Chocolate Banana Almond Butter Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

1 cup spinach, kale, and chard
2 1/2 bananas frozen
1/3 cup cold brew coffee (Nutpods Creamy Cold Brew Unsweetened)
1 Tablespoon crunchy almond butter
1 scoop Sunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Powder Protein Peptides in Chocolate Fudge flavor
1 scoop SunWarrior Warrior Blend Chocolate Protein Powder
1/3 cup Organic Raw Chia Seeds (Mayorga)

Toppings:

Carlo’s Grain Free Gluten-Free Blueberry Walnut Granola
Trader Joe’s Freeze-Dried Banana Slices
Let’s Do Organic Coconut, Unsweetened Shredded
Trader Joe’s Pistachio Nutmeats Unroasted Unsalted

Equipment used: Vitamix 5200

Chia seeds made this smoothie bowl quite thick. Next time I would use a bit less.

Why Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are incredibly rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. ALA helps reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure. Omega-3s are vital for brain function, and ALA contributes to maintaining cognitive health. ALA has anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit overall health and may help in conditions related to inflammation.

Why Grinding Chia Seeds Matters

1. Unlocking Omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids are contained within the seed’s oil, which is protected by the hard outer shell. When you grind chia seeds, you’re effectively breaking open this shell, allowing you to access the oil and its omega-3s. This process is crucial because the oils in chia seeds are where the omega-3s reside.
2. Avoiding Pre-Ground Seeds: Pre-ground chia seeds might seem convenient, but they have a significant downside: they oxidize quickly. Once ground, the seeds’ oils are exposed to air and light, leading to rapid degradation of the beneficial omega-3s. Freshly ground seeds, on the other hand, preserve the nutritional integrity of the oils.
3. Consistency Matters: To ensure you’re getting the most from your chia seeds, grind them to a consistency finer than sand. This fine texture ensures that the oil is thoroughly exposed, maximizing the availability of omega-3s. The Vitamix works beautifully for this task.