Detox Island Green Smoothie with Mint Twist (Copycat Recipe)

This version of the Detox Island Green Smoothie features tropical frozen fruit, coconut water, and gingers with a mint and avocado variation. It will quickly become a favorite in your household for its ease, creamy texture, and delicious flavor.

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👪Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with simple ingredients, perfect for busy parents.
2. Nutrient-Rich: This healthy smoothie is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to support brain health and energy levels.
3. Allergy-Friendly: Free from dairy, gluten, and eggs, making it ideal for families with dietary restrictions.
4. Travels Well: This is a great recipe to make if you need a quick snack to go!

🧠Nutrient Highlight: Why Drink This?

As a neuroscientist and a mom, I love making recipes that support brain health and development. This homemade version of the green island detox smoothie, a family favorite, combines nutrient-rich ingredients that have brain-boosting properties. Here's a quick overview of why it's neuroscientist-approved:

• Banana: Packed with dietary fiber and vitamin B6, essential for nerve health and neurotransmitter production, enhancing mood and cognitive function (1).
• Spinach: Offers vitamin K, folate, and lutein, key for maintaining brain health and cognitive performance (2).
• Mangoes: Rich in vitamin C, crucial for brain tissue repair and neurotransmitter synthesis, acting as a potent antioxidant (3).
• Pineapple: Contains manganese for brain energy production and bromelain for anti-inflammatory benefits (4).
• Ginger: Provides gingerol, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting overall brain health (5).
• Coconut Water: Delivers essential electrolytes for hydration and optimal brain function, ensuring nerve signal transmission and brain cell maintenance.
• Avocado (Optional): I add this ingredient in for its healthy monounsaturated fats for blood flow and brain health, plus vitamin E to potentially reduce Alzheimer's risk (6).
• Mint Leaves (Optional): Offers menthol for cognitive function enhancement and a refreshing aroma known to improve alertness and memory (7).

🥥Ingredients in Detox Island Green Smoothie

This copycat detox island green smoothie recipe brings the tropical smoothie café experience right to your kitchen with simple, natural ingredients.

• Coconut Water: Hydrates and blends everything into a smooth, drinkable texture.
• Ripe Banana: (Fresh or Frozen) I recommend using frozen if possible. Bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
• Spinach (Fresh or Frozen): Fresh spinach packs in nutrients without overpowering the taste.
• Frozen Mango: Offer a sweet, tropical flavor and a boost of vitamin C.
• Frozen Pineapple: Contribute to the smoothie's refreshing taste. You can use fresh pineapple but frozen is best.
• Ginger: Gives a subtle, spicy kick for an extra flavor dimension.
• (Optional) Avocado (Fresh or Frozen): This is not in the original recipe but I recommend it. It will add more creaminess and healthy fats to your tropical green smoothie!
• (Optional) Mint Leaves: Also highly recommend this add-in as it brings a fresh twist that elevates the overall flavor.

For full quantities, see the recipe card.

👩🏽‍🍳Step-By-Step: How to Make This at Home

Let's break down the steps to make detox island green smoothie at home:

Step 1: Prep Ingredients:

Measure out all your ingredients to help streamline the process. If you are not using frozen bananas you may want to add ice cubes.

Step 2: Add to a Blender:

Pour coconut water into a high-powered blender first to help everything mix more easily. Then add the banana, mango, pineapple, spinach, ginger, and if you're using it, avocado and mint.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth:

Hit that high-speed setting for about 30 seconds to a minute, watching the ingredients whirl into a creamy, dreamy mixture.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve:

If it's too thick, a splash more coconut water can thin it. If you prefer it sweeter, a hint of honey or maple syrup does the trick, though the fruits usually have sweetness covered. Then serve immediately for the best results.

Enjoy your homemade version of the tropical smoothie café's detox island green smoothie, at home with these fresh, nutritious ingredients that are good for your body and brain.

🥭Substitutions & Variations

• Coconut Water: Plain water or any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) can be a hydrating substitute, maintaining the smoothie's tropical flavor.
• Banana: Avocado can provide creaminess if bananas are not your choice, adding healthy fats without compromising the smooth texture.
• Frozen Fruit: Fresh fruit works if frozen is unavailable. Feel free to swap mango and pineapple with any tropical fruits you have, like papaya or kiwi, for a similar nutrient profile.
• Spinach: Kale or any dark leafy greens can replace spinach, offering a similar lovely green color and nutrient density.
• Ginger: For a less spicy kick, a pinch of ground ginger or even turmeric can substitute fresh ginger, adding a new dimension of flavor and health benefits.