A healthy nutrient-packed way to start your day.
We have put together this smoothie recipe containing a combination of amazing ingredients which are not only tasty and delicious but have health benefits.
Oat milk
For those following a non-dairy diet or just fancying something different from cows' milk, Oat Milk is a great alternative that has other health benefits. Unlike some other milk alternatives, oat milk doesn't separate when heated, has a smoother creamier texture and flavour, and is a good source of vitamins and minerals including protein, fibre, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. So if you follow a vegan or plant-based diet, are lactose intolerant, are allergic to milk, or live with a gastroenterological condition it's worth giving oat milk a try. If you are gluten intolerant check the packaging just to make sure that the brand you have chosen is gluten-free. Often oat milk is manufactured in premises that have processed wheat products so to be sure always check the label.
Berries
Adding berries to your diet is one thing you can do which will help you maintain a healthy body. Berries and red berries, in particular, are believed to have many health benefits and are a great source of energy. Berries contain antioxidants that help control free radicals, one of the leading causes of skin damage that contribute to the ageing of the skin. They are also a good source of fibre are extremely nutritious and contain several vitamins and minerals strawberries, for example, are very high in vitamin C. They have anti-inflammatory properties, whilst inflammation is your body's defence against injury or infection excessive long-term inflammation which can be caused by stress, inadequate exercise, and poor food choices is harmful. Berries have less sugar than sweeter fruits but are still able to satisfy a craving for a sweet taste. All in all adding berries to your diet is worthwhile.
Beetroot
The colourful beetroot really is a wonder food in its own right. The beautiful red or yellow beets are packed full of nutrients and contain high levels of compounds called nitrates. What's great about Nitrates is that they produce nitric oxide which causes the blood vessels to dilate consequently allowing the blood to flow better around the body. This ability to improve blood flow means that oxygen contained in the blood flows faster to the parts of our body that need it the most. Apparently, during the London Olympics in 2012, there was a shortage of beetroot juice because athletes were aware of its qualities to boost energy levels and also aid muscle recovery. Improving the flow of blood and the transportation of the oxygen it contains has other benefits as well, with some studies linking beetroot to improved cognitive function and detoxification of the liver. To gain maximum benefits beets are best eaten raw so combining beets into this already delicious and nutritious smoothie is a no-brainer.
Combined together these ingredients in a smashing smoothie will give you a boost as well as provide numerous health benefits throughout the day.
Serves 1 - ingredients
- Milk Thistle Powder ( 1 x Innopure Milk Thistle capsule)
- 1 small cooked beetroot
- Half a banana
- 200ml oat milk (or milk of choice)
- Small cup/handful of frozen berries (strawberries blackcurrant blackberry)
- Dash of honey if you like it sweeter
How to make
Add oat milk to the blender and sprinkle in the contents of 1 x Innopure organic milk thistle capsule. With a big spoon, roughly chop the banana and beetroot into big chunks. Add all the ingredients to the blender along with the frozen berries and blend.