Is this Chocolate Tahini Smoothie Healthy?
Cacao, tahini and cinnamon add a lot of health benefits to this chocolate tahini smoothie.
Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is a staple in many cuisines, particularly in the Mediterranean and Middle East. It’s not only praised for its rich, nutty flavor but also for its numerous health benefits, which include:
- Rich in Nutrients: Tahini is a good source of essential nutrients, including copper, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium. These minerals are vital for various bodily functions, including maintaining healthy bones, energy production, and supporting the immune system.
- Sesame seeds are high in Antioxidants. They contain antioxidants like sesamol, sesaminol, and sesamolin, which help fight oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is linked to various chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
- Heart Health: The paste is rich in healthy fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which can help manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The lignans in sesame seeds may also help improve lipid profiles and blood pressure.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation is linked to many health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. The antioxidants and compounds in tahini have anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce inflammation markers in the body.
- Supports Bone Health: It is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. A diet rich in these minerals can help prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone density.
- Promotes Skin and Hair Health: The tahini’s zinc, selenium, and vitamin E can support skin health by promoting collagen production and offering antioxidant protection. These nutrients can also contribute to healthy hair.
Chocolate Tahini Smoothie Ingredients
My favorite smoothies are the ones that don’t need a lot of ingredients. Luckily, this smoothie recipe only requires seven simple ingredients
- Frozen Banana: If you’re not freezing your bananas before you use them in a smoothie, you’re missing out. Frozen banana adds sweetness, creaminess, and thickness to this smoothie.
- Dates: Adding dates to smoothies is THE BEST. If you feel like your smoothie is always missing something, try adding in a date or two. Dates add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Cacao: This is where the chocolatey flavor comes from. I like cacao more than cocoa powder. Cacao generally has more fiber, minerals, and vitamins than other chocolate options. Cacao can even give you a boost of antioxidants and fiber.
- Tahini: Adding healthy fats to smoothies is a must. My favorite healthy-fats to add to smoothies include nut butter, tahini, and avocado.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Its active components, such as cinnamaldehyde, can inhibit inflammation at a molecular level, offering potential health benefits and support in managing inflammatory conditions.
- Salt: okay… I know this ingredient might sound weird, but it’s not. Just like a chocolate chip cookie and chocolate cakes need a pinch of salt to round out the flavor, so does your smoothie.
- Plant-Based Milk: My favorites are soy milk and oat milk, but you can use any plant-based milk you like.
Chocolate Tahini Smoothie with Coffee
It’s really easy to make smoothies if you have a stash of frozen bananas. When we grocery shop I like to get about 10 very ripe bananas to immediately freeze for smoothie ingredients.
Need an extra energy boost? Try subbing out half the plant-based milk in this recipe for coffee. You can try adding in cold-brew.
When I’m using this smoothie as a meal replacement, I also like to add in hemp seeds and organic pea protein. Smoothies don’t normally keep me full for long, but with a little extra protein it’s great.
More Chocolate Recipes to Try
- Sourdough Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies with Brown Butter
- Dark Chocolate Sourdough Bread with Honey and Pecans
- Sourdough Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate Tahini Date Smoothies
This chocolate Tahini Date Smoothie is made with frozen banana, cacao, tahini, and dates for a creamy and nourishing snack in under five minutes! This smoothie also contains cinnamon and cacao for even more health benefits.
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Frozen Banana
- 2 Dates, Pitted
- 1 Tablespoon Cacao
- 1 Teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons Tahini
- 12 Ounces Milk
- A Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a blender
- Blend on high until smooth
- Pour into a glass, serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- for a low sugar option, remove the dates
- any milk will work, plant-based milk too.
- for an energy boost, replace half of the milk with cold-brew coffee
