“Chocolatey goodness, tastes like a Nutella treat. Soooo good!”
~ Selena M.
Chocolate Hazelnut, a heart-healthy cholesterol-lowering smoothie recipe, is an indulgent, delicious and heart-healthy treat that combines the natural sweetness of banana with the rich flavors of hazelnut butter and cocoa powder. Ground flaxseeds add a boost of fiber and healthy fats.
Hazelnut butter is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels. Unsweetened cocoa powder contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can support heart health. Ground flaxseeds contribute additional fiber and omega-3 fatty acids to further support cardiovascular health.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Cholesterol-Lowering Chocolate Hazelnut smoothie ingredients are:
- banana
- hazelnut butter
- almond milk
- cacao powder
- flaxseeds
- ice
Health Benefits
Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
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Hazelnut Butter – Hazelnut butter is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support heart health. It also boasts a high content of dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and antioxidants that contribute to overall wellness, including immune support and skin health.
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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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Cacao – Cacao powder, commonly used as a base ingredient for chocolate, is made by grinding up coco beans and removing the fat. Its main health benefit comes from an abundance of polyphenols, a naturally occurring group of antioxidants. Cacao powder is a heart-healthy ingredient, known to reduce high blood pressure, improve blood flow to your brain, lower the risk of stroke, and improve Type 2 diabetes symptoms.
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Flaxseed – Flaxseed has a mild, nutty flavor and a crisp, crunchy texture. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals and high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is rich in fiber, has potent cancer-fighting properties, particularly for breast cancer colorectal cancer, and skin cancer, and benefits your heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
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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 Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie
The Cholesterol-Lowering Chocolate Hazelnut smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place banana, hazelnut butter, almond milk, cacao powder, flaxseeds, 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
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
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 nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, for the hazelnut butter, or use a different type of milk, like soy milk or cashew milk.
To make this smoothie vegan, replace the almond milk with a plant-based milk alternative.
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Cholesterol-Lowering Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 banana frozen, sliced
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut butter
- 1 cup almond milk, vanilla unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed
- 1 cup ice
- 1 Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place banana, hazelnut butter, almond milk, cacao powder, flaxseeds, 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
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- 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 nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, for the hazelnut butter, or use a different type of milk, like soy milk or cashew milk.
- To make this smoothie vegan, replace the almond milk with a plant-based milk alternative.
Video
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add sweetener to this smoothie?
If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, you can add a natural sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or a few drops of stevia, to taste.
Can I add greens to this smoothie?
Yes, you can add a handful of spinach or kale to this smoothie to increase the nutrient content without significantly altering the flavor.
More Cholesterol-Lowering Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Chocolate Hazelnut smoothie, try more of our heart-healthy favorites on our Cholesterol-Lowering Smoothie Recipes page.
