Happy Valentine's Day!
There's nothing more appropriate for this day than chocolate and aphrodisiac superfoods, right? So I decided to share a recipe for a delicious chocolate superfood smoothie made with cacao powder, maca and damiana.
Maca is a plant that is native to the Andean Mountains and it has a long history of being a superfood. It's prized for its adaptogen like qualities that enable it to nourish and balance the endocrine system, benefiting your reproductive systems and helping to balance (increase) limbido. It is also energizing and helps the body cope with stress. I purchase maca in powder form, there are many brands to choose from, go with organic.
Damiana is known as a general tonic for the nervous, hormonal, and reproductive systems. It has an ancient (well deserved) reputation as an aphrodisiac. I purchase it in tincture form and I suspect your local health food store will have it in stock. If you can't find damiana, you can also use Muira-Puama extract.
Cacao powder is a delicious superfood, rich in minerals and it can be mildly energizing and uplifting. Read more about cacao in the recent Hot Chocolate post.
Combine these superfoods with a simple creamy base and you have a delicious chocolate shake replacement that is perfect for Valentine's Day, or any day of the year. If you don't have the superfoods, don't fret. This smoothie will be just as special and delicious even without the maca and damiana.
Adding a pinch of cayenne to the smoothie helps to open up your capillaries and speed absorption of all the magic.
Enjoy and celebrate all your loved ones - friends & family - on this special Valentine's Day.
Aphrodisiac Cacao Banana Smoothie with Maca and Damiana Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk of choice, (a mix of almond and coconut is best)
- 1 large frozen banana
- 5 ice cubes
- 1 ½ - 2 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon maca powder
- 2 droppers damiana extract (or muira-puama extract if you don't have damiana)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- large pinch salt
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in the blender, blend until smooth. Top with a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne, or cacao nibs.
Yields approximately 24 ounces (2 servings)
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