“Sweet and creamy, I have one for breakfast and it keeps me feeling full until lunchtime. Love it!”
~ R.J.
Raspberry Almond, a heart-healthy cholesterol-lowering smoothie recipe, is delicious and satisfying, combining the tangy flavor of raspberries with the creaminess of almond butter. Chia seeds add an extra boost of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, making this smoothie a great choice for a filling breakfast or snack.
Raspberries are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Almond butter provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels. Chia seeds contribute additional fiber and healthy fats to further support cardiovascular health.
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The Cholesterol-Lowering Raspberry Almond smoothie ingredients are:
- banana
- raspberries
- almond milk
- almond butter
- chia seeds
- 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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Raspberries – Raspberries are a popular seasonal fruit that are actually a member of the rose family. They are packed with vitamin C and manganese and also provide several B vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Raspberries are very high in antioxidant plant compounds that protect against cell damage and can help reduce your risk of various chronic diseases.
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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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Almond Butter – Almond butter is made from roasted, ground almonds and is often used as a substitute for peanut butter. It is high in monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. Almond butter can help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve the health of artery walls.
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Chia Seeds – Chia seeds are small in size, but big in nutritional value. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and are rich in dietary fiber. In addition, the compounds in chia seeds have been shown to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, assist with lowering blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
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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 Raspberry Almond Smoothie
The Cholesterol-Lowering Raspberry Almond smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place banana, raspberries, unsweetened almond milk, almond butter, chia seeds, 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 other berries, like strawberries or blueberries, for the raspberries or use a different type of nut butter, such as peanut butter or cashew butter.
To make this smoothie vegan, replace the almond milk with a plant-based milk alternative such as coconut milk or soy milk.
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Cholesterol-Lowering Raspberry Almond Smoothie Recipe
Cholesterol-Lowering Raspberry Almond Smoothie featuring healthy monounsaturated fats and heart-loving omega-3 fatty acids. Learn how to make at home!
Ingredients
- 1 banana, frozen, sliced
- 1 cup raspberries, frozen
- 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon almond butter, unsalted
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup ice
- 1 scoop Collagen Boost, optional
Instructions
- Place banana, raspberries, unsweetened almond milk, almond butter, chia seeds, 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 other berries, like strawberries or blueberries, for the raspberries or use a different type of nut butter, such as peanut butter or cashew butter.
- To make this smoothie vegan, replace the almond milk with a plant-based milk alternative.
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 94gFiber: 14gSugar: 52gProtein: 24g
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh raspberries in this smoothie?
Yes, using frozen raspberries will create a thicker, colder smoothie and still provide the same health benefits as fresh raspberries.
Can I add greens to this smoothie?
Absolutely! 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 Raspberry Almond smoothie, try more of our heart-healthy favorites on our Cholesterol-Lowering Smoothie Recipes page.
