The Mars Venus shakes are an easy way to establish healthy brain chemistry which supports men and women in the demanding and high stress world of today. The shakes are specially formulated to create a specific and unique balance between essential proteins, carbohydrates, fats, amino acids and dense nutrients that men and women need each day. These decadent shakes are simple to make, and you will feel a remarkable difference immediately.

This month’s shake is a heart smart, healthy skin, free radical damage defense campaign, in a glass.

Benefits of a few ingredients in this shake:

Extra virgin coconut oil is a healthy fat that cannot be stored in the body as fat, only burned as energy. It is high in lauric acid and is an anti-viral food source.

Hazel Nuts are rich in flavor and an excellent source of vitamin E, folate, magnesium, and heart healthy B vitamins and are an abundant natural source of antioxidants. Hazelnuts have a high amount of proanthocyanidins (PAC). These compounds may reduce risk of blood clotting, and have the ability to strengthen blood vessels, suppress platelet stickiness in arteries, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, delay the onset of dementia and lower blood pressure.

Molasses is a robust natural sweetener, and an excellent source of essential trace minerals and iron.

Cacao Powder or Nibs is the natural unsweetened state of chocolate which stimulates PEA (love hormone) in the brain. Cacao is a concentrated source of anti-oxidants, magnesium, chromium, vitamin C and iron. (Cacao beans contain 621 anti-oxidants that are very healing for the body and skin).

Maca powder is an adaptagen grown in the high altitudes of Peru. Maca is beneficial for hormonal balance, enhancing the libido, energy and focus.

Pears are an excellent source of water-soluble fiber, which is highly beneficial for your colon health. They contain vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, folic acid and niacin. Pears are also rich in copper, phosphorus and potassium. The high content of pectin in pears makes it very useful in helping to lower cholesterol levels. Pears also contain a high level of boron. Boron helps the body to retain calcium, thus prevents or retards osteoporosis.

1 serving

INGREDIENTS

2 scoops of Mars/Venus super foods shake mix
1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
1 1/2 teaspoon of Blackstrap molasses
6-8 ounces of hazelnut milk (see recipe below)
1 tablespoon Maca powder
1 tablespoon cacao powder or nibs
½ of a medium size ripe pear (is small use the whole pear)
Filtered water (for desired consistency)
Several ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

1. Put all ingredients in a blender, pulse for three to four beats and blend on high until smooth.

2. Add additional water or hazelnut milk if a thinner consistency is desired.

Hazelnut Nut Milk

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups raw hazel nuts
6 cups of filtered water
1 vanilla bean pod sliced vertically
Pinch of sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Place nuts in a blender with filtered water. Scrape the inside paste from the vanilla bean pod into the blender and add a pinch of salt. Secure lid and blend on high until nuts are broken down. Be careful not to over blend, creating friction.

2. Pour the mixture to drain using cheesecloth over a bowl. Squeeze out all remaining liquid from the nut mixture

3. Refrigerate the nut milk.

Brazil nut and almond milk may also be made using this recipe. Almonds however must be soaked for 12 hours and drained and rinsed before blending into milk, as they contain enzyme inhibitors. Add molasses is desired for sweeter milk

Note: save your nut pulp to use in other recipes, granola etc. This pulp will freeze nicely to add into dishes and stews.