I recommend this recipe for a refreshing drink in warm weather - though adding the ginger and garlic mentioned below can adapt it to any time of year!
This brightly coloured and refreshing smoothie is full of antioxidant power for your brain - and provides a source of extra vegetable fiber to support healthy blood sugar balance.
Brain Boosting Green Smoothie - Ingredients:
2 cups - cucumber - remove seeds if it is overripe - leave skin on
1-2 large sticks - celery
1 apple - skin on (red or green)
1 lime - zest the skin in and then squeeze in as much juice as you'd like
1 cup - fresh green herbs (parsley, cilantro and mint are my favourites)
1 cup - spinach (baby kale or other greens work too)
1 tsp - spirulina powder
1 - medjool date - pitted, chopped (**optional: makes the smoothie sweeter)
1-2 cups - filtered water (or coconut water) and ice - in whatever proportions you prefer
For extra antioxidants - and bonus antimicrobial effects, try adding:
1 clove fresh garlic
3-4 slices fresh ginger
Directions:
add all the non-liquid ingredients in a heavy duty blender (ie. Vitamix, Blendtec or something similar is ideal),
add liquid to fill up to the 2 cup line,
toss in as much ice as you'd like (frozen mango or banana in place of ice can work too - it will make the drink thicker and higher in sugar, and may make the colour less green)
blend and serve - makes 4-6 servings
enjoy!
Dr. Natalie Senst, ND
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