Smoothie Ideas

Recently at a seminar there was a conversation on smoothies and what practitioners put in their smoothies. There are so many nutritious things you can put in it but have you ever wondered what these ingredients are good for. Hopefully this little article will inspire you to give them a go or try different things in your morning drink. It can be a meal on its own. It can be made with a Nutribullet, Ninja, Bamix,Thermomix or a blender. Not all ingredients are right for everyone so the practitioners here at the clinic are happy to talk to you about your choices.

Note: I know smoothies are a drink and can be quick to swollow but it is very important to chew/swirl it around in the mouth  so the enzymes from our saliva mix in with the drink. This aids our digestion. It is also important to drink smoothies immediately after you make it so the nutrients are fresh. Particularly with fruit and vegies for once they are exposed to oxygen the vitamins start to reduce. Hence there is no point making a weeks worth and storing it the fridge. Secondly it is not advisable to add medicinal powders to your smoothy unless you discuss it with your practitioner first. What is right for one person may not be right for another.

INGREDIENT IDEAS

Fruits

•  - Berries are best organic due to the extreme use of pesticides used on berries and the small surface area of the berries. Berries are fantastic for health. Blueberries alone can be useful in reducing risk of  heart disease, cataracts, varicose viens, hemorrhoids, glaucoma and stomach ulcers. Acoording to the American Institute of Cancer Research bluebrries are one of the best sources of antoxidants substances that can slow down the aging process. Anthocyananins are reflective in berries colour and are one of the most medicinal active ingredients in berries. Try to use fresh or frozen but not dried berries. 
•  - Kiwifruit particularly with the kiwifruit skin on is simply one of the best fibre sources you can add to a smooothy. High in fibre, potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants. Great for skin, kidney stones, sleep quality, lowering blood pressure and regular bowel motions
•  - Paw Paw I think of as great for papain enzyme level. It has a very individual taste so not right for everyones pallate. Paw Paw is underestimated in value - from collagen repair, skin, inflammation, heart health, digestion, diabetes, bone health asthma and cancer.
•  - Banana ia so naturally sweet without the fructose. It is NOT good for constipation          (great for diarrhoea thou) or low carbohydrate eating plans but excellent in so many ways. Bananas are high in potassium which is great for immunity and cardivascular health. Bananas give you energy and improve blood sugar levels.
•  - Avocado had a tresasure of nutrients plus adds a creaminess to the smoothy.

                   It contains minerals and vitamins including vitamin K.

Seeds

•  -  high in zinc and a really good form of vitmain E
•  - Great for fibre and estrogenic qulities
•  - Chia seeds are great for constipation and keeping regular. They can be a great detox for the bowel.  My advice is to soak tham first - one tespoon to 150mls of water over night
•  - Pomegranite seeds when in season are so nutritious. Fantastic for healthy cholesterol and even parasites

Nuts - please store nuts in the fridge. Avoid if any allergies

•  - good sources of vitamin A, niacin, iron, riboflavinoid, natural folates.They are sweet tasting and rich in flavour.
•  - high in arginine hence great for the heart but not so good with coldsores. They are high in healthy fats and antioxidants, melatonin and is great for the brain. I think it is cute that they are even shaped like a brain.
• -  Also high in arginine meaning avoid if you have a coldsores. Almonds contain healthy oils good for arteries, heart, skin and bones.

Oil

•  - Is one of the healthiest oils you can find. It helps with healthy cholesterol and helps with memory, concentration, skin and more.

Spices and Other - you do not need much of these to have an effect and give you the flavour.

•  - a great source of magnesium and really good for helping with weight loss and blood sugar levels
•  - has antiinflammatory properties and used as an anticancerous spice. It can be quite heating and is said to work better with a pinch of pepper and with oils such as coconut oil
•  - Clove is known historically as great for toothaches but can also help fight other infections, including parasites. It can improve digestion. It is a very strong spice and has a very strong taste which is not favorable to everyone.
•  - Ginger is a warming spice and also has antiinflammatory properties and great for infections. Ginger aids circulation especially in Winter.
•  - Carob is classically the flavour you add instead of cocoa. It is 80 percent protein based and is high in iron, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B and vitamin D.  It can be used for diarrhoea.
•  - Maca is often added to help balance hormones and increase energy. It can help lift libido and help balance moods.
•  - A great protein source.

Vegetables

•  - best to be slightly cooked and avoided in thyroid conditions.
• - vitamin A
•  - great as a diuretic and for silica levels.
•  - avoid if thyroid condition
•  - these can be good for folate and mood balancing