I’m even more thrilled about this recipe because since I learned that 1 Brazil nut a day gives you your entire days worth of selenium, I’ve made sure to eat at least one every day since.  Brazil nuts are the highest source of selenium of all foods, a trace mineral that is a cofactor for anti-oxidant enzymes, and can help prevent coronary artery disease, liver cirrhosis and cancers. Specifically for those that are super active like me, selenium combines with other antioxidants to shield red blood cells from damage done by physical exertion, and protects against environmental stressors from everyday life.  Additionally, this mineral works with vitamin E to preserve muscle tissue elasticity not only helping to protect your joints, but keeping your skin young and radiant! (On that note, I’m absolutely having seconds of this juice.)
If you’ve never made your own nut milk at home, it’s really pretty simple. Â (Just be sure you have a high powered blender, because that will make this process a lot easier. Â This is the one I use.)
Step one is to soak the nuts and dates in a bowl of water for at least 12 hours, but I recommend 24 hours. The longer they soak, the softer they will be, and the more smooth they will blend.
Just like that you’re already at the final step- pour the soaked nuts and dates in a blender with the remaining ingredients and blend blend blend until very smooth! (This may take a few minutes). Â If you’d like, you can strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove any other grit, although I don’t mind it in my juice.
Another added bonus in this recipe is the coconut water is exceptionally hydrating for your body. Coconut water is naturally packed with electrolytes- it’s the original sports drink! So not only do you get a delicious treat from this milk, juice, or whatever you want to call it- but it’s incredible healthy for your body too.  That’s right, just more proof that health tastes good 🙂
Brazil Nut Milk
A creamy, nutty drink lightly sweetened with hints of cinnamon and vanilla- the perfect after dinner treat, or post workout juice to replenish and rehydrate your body!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw Brazil nuts
- 4 medjool dates - pitted
- 2 1/2 cups coconut water
- 1 1/2 cups filtered water
- 3/4 tsp vanilla powder*
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
1) Soak the Brazil nuts and dates in water for 12-24 hours. (This is crucial so they both become really soft and blend smooth, instead of gritty)
2) Place the soaked nuts, dates & remaining ingredients in a high powered blend and blend until very smooth (I did this in intervals, but probably a total of 3-4 minutes).
3) You can strain the milk using a cheese cloth to remove any excess grit, but I just drank it as is because a little texture was nice! Store in the refrigerator.
*It's important to use Vanilla Powderinstead of Vanilla Extract since this recipe is not cooked. When you cook with vanilla extract, the alcohol burns off, leaving you with a delicious vanilla flavor. However, when not cooked, the alcohol taste tends to linger. The powder can be a bit pricey, but a little bit goes a long way, and it adds a nice richness to your recipes!