Dandy Blend Cacao Smoothie
After studying holistic nutrition for the past seven months (and really, since high school), I’ve gained a deeper understanding of gut health, liver health, and hormone balance—just to name a few—and how nutrition plays a key role in supporting these vital functions. One organ I’ve focused on heavily in recent months is the liver, one of the body's most essential detoxification organs. The liver is responsible for an array of critical functions, including metabolism, digestion, hormone regulation, and detoxification. A well-supported liver contributes to overall health, and just like gut health, we can take intentional steps to nourish and optimize its function.
This is why I love incorporating liver-supportive herbs, tinctures, and nutrients into my daily routine— finding ways to make them both delicious and nourishing! One of my favorite herbs for liver support is dandelion root. Dandelion root is known for its ability to aid liver function by promoting bile production, supporting digestion, and enhancing the body's natural detoxification pathways. It’s a gentle yet powerful botanical that has been used for centuries to support liver and digestive health.
When consumed in powdered form, such as Dandy Blend, dandelion root takes on a rich, coffee-like flavor—without the caffeine! This makes it an amazing alternative for those who want to avoid stimulants while still enjoying that warming coffee aroma. During a period when I was focusing intensely on my liver health, I took a dandelion root tincture daily for about three months and noticed significant benefits. When I later discovered Dandy Blend, I started incorporating it into my smoothies and even making herbal lattes as a soothing night cap!
This Dandy Blend Cacao Smoothie is inspired by my go-to cacao date smoothie, but with the addition of Dandy Blend, it takes on the flavor of a cold brew cacao smoothie—all while being deeply supportive for liver health!
DANDY BLEND CACAO SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
1 1/2 frozen banana
2 organic pitted medjol dates
1 cup cashew milk
1 tbsp organic almond butter
1 tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp dandy blend
1 tbsp cacao nibs (optional)
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 handful gluten free & refined sugar free granola for bottom & top of glass (optional)
Directions
Add frozen banana, pitted dates, and cashew milk to a blender
Blend until smooth
Add almond butter, cacao powder, dandy blend, cinnamon and cacao nibs if adding.
Blend until smooth & creamy
Fill bottom of a glass with granola
Pour smoothie in
Top with remaining handful of granola and a sprinkle of cacao nibs
Enjoy! A liver loving smoothie to balance hormones, energy and detoxification.
