Polyphenol Rich Smoothie
This polyphenol, antioxidant rich, and nutrient-dense smoothie is delicious way to offset oxidative stress and decrease inflammation, while promoting growth of beneficial bacteria. Polyphenols (pol-ee-fee-nawls) are chemical compounds that come from plants. They are used by your gut bacteria to make beneficial substances for you (like short chain fatty acids- SCFA) and they help to keep your gut bacteria balanced. Certain type of gut bugs (like an immune supportive strain called "Akkermansia") LOVE to eat up the polyphenols found in seed, herbs, spices, and bright colored fruits and vegetables! This smoothie incorproates a few therapeutic foods to soothe the gut lining, bolster immune health, and provide fiber, polphenols, and antioxidants to support beneficical bacteria. This smoothie not only has the most beautiful magenta hue, but tastes FANTASTIC too! Can't wait for you to dive in and nourish your gut!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Pitaya (dragon fruit) I love the Pitaya Foods brand, I use about 1 frozen packet!
- 1/4 cup red raspberries or frozen cranberries use rasberries if looking for a sweeter taste to start and unsweetened frozen cranberries if working toward the bitter therapeutic benefic
- 1 cup non-dairy milk I like MALK almond milk OR 1/4 cup of full fat coconut milk + 3/4 cup filtered water OR 1 cup homemade hemp milk OR 1 cup brewed and chilled green tea (for an extra polyphenol boost)
- 1 fresh date (optional) for extra sweetness
- 2 tbsp ground flax meal store in the fridge or freezer after opening
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 pinch cinnamon & turmeric an additional antioxidant boost for the gut lining
- 1 serving plain protein powder I love grass fed whey (for extra immunoglobulin support for the gut) or grass fed hydrobeef
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs (optional) for topping and crucnhing while eating - cacao is another rich source of polyphenols!
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together (aside from the protein powder) until smoothe and creamy. Add in your protein powder at the end and blend until fluffy. Top with cacao nibs and pumpkin seeds or your favorite crunchy topper so you can remember to CHEW your smoothie for digestion!
