A daily smoothie is a great way to enjoy more fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated and include some powerful superfoods into your diet.
With air warming up and the body craving more cooling foods, some herbs and superfoods will benefit your daily life. Adding more spices into your smoothies, such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamon or clove, will help with smoothies' overall digestibility too.
Best Benefits: complete source of protein, omega-3, vitamin E, energy.
Hemp seeds are a true superfood in every sense of the word. High in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, calcium and iron, they’re among the most nutritious seeds. Eating hemp seeds on a regular basis can prevent arterial plaque build-up, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, provide energy and support the immune and circulatory systems.
They are also anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants, so they can help improve recovery times from disease, injury and exercise. A complete source of protein, they’re also an excellent food for vegans and vegetarians.
Best Benefits: protein, omega-3, fibre, magnesium.
Chia seeds are anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants, a good source of protein and fibre, and high in phytonutrients, electrolytes, and minerals. Chia seeds also contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which many people are deficient in.
Best Benefits: immune-boosting, antioxidants, adaptogenic.
I use two superfood mushroom powders on occasion in my kitchen: Chaga and Reishi mushrooms.
Chaga mushroom grows on birch trees in colder climates across North America. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much, but this superfood mushroom offers a range of powerful health benefits. Chaga mushroom is most known for its ability to support the immune system, but it also contains a range of disease-fighting antioxidants, can help normalize blood pressure and cholesterol and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
The other superfood mushroom, which is probably easier to find in stores, is Reishi mushroom. Reishi mushrooms have long been used in Asian cultures and have long been a symbol of well-being and longevity. Reishi also supports the body’s immune system and can improve blood circulation. It’s also been used to help treat anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia and even asthma. Both mushrooms, much like maca, are considered to be adaptogens.
Best Benefits: protein, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants.
Not only is spirulina one of the most nutritious concentrated foods on the planet, it’s gorgeous, bright and beautiful green colour is amazing for creating smoothies. Spirulina is an algae and contains the highest percentage of protein of any food; not only that, the protein is bioavailable, highly digestible and is concentrated a complete protein because it contains all the essential amino acids. This makes spirulina an excellent food for vegetarians and vegans.
Spirulina is anti-inflammatory and high in vitamins and phytonutrients; antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, enhance eye health and reduce cholesterol.
Best Benefits: detoxification, energy, protein, antioxidants.
Chlorella is a powerful detoxifier because of its rich chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is known to cleanse the bowel, liver and blood, aid in optimal blood pressure, support the elimination of heavy metals such as mercury and mould in the body and promote the growth and repair of tissues.
Beyond its detoxification benefits, chlorella is a powerful immunity booster, promotes healthy digestion, reduces oxidative stress, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of disease and increases energy levels. Chlorella also contains protein and B vitamins, which are good for vegans and vegetarians.
Best Benefits: energy, memory, mood, sexual health, calcium, antioxidants.
Maca is one of my favourite superfoods for its balancing effect on mood and hormones and its skin-clarifying benefits. It’s also been shown to support strength, stamina and endurance, making it a good superfood for athletes.
Enjoy your spring and summer smoothies. Visit our Santos Organics cafes for more!
This blog has been created by our professional Naturopath Jana from @thesecret_kitchen
Suits: GF, DF, Contains Eggs*. Ingredients - Mung Beans Sprouts: 400g Dry Organic Mung Beans Water Ingredients - Pakora: 3 ½ cups (450g) Sprouted mung beans (see below how to prepare these) 1 ¼ cups (100g) Besan flour 1 ½ cups (600g)...
