What’s in my favorite morning smoothie?

Here’s why I use my favorite ingredients in my smoothie recipe…

Blueberries

I love blueberries – fresh when they’re in season, and even frozen when they’re not. The nutrition goes down ever so slightly when they’re frozen – and it’s still great. Get them anyway you can. Blueberries are known as superfoods, loaded with antioxidants known as anthocyanins, vitamins and manganese. Anthocyanins seem to protect the cardiovascular system, inhibit growth of cancerous tumors, prevent diabetes and enhance neurological functions like memory.

Raw Cacoa Powder

And when I combine them with the superfood raw cacoa powder, which contains a plethora of beneficial antioxidants (significantly more than even green tea, wine and other exotic fruits and vegetables) and a lot of magnesium, I know I’m contributing to my heart health, lower blood pressure and mood.

Chia

Chia is a superfood seed with complete protein and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Chia seeds also contain antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and manganese.  These nutrients help prevent hypertension, help you maintain a healthy weight, are important for energy metabolism and a part of DNA synthesis.  They can reduce insulin resistance and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood.

Maca

Maca is a stress-fighting adaptogen that nourishes the endocrine system.  Some women find that maca helps with menopausal symptoms and can boost a sluggish libido. Maca is rich in vitamin B12 and protein, which is very helpful for vegans. It also provides vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E. It provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids.

Kale

And kale is a nutritional powerhouse.  High in Vitamins A, C and K, it’s also high in calcium, copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.  The carotenoids and flavonoids found in kale are the specific types of antioxidants associated with many anti-cancer health benefits. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting lutein and zeaxanthin compounds. Beyond antioxidants, the fiber content of cruciferous kale binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Organic coconut water

Organic coconut water is filled with electrolytes for good hydration and one cup has more potassium than an average banana.

Homemade, organic almond milk

Recipe for this is coming soon! Homemade, organic almond milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D3, with some Vitamin E, Vitamin A and iron. It’s also low glycemic and has no cholesterol.