Daily Greens Smoothie
This smoothie is quick and easy and will keep you going through to the afternoon. It’s a powerhouse of nutrition… I wanted to write a little about the power and health benefits of each ingredient, to give my client, friends and family an idea of why I bang on about the power and importance of adding 9 portions of vegetables to our diets daily! Taking a moment to read the amazing health benefits of these fabulous ingredients will have you running to make this every morning!
Ingredients
2 x celery stalks
3 inch of cucumber
2 cups of spinach
¼ avocado
¼ lemon skin and all – make sure the skin scrubbed well
1 kiwi
5 chunks of peeled and cored pineapple (about one-inch ½ circle of a fresh pineapple)
1 cup of coconut water (or water)
1 desert spoon each of chia, hemp hearts and protein powder
Method
Put all ingredients in a super high powered blender and whizz until smooth - loosen with a little extra water to get the consistency you like.
Tip
Some people find smoothies a little hard on the digestive system, this can be eliviated by ‘chewing’ the smoothie, this gets the digestive juices flowing and prepares the stomach for the arrival of the goodness!
Health Info….
Celery is an excellent source fiber and vitamin C as well as folic acid and vitamins B1, 2 & 6. It contains the minerals potassium and calcium and phytochemicals which have shown to prevent cancer, enhance white blood cell activity (increasing immunity), tones the cardiovascular system and lowers blood pressure and is beneficial in preventing migraines. Studies shown significant reduction in arthritis, gout (clears uric acid from the blood) and joint pain and reduces general ‘aches and pains’.
Cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, which supports and strengthens our connective tissue. It’s also important for the skin and stimulates the release of collagen which minimizes fine lines and promotes youthful skin.
Spinach contains high amounts of vitamins B1,2 & 6 vitamin C, E and & K, carotenes, and folic acid. It is also mineral rich, with manganese, magnesium & iron. Spinach has the power to restore energy, increase vitality, improve the quality of the blood, and regulates the body’s pH balance as well as preventing cataracts and macular degeneration. The Chlorophyll and carotene and antioxidants contained in spinach protect against cancer and studies have shown that it can slow cancer cell division in stomach cancer. High intake of spinach was correlated to lower incidents of breast cancer.
Lemons – we all know are a good source of vitamin C. they also contain a good whack of B6, potassium, folic acid, and flavonoids, in the form of the phytochemical limonene. Most of the antioxidant power is contained in the white pith of the lemon, which is why we add the whole thing - skin and all. These antioxidants have been shown to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of cancer, support oral health, have antimicrobial properties, boosts immunity, and can dissolve gallstones.
Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, fibre and enzymes that support healthy bowel motions. The minerals potassium, magnesium, copper and phosphorous and the antioxidant vitamins A and E. The skin contains many of the nutrients and is edible – so throw the whole thing in!
Pineapple is rich in bromelain, and manganese. bromelain is an enzyme known to aid digestion, reduce inflammation and swelling and break down excess mucus in the respiratory system as well as preventing cancer. It’s shown to reduce inflammation in the sinusitis, throat, arthritis, gout, and speeds up healing after injury or surgery. Manganese is essential for energy and antioxidant defenses.
Avocados are a great source of the healthy fat monounsaturated fatty acids which protect against metabolic syndrome and heart disease, reduce inflammation, increase insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar and support healthy digestion. One study showed that higher levels of this healthy fat can lower the risk of depression.
Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, and omega 3 fatty acids, they contain the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and B vitamins, polyphenols and antioxidants. Chia support healthy skin, digestion, heart health, regulate blood sugar, boost energy and exercise performance, optimise bone strength, help build lean muscles, burn fat, manage hunger, fight cancer and enhance oral health! – WOW!
Protein powder is great for the skin, joints, muscles, and bones as well as the nails, teeth, gums, eyes and blood vessels and gut lining, ….. it supports all the building blocks our body needs for optimum health and helps maintain vitality, movement without pain and health skin, hair and nails.
Hemp hearts are the ‘perfect protein’ – meaning it contains all 20 amino acids – as well as 9 of the essential (meaning can’t be made in the body) amino acids. Hemp is rich in omega -3 and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is important in the production of prostaglandins, which control inflammation and other vital bodily functions. GLA may also help those with ADHD, Breast pain, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, MS, Obesity, PMS, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin allergies. It can ease arthritis and joint pain, decrease sugar cravings, improve digestion, boost hair skin and nail health, reduce inflammation.
