also contains phenylethylamine which enhances endorphins and gives you that feeling of happiness. Researchers have found that the mere smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, inducing relaxation. People who eat dark chocolate are also said to live another year, perhaps because of the antioxidant effects or simply because they are happier.
Shakes are a great way to add extra protein and vitamins and minerals to your child’s breakfast or snack. Great additions for smoothies are protein powder, bee pollen, lecithin granules, and brewer’s yeast. Be careful with brewer’s yeast because it has a bitter taste that children will like!