Green smoothies. Old news right?

04 Sep Green smoothies. Old news right?

There are a billion hits when you google recipes, but if we’re training for life’s adventures, there are a few more qualifiers before a recipe makes the cut. 

Firstly we don’t want too much fruit. It’s a no-go if you’re trying to create alkalinity and prevent a spike in your blood glucose levels. Secondly, we want to embrace the tart. I mean, the bitter taste. Retraining our pallete and dialing in our taste receptors resets our normal and all those green bitters equals a powerhouse of health. 

Let me give you a little refresher on the health benefits of the electric coloured beverage. Green smoothies:

• Alkalize and raise the pH levels of your body, allowing it to function at an optimum level. Hello everyday adventures. 

• It floods your body with chlorophyll and phytonutrients and provides an enormous energy boost.
• It increases the flow of blood which helps recovery and enhances overall vitality.
• It fills you up so you eat less during the day.

Here is the latest tweaked recipe which tastes zingy and makes me forget that there is still a winter chill in the air. 

Ingredients:

1 cucumbers

1 stick celery 

1 green apple 

1/2 lemon (just the juice)

1/2 lime (just the juice)

1 cup coconut water 

Handful baby spinach 

A few mint leaves

2-3 cups water

Stevia to taste (I use ½ tablespoon)

Throw it all in a blender, until it becomes a vivid green colour (all the baby spinach has been pulverised).

Then slurp.

Want to know more about that beautiful balance of all those vertables, herbs, fruit and tuberous roots and how they make your body sing? Read on…

Benefits of ingredients: 

Cucumber – It’s hydrating and contains the skin-boosting minerals magnesium, silicon, and potassium

Granny smith apple – Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants; stimulates saliva production which enhances nutrient absorption. Granny smith apples are a great way to add a tart, slightly sweet taste to your green juice and smoothies and they’re lower on the glycemic index than most fruits

Lemon and lime – Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, they aid digestion and detoxification

Celery – Apart from containing vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids, celery has a pectin-based polysaccharides, including a compound known as apiuman. It has been shown to decrease instances of stomach ulcers, improve the lining of the stomach, and modulate stomach secretions in animal studies. 

Mint – Has an agent called rosmarinic acid. This has been studied for its effectiveness in relieving seasonal allergy symptoms making it the perfect Spring hayfever combater. Mint also contains menthol, a natural aromatic decongestant that helps to break up phlegm and mucus, a natural antimicrobial agent and breath freshener. 

Parsley – Hosts Vitamin A, C, K, Folate and Potassium. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy vision, ensuring the normal function of your immune system and organs. 

Ginger – Contains the compound gingerol, a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, It relieves muscle pain. It’s also a great relief for nausea. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s often used to help relieve muscle and joint pain, including arthritis and period pain

Coconut water – Has Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium and electrolytes which help with hydration, recovery and preventing DOMS. 

Together, all these ingredients hydrate, nourish, and help your body be ready for life’s adventures.