Coffee also brings its own health benefits to the leafy green mix. Just about everybody is familiar with the drink’s energy-boosting properties. By blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine, coffee inhibits the sensation of tiredness and helps improve energy and concentration. But, according to Healthline, drinking coffee has also been shown to increase metabolism, which can help the body burn fat, and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. Coffee drinkers have also been shown to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. The drink also contains many vitamins and nutrients, including manganese, potassium, and essential B vitamins.
De Laurentiis makes her smoothies with almond milk and spinach, a banana, an avocado, and just a dash of vanilla and salt for flavor. She also adds in a sprinkling of espresso and a handful of cacao nibs to bring out the rich coffee flavor, per Instagram. The end result is a smoothie that, as she calls it, is a “great pick-me-up” that is both “healthy and yummy.”
