This semester I FINALLY have a blender!! I don’t know how I’ve gone so long here without one.
To top off my excitement about finally having a blender, I also discovered that Doc Supermarket sells frozen blueberries. I was basically floored because it was the last thing I expected from Italy. Making smoothies at home is definitely made simpler by having frozen fruits and vegetables. Mostly because they last longer, but also because they make your drink cold and refreshing without having to add ice.
I usually switch up the ingredients in my smoothies depending on what I am in the mood for. Occasionally I like it sweeter, while other times I want more of an all-greens drink.
To top off my excitement about finally having a blender, I also discovered that Doc Supermarket sells frozen blueberries. I was basically floored because it was the last thing I expected from Italy. Making smoothies at home is definitely made simpler by having frozen fruits and vegetables. Mostly because they last longer, but also because they make your drink cold and refreshing without having to add ice.
I usually switch up the ingredients in my smoothies depending on what I am in the mood for. Occasionally I like it sweeter, while other times I want more of an all-greens drink.
One of my favorites is: Fresh Strawberries 1 Ripe Banana (fresh or frozen) Frozen Blueberries Frozen Spinach 1 1/2 cups Almond Milk 2 tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt A little bit of Coconut Milk 1 tablespoonFlax Seeds 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds 1 tablespoon Hemp Hearts Goji Berries (on top) 1 tablespoon of Coconut Oil I basically just estimate each time how much of each ingredient I incorporate – there is no strict rule according to me. I also love to add almond butter to my smoothies but unfortunately the only almond butter I can find in Italy is way too expensive, so I usually skip out. This particular smoothie is really filling so I typically opt to have it for breakfast. FIND OUT SOME OF THE BENEFITS: |
BANANAS: ++ high levels of tryptophan, which converts into serotonin - helps in overcoming depression ++ helps protect against muscle cramps ++ regulates blood sugar ++ protect against type 2 diabetes ++ aids in weight loss ++ protect against heart attack and strokes ++ aids in digestion ++ protects eyes against macular degeneration ++ high in antioxidants -- protection from free radicals BLUEBERRIES: ++ Rich in Antioxidants ++ maintains healthy bones ++ lowers blood pressure ++ manages diabetes ++ helps prevent cancer -- Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and various phytonutrients function as powerful antioxidants which helps prevent cells against free radical damage ++ improves mental health GREEK YOGURT: ++ Protein rich ++ Probiotics - help keep a healthy intestine ++Vitamin B12 - necessary for energy and healthy brain function ++ Full of Iodine, which promotes proper thyroid function - essential for healthy metabolism FLAX SEEDS: ++ skin cancer prevention ++ helps fight depression due to: docosahexaenoic and eicosapentanoic acids ++ reduces risk of liver disease ++ helps lower cholesterol ++ helps fight against prostate cancer GOJI BERRIES: ++ high level of antioxidants -- protect cells against breakdown when exposed to elements such as smoke or radiation ++ high in fiber, low in unhealthy fats ++ nutritional powerhouse ++ helps aid in weight loss ++ lower blood sugar and blood pressure | STRAWBERRIES: ++ immune booster ++ rich in Vitamin C ++ help prevent cataracts ++ cancer prevention due to ellagic acid, which supresses cancer cell growth ++ anti-inflammatory ++ regulate blood pressure ++ high in fiber -- healthy digestion ALMOND MILK: ++ weight management ++ healthy heart - no cholesterol or saturated fat ++ low in sodium, high in healthy fats ++ bone strength ++ Vitamin E -- healthy, glowing skin - protects against sun damage ++ anti-cancer properties ++ immune booster COCONUT MILK: ++ Immune Booster ++ helps aid in weight loss ++ helps prevent heart disease ++ promotes healthy skin and hair CHIA SEEDS: ++ high in nutrients ++ loaded with Antioxidants ++ high in quality protein ++ helps aid in weight loss ++ high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids ++ lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes HEMP HEARTS: ++ great source of essential fatty acids - Omega 3, 6 and GLA ++ protein ++ rich in Vitamin E ++ provide energy ++ high in fiber, helps aid in digestion ++ cellular health COCONUT OIL: ++ Fatty Acids ++ can increase energy expenditure, and help burn more fat ++ anti- bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral properties ++ can improve blood cholesterol levels ++ good for hair and skin ++ boost brain function in Alzheimer's Patients ++ immune booster ++ aids in digestion ++ prevents and cures candida |
Sources:
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/25-powerful-reasons-to-eat-bananas
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/arthritis-and-pain/10-health-benefits-of-strawberries?slide=12#EPwzFo0YpLXfRFlX.97
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287710.php
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/benefits-almond-milk.html
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/almond-milk.html
http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/greek-yogurt-benefits#5
http://www.livestrong.com/article/409614-the-health-benefits-of-coconut-milk/
http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/6-reasons-to-never-neglect-flax-seed?page=3
http://draxe.com/10-flax-seed-benefits-nutrition-facts/
http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/
http://www.purehealingfoods.com/hempHeartsInfo.php
http://www.livestrong.com/article/154639-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-hemp-hearts/
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/goji-berry-facts#9
http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html