I have been experimenting more with coconut oil and I think I like it. So you may see a few more coconut oil smoothies in the future. It isn’t a staple for most kitchens, but maybe it should be. Coconut oil, said to be “healthiest oil on earth” is extremely good for for you (read more here) and adds a unique taste you will enjoy. Try and and let me know how you like it. Here is a brand I recommend: Barlean’s Organic Oils Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas, frozen
- 2 HUGE handfuls spinach (you won’t even taste it)
- 1 cup milk (almond or soy is even better than moo juice)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Add all ingredients into a blender. Blend until mixed. Serve in tall glasses and enjoy.
Recipe submitted by Sierra, Rolla, MO
Try Coconut milk instead of the almond or soy milk. Watercress is also good to add.
Coconut oil “the healthiest oil on earth”? Um, no. Along with palm oil, coconut oil is the LEAST healthy oil out there, absolutely loaded with saturated fat.
According to Harvard, we do not need to eat any saturated fats (which includes coconut): http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-full-story/index.html
@Anonymous:
Wrong! You’re going off antiquated research based on a limited understanding of “saturated fats” that became conventional wisdom in the 70′s. Time to update your understanding and evolve.
In short, so as to not write a book, the saturated fat in coconut are primarily medium-chain fatty acids, which bind together to form medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), which are much easier for the body to break down and process than long-chain triglycerides (LCT), commonly associated with the unhealthy saturated fats found in our diets.
In fact, the saturated fats present in coconut oil is not harmful like is known with animal or even vegetable based fats since it does not lead to increase in LDL levels which is the “unhealthy” type of cholesterol and in fact increases the “healthy” cholesterol count because it contains polyUNsaturted fats and monoUNsaturated fats known to improve artery elasticity and prevent heart disease.
Even more remarkable is how coconut oil in fact helps one to LOSE weight since its short and medium-chain fatty acids work in taking off excessive weight while easily digested and helps in healthy functioning of thyroid and enzymes systems. Further, it increases body metabolism by removing stress on the pancreases, thereby burning out more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight explaining too how islanders and tropical coastal dwellers have used coconut and its oils for cooking for thousands of years without ever suffering from obesity. Study after study has confirmed these findings.
Now, on top of that, there are a load of other health benefits to coconut oil too numerous to mention here and I encourage you to do your own research. But the firsthand reports from people that use only coconut oil as their cooking oil and how it’s improved their cholesterol count and weight loss is no joke.
This was the first smoothie I’ve ever made at home and it was delicious. I have to admit it took an hour to finish because I had to get past the green color but the taste was irresistible. I had such trouble getting my daily greens and this smoothie helped tremendously. I am lactose intolerant so the unsweetened almond milk was a perfect choice for me. I’ve always used Coconut Oil in my hair and never thought about actually using it in a recipe. Thanks for sharing!
arias is correct!!
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/
http://www.alternative-healthzine.com/html/0108_2.html
either way I made it and the smoothie tasted good but due to my browser not handling the html the last ingredient was shifted to the left and was left out…no coconut oil in mine. I will have to try it with it next time.
This is sooooo good! I didn’t put any oil in it, and I just taste the bananas and cinnamon!! Love it!
Note: raw expeller pressed coconut oil is the healthy one- refined oil, not so much. Also, you should research soy (as you mentioned that you love it). It has been proven to have high levels of estrogen which are very harmful to the human body.
http://www.foodrenegade.com/dangers-of-soy/
Can’t wait to try this!
Yup. That’s why I made the switch from soy to rice milk long ago. High estrogen levels exist not only in soy but flaxseed oil, which some of these smoothie recipes call for.
Plus, rice is one of the few foods known to not cause gas.
Taking a 10-day breather from my unhealthy eating and drinking ways starting today and stopped on this smoothie recipe to replace my first coffee of the morning. My blender isn’t too fond of frozen fruit so I had to go non-frozen on the bananas but added ice (it can do frozen water). Otherwise, followed the recipe as is with almond milk. Delicious! Thank you – I think I can easily replace coffee with this
Just tried this recipe out and i love it! I can taste the cinnamon and the coconut oil and they mesh very well together. I can also taste abit of the spinach but i’m alright with that. Great recipe!!
These smoothie recipes are amazing! Is it OK if I use some for my new website that i am working on called ‘Health Is Important?’ There is a whole section on smoothies and how they keep you healthy and they all look amazing! When my website is published will you all visit it? I will put up a notice when it is ready! Thanks for the smoothie recipe! This one was amazing!!!
Yes, you are welcome to use this, just be sure to give a friendly link back. Thanks.
just made this, wasn’t expecting the sweetness since it was a green shake… OMG, I love it!!! This is def getting thrown into my morning smoothie rotation! Thanks for sharing.
Cinnamon is not a right ingredient here in my opinion. In order to enrich it I added some milled flax.
Really great shake. Did not expect the sweetness. I used unsweetened coconut milk as I do not care for soy or almond milk and dairy is not my friend. The cinnamon was the perfect touch to cover the spinach taste. I think this might become a staple.
Thank you, arias, for speaking the truth!
It’s okay but it would be better without the cinnamon. I like a more veggie taste less sweet.
Tried this smoothie for the first time this morning. It actually fits perfect as a breakfast or snack with the P90X Diet, not to mention surprisingly delicious! I may have put too much cinnamon in this time. I already can’t wait until tomorrow to have another one!
how much will this recipe make? im currently just going to be making it for one, and this seems like a large amount of ingredients for one. im thinking of half-ing it. im a little hesitant just because im not a huge fan of the spinach taste. my coconut oil is refined, so it doesn’t have the coconut taste :( which i LOVE. do you really not taste the spinach?
@melissa – This recipe is meant for one serving but you can reduce it to fit your idea of a serving size. I don’t mind spinach, but unless you are Popeye, I can’t guarantee most people enjoy it.
Delicious!! Cut recipe in half and but added 1/2 more spinach. Nixed cinnamon. Yum!! Sweet and creamy:)