Vegetable smoothies first thing in the morning are a great way to kick-start a healthy day. But what’s even better is super charging these smoothies.. and here’s how!
1. Raw Cacao
Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cocoa and removes the fat.
The health benefits of raw cacao include,
- Lowers insulin resistance
- Protects your nervous system: Cacao is high in resveratrol, a potent antioxidant also found in red wine, known for its ability to cross your blood-brain barrier to help protect your nervous system.
- Shields nerve cells from damage.
- Reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Reduces your risk of stroke
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease: The antioxidants found in cacao help to maintain healthy levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. Although NO has heart-benefiting qualities, such as relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure, it also produces toxins. The antioxidants in cacao neutralise these toxins, protecting your heart and preventing disease.
- Guards against toxins: As a potent antioxidant, cacao can repair the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. In fact, cacao contains far more antioxidants per 100g than acai, goji berries and blueberries. Antioxidants are responsible for 10% of the weight of raw cacao.
- Boosts your mood: Cacao can increase levels of certain neurotransmitters that promote a sense of well-being. And the same brain chemical that is released when we experience deep feelings of love – phenylethylamine – is found in chocolate.
- It is rich in minerals: Magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese.
2. Manuka Honey
Not all honey are created equal. Enter manuka honey. Manuka has a high percentage of Hydrogen peroxide in it and this confers a strong antibiotic quality to the honey. Another antibacterial component in manuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG). MG is a compound found in most types of honey but not a lot. In manuka honey, MG comes from the conversion of dihydroxyacetone, that is found in high concentration in the nectar of manuka flowers. If you’re feeling run down, add Manuka Honey to your smoothie. Honey protects against damage caused by bacteria. Some honey also stimulates production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. In addition, honey has an anti-inflammatory action that can quickly reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Chlorella
Chlorella is a blue-green algae like it’s cousin to spirulina and it supports healthy hormonal function, good cardiovascular health, helps to negate the effects of chemotherapy and radiation, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and aids in the detoxification of our bodies.
The rich green color comes from the high concentration of chlorophyll. Chlorella is one of the most nutrient dense super foods in the world. In fact, per gram it is way more nutrient dense than other greens including kale, spinach and broccoli!
3 tablespoons give you
- Protein 16g
- Vitamin A 287% RDA
- Vitamin B2 71% RDA
- Vitamin B3 33% RDA
- Iron 202% RDA
- Magnesium 22% RDA
- Zinc 133% RDA
- Also, Chlorella contains a good amount of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and phosphorus. Add this to supercharge your smoothie!
4. Chia Seeds
Here’s why you should add chia seeds to your smoothies
5. Coconut Oil
Here’s why you should add cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil to your smoothies
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