Spring time means one thing for sure: warmer weather. But for the basic betches (and bros) out there, it also means the reappearance of the Shamrock Shake at McDonalds.
While it may seem like the perfect spring treat, you might as well stop at your doctor’s office after you hit the Drive-Thru. You may be underestimating just how detrimental Shamrock Shakes are to your health. Between the cherry, whipped cream, ice cream base, and Shamrock Shake syrup, there are a total of 54 ingredients in just one shake. Yup, you read that right. 54 ingredients. This should raise a red flag immediately: how can a simple ice cream treat possibly have that many?
Among all the obscure additives, there is one in particular that stands out. Carrageenan, which is found in McDonalds’ whipped cream, is recognized by The International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen. Additionally, the artificial vanilla flavor in the ice cream base is sometimes made from lignin, which is a byproduct of wood pulp extraction. This can cause migraines, according to research in the French journal La Presse Medicale. In the Shamrock Shake syrup, there is an ingredient called Yellow 5. According to the BBC, Yellow 5 combined with sodium benzoate―which is also found in the shake―is linked to hyperactivity in children.
Each 22 ounce shake contains 820 calories, 23 grams of fat, 18 grams of protein, 135 grams of carbs, and 115 grams of sugar. WHAT?! That is the equivalent of 3.6 small fries, one bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, 1.5 hamburgers, 4.3 orders of hot cakes and 8 soft chocolate chip cookies.
The next time you’re craving a Shamrock Shake, try making your own, healthier version at home! Combine in a blender and enjoy.
Ingredients:
1 cup plain coconut or almond milk
¼-1/2 ripe avocado
¼ frozen banana
A drop of peppermint extract or food grade peppermint oil
1 tsp. raw cacao powder
1 cup spinach
2 tbsp. raw cashews
4-5 large ice cubes
Healthy Chocolate Syrup:
1 tsp. coconut oil or coconut butter (melted)
1 tsp raw cacao or cocoa powder