The first thing you’ll notice about this smoothie is that it’s absolutely delicious!
Well, there’s proof – if you needed one – that healthy food is great and not boring at all.
Healthy Smoothie: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and so much more
However, this is also a functional recipe, built to help you in several health related fronts. If you’re looking for healthy smoothie recipes that taste really good, are nutritionally balanced and super easy to make, you’ve come to the right place.
The choice of orange colored fruits and vegetables, which are super rich in betacarotene (a percursor of vitamin A) and in vitamin C, was definitely not random.
In fact, this delicious smoothie will reinforce your immunity, fight celular aging with its antioxidant power, and also to calm any inflammation that might be present in your system.
All the fiber content will boost your digestion and the natural detox of your body.
Adding maca helps your energy, as its iron content will promote better oxygenation of your body cells. It will also counteract anemia. And, on top of all that, it will regulate your blood pressure (it has potassium), help your metabolism and digestion (with vitamin B6) and also skin health. And who does not want beautiful skin in the Summer time??
Hemp seeds also play a double role here: they contribute with the fundamental protein content, and also with much needed omega-3 essential fatty acids, great as anti-inflammation and anti-aging and so often missing from our modern diets. Fat is also important to help absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as A and C.
This recipe has a relevant amount of two other interesting micro-nutrients… Folates are fundamental for cell renewal and fetal health (via the mother’s diet). On the other hand, vitamin K helps with blood clotting.
The Healthy Smoothie Recipe: Orange Dream
Ingredients
for two portions
- 2 ripe mangoes
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 raw carrots
- 2 tsp maca powder
- 1 tbsp of hemp seeds
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower
- Water to adjust the smoothie’s consistency
Method
Peel the mangoes and cut out the core.
Squeeze the orange and lemons.
Peel the carrots and cut them into small pieces.
Rinse the frozen cauliflower and cut it into small pieces too.
Put all the ingredients in your blender together, including the maca and hemp seeds.
Start blending in a slow speed. Gradually, increase the blender’s speed.
Add water very slowly, to ensure you stop at the right smooth and creamy consistency.
This step is important, as the fruit varies enormously in terms of its water and juice content.
All it’s left to do is to pour the smoothie into your favorite glasses and you’re done!
Other Recipes
Green Glow, your everyday green smoothie
Melon and Blueberry Smoothie, perfect for the Summer
This recipe was initially published in BARBARA.PT
