“Super delish! I never would have thought to add pineapple, but it totally makes the shake. Drop in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for your muscles.”
~ Anou
Carrot Cake, a heart-healthy cholesterol-lowering smoothie recipe, tastes like a slice of carrot cake while providing the nutritional benefits of whole fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy ingredients. The combination of carrots, pineapple, oats, and cinnamon creates a delightful flavor.
Carrots are rich in antioxidants and fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. Pineapple adds natural sweetness and contains enzymes that can support heart health. Rolled oats contain beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol levels, and chia seeds contribute additional fiber and healthy fats to further support heart health.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Cholesterol-Lowering Carrot Cake smoothie ingredients are:
- carrots
- pineapples
- almond milk
- oats
- cinnamon
- chia seeds
- ice
Health Benefits
Carrots – Carrots are a super-healthy root vegetable that are an excellent source of fiber. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin K1, beta carotene, potassium, and loaded with antioxidants. Carrots are most famous for promoting good vision, but also lower cholesterol and help protect against various forms of cancer.
[Amazon Fresh]
Pineapples – Pineapples are popular tangy tropical fruit that, surprising to most, originated in South America, not Hawaii. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, including a ridiculously high amount of vitamin C (1 serving = 131% of the recommended daily intake), manganese, vitamin B6, and thiamin. Pineapples also contain a significant amount of the digestive enzymes bromelain that can help fight pancreatic cancer.
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Almond Milk – Almond milk is a popular nut-based milk replacement that is naturally lactose-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan. It has a surprisingly diverse set of nutrients, including significant amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. Almond milk is also a heart-healthy beverage for those interested in lowering their cholesterol.
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Oats – Oats are one of the most healthy grains you can eat, being packed with fiber, loaded with essential nutrients, and 100% gluten-free. They are high in manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B1, and vitamin B5. Oats are widely used to lower cholesterol and prevent oxidization of LDL cholesterol.
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Cinnamon – Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is high in powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and is loaded with cinnamaldehyde, which also provides significant health benefits. Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory, helps reduce cholesterol, improves sensitivity to insulin, and aids in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
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Chia Seeds – Chia seeds are small in size, but big in nutritional value. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and are rich in dietary fiber. In addition, the compounds in chia seeds have been shown to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, assist with lowering blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
[Amazon Fresh]
Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these delicious smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend a higher-end Vitamix blender that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Cholesterol-Lowering Carrot Cake Smoothie
The Cholesterol-Lowering Carrot Cake smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place carrots, pineapple, almond milk, rolled oats, cinnamon, chia seeds, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
You can substitute another type of fruit, like apple or pear, for the pineapple or use a different type of milk, such as soy milk or coconut milk.
To add more protein, you can include a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt.
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Cholesterol-Lowering Carrot Cake Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1/2 cup pineapple frozen, chunks
- 1/2 cup almond milk, vanilla unsweetened
- 1/4 cup oats rolled
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup ice
- 1 Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place carrots, pineapple, almond milk, rolled oats, cinnamon, chia seeds, and ice into a blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- If you don't have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
- You can substitute another type of fruit, like apple or pear, for the pineapple or use a different type of milk, such as soy milk or coconut milk.
- To add more protein, you can include a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt.
Video
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use baby carrots in this smoothie?
es, you can use baby carrots in this smoothie, but you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired flavor and consistency. Chop the baby carrots into smaller pieces for easier blending.
Can I add nuts or nut butter to this smoothie for added healthy fats?
Absolutely! You can add a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter, or a small handful of nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to enhance the flavor and add healthy fats.
More Cholesterol-Lowering Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Carrot Cake smoothie, try more of our heart-healthy favorites on our Cholesterol-Lowering Smoothie Recipes page.
