Hemp: Health Benefits and Superfood Smoothies

Hemp: Health Benefits and Superfood SmoothiesHemp is a word that draws some controversy. It is used to refer to products made from the Cannabis plant, not including the drug marijuana. The fiber, oil, and seeds of the Cannabis plant can be used to make many hemp products including foods and beverages, but also non-food materials, like rope, fabric, and paper.

Hemp products are legal, because most of THC has been removed or because they have been made from plants with low THC content. THC is the compound in marijuana that has psychoactive properties.

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Raspberry Rosemary Smoothie

Raspberry Rosemary SmoothieMy local CSA had fresh rosemary this week and I couldn’t wait to use some in another smoothie, and smell its beautiful aroma :) My first rosemary smoothie was a huge success and oh so delicious!

I’ve been using rosemary more and more in the kitchen and felt somewhat validated last week while listening to an interview with esteemed herbalist Susun Weed. She mentioned many of rosemary’s wonderful qualities, in particular its antioxidant potency. I actually dug up this article by Susan for those interested in her take – Now Remember Rosemary.

Consider rosemary one of my favorite herbs!

Besides being an antioxidant powerhouse, rosemary is known for the following health benefits:

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Spring Detox Smoothie

Spring Detox SmoothieThis smoothie is perfect to consume in the spring – the natural detox season.

If you’re like me, you feel a natural urge to detox after a long winter. Consuming spicy, bitter, and astringent foods help the body shed excess fat and proteins stored during the winter months.

This recipe combines the different foods that help your body detox. Here’s a quick rundown of each.

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Goji Berries: The Ultimate Superfood

Goji Berries: The Ultimate SuperfoodThe goji berry is an excellent superfood to add to your next smoothie. Not only do they provide you with protein, trace minerals, and an assortment of other nutrients, they taste great!

The mild, tangy flavor of these small, pink berries will add an interesting taste of sweet and sour to your next smoothie. Don’t stop at smoothies, though. You can eat these berries plain as a snack, in a trail mix, on your oatmeal, on a green salad, or in a tea.

Goji berries are also known as wolfberries. The berry is reddish pink and grows on an evergreen shrub that is native to Asia and southeastern Europe. The plant, called Lycium barbarum, is in the nightshade family which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and chili peppers. The berries are usually sold and consumed dried.

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Blueberry Hemp Smoothie

Blueberry Hemp SmoothieHemp seeds are a potent superfood worth incorporating into your smoothies and diet. I don’t consume as much hemp as I did during my vegan days, but do still enjoy hemp seeds in my smoothies and sprinkled on salads and other dishes from time to time.

Hemp is a complete protein that contains a balanced ratio of the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. Hemp also contains many B vitamins, vitamins A, D and E, iron, sodium, calcium and is a good source of dietary fiber. This fabulous nutrient profile leads to the following health benefits.

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Hot and Spicy Green Smoothie

Hot and Spicy Green SmoothieEvery once in a while I find myself in the mood for a hot and spicy smoothie. In order to heat up my smoothies I simply add a little chili powder or cayenne pepper.

If you haven’t tried a hot smoothie, I encourage you to give it a whirl. Besides being a nice change of pace, spices such as chili powder offer their own unique health benefits.

Chili powder is rich in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A supports your eyesight and the health of your bones, teeth, and skin. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, boosts your immune system, and helps in recovery from injury. Chili powder is also rich in the minerals potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron and contains a little zinc, manganese, and selenium.

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