My Valentine Smoothie

This is a smoothie your kidneys will love. With dark chocolate as one of the ingredients you will be able to decrease both your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Also, the coffee which contains antioxidants could lower your chances of diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

½ Cup Vanilla Almond Milk (unsweetened)
½ Cup Brewed Coffee (cooled)
1 Cup unsweetened frozen dark cherries
2 T. raw almond slivers
1 tsp. dark cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 tsp. honey
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in blender until smooth and reduce the amount of almond milk if you like a thicker smoothie.

Kidney disease causes hypertension and hypertension causes kidney disease-a vicious cycle. That is why this smoothie can help in controlling blood pressure. Studies show that chocolate and cocoa lower blood pressure and the same with coffee and tea.

Nutrient Values:
Calories 240
Fat 8g
Protein 5 g
Fiber 5 g
Calcium 280 mg
Sodium 75mg
Phosphorus 130mg
Potassium 550mg