In previous smoothie recipes, I’ve suggested using maca as an additional (add-on) ingredient to boost the nutrition of your smoothie, but haven’t given it the full attention it deserves until now. This is one of my favorite superfoods for a number of reasons.
The History of Smoothies: What Every Serious Smoothie Maker Should Know
It’s kind of funny how the invention of one thing results in the invention of something else. For hundreds of years Mediterranean and Eastern cultures have served pureed fruit drinks that resemble what we call smoothies. It wasn’t until the invention of the blender and home refrigerators in the 1900’s that thousands of Americans began experiencing the joy of blended juices the rest of the world and adventurous travelers had known for some time.
The Brain Booster Smoothie Recipe
Photo by hockeycrew
Brain health is vitally important in this fast-paced world we live in where things are coming at us from every direction. The ingredients in this smoothie recipe all play a role in improving your mental clarity, memory, and overall brain function. Here’s a run down of each ingredient and its respective brain boosting benefits.
The base of this smoothie is apple juice, which prevents the loss of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, critical for memory and brain health.
Cherry Berry Smoothie Recipe
Photo by lakenvelder
This is a popular smoothie recipe that comes in many different variations. I think you’ll dig the version I created below. As with any smoothie recipe I post, feel free to tweak to meet your needs.
Here are a few reasons why consuming cherries on a regular basis is good for your health. They are an antioxidant powerhouse, and contain important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries) vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium, dietary fiber and folate. These vitamins and minerals offer much in the way of healing and prevention.
Outrageously Orange Smoothie Recipe
Photo by ericsbinaryworld
There’s nothing like a tall refreshing glass of OJ in the morning – except for this outrageously orange smoothie. This is the perfect smoothie for orange lovers with its sweet and tangy taste.
Oranges are renowned for their vitamin C content, but what other nutritional benefits do they offer? They contain a variety of phytonutrients, which when combined with vitamin C provide significant antioxidant protection and immune system support. The phytonutrients found in oranges have been shown to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol in animal studies.
Banana Hemp Smoothie Recipe
Photo by bezajel
I know what some of you may be thinking. No, this smoothie won’t get you buzzed.
This is the first smoothie recipe I’ve posted containing hemp; so let’s take a look at why hemp is a great addition to your smoothies.
Hemp Health Benefits
A complete protein, rich in essential fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, hemp is a bona fide superfood. Hemp contains many B vitamins, vitamins A, D and E, calcium, iron and is a good source of dietary fiber. Here’s a quick list of the top health benefits attributed to hemp.