So, the truth is that I don’t have one specific smoothie recipe, though I do have specific ingredients that I always include, and those are:
Turmeric
Ginger
Cinnamon
Flaxseed
Spinach or Kale
And here is why these ingredients are “staple items” for me:
Both ginger and turmeric have amazing anti-inflammatory and healing benefits. Besides fighting inflammation, these ingredients can improve digestion, detoxify the liver, reduce cholesterol and boost the immune system.
And who knew that cinnamon had such extraordinary health benefits? It is a high source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, protects heart health, helps defend against cognitive decline and protects brain function, may help lower cancer risk, fights infections and viruses, protects dental heath and freshens breath naturally.
Ground flaxseed contains Omega-3 essential fatty acids (the “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects), lignans (shown to have antioxidant qualities), and fiber. An interesting historical tidbit that I recently learned about flaxseed: It was cultivated in Babylon as early as 3000 BC. In the 8th century, King Charlemagne believed so strongly in the health benefits of flaxseed that he passed laws requiring his subjects to consume it. I figure that if was good enough King Charlemagne, it’s good enough for me☺
Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber contents. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium,
Spinach is low in fat and even lower in cholesterol. It is high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese. In other words, it’s loaded with good things for every part of your body!!
In addition to those staple items, I like to use whatever fresh or frozen fruits I have on hand. It might be strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, mango or banana, or any combination of the above. I’ll generally use 1-1/2 cups of fruit, a cup of liquid (I use water, almond milk, or my favorite, SoBe Vitamin enhanced 0-calorie Life Water). I’ll add ½ cup of yogurt.
All of that said, here is a basic smoothie recipe, which you can tweak as you see fit:
½ cup blueberries
½ cup strawberries
½ banana
A handful of Kale
1 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. fresh ginger
1 tbs. ground flaxseed
1 cup almond milk
½ cup yogurt
Place all ingredients in blender or NutriBullet and blend until smooth.
Enjoy a healthy start to your day, and check back later for the life-changing bread recipe!
Love,
Bijali