This creamy, refreshing tropical smoothie not only tastes amazing but it contains ingredients to help with gut health and digestion. Pineapple contains the digestive enzyme bromelain and can also help reduce inflammation. Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C. I've also added gelatin which helps heal and seal the gut lining, so drink up and know you are aiding your health.
* Please click on the green icon next to the ingredients listed below for extra details and helpful information.
Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender.
Blend on high until you reach a smooth texture making sure all the nuts and seeds have broken down. Add extra coconut water if you require a thinner consistency.
Makes 1 large serve or 2 small.
If possible purchase locally grown mango. Mangoes have been named the most widely consumed fruit in the world. They contain over 20 vitamins and minerals. Some of the possible health benefits include a decreased risk of macular degeneration, decreased risk of colon cancer, improvement in digestion and bone health, plus skin and hair.
Pineapple is a tropical fruit. The pineapple flesh can be eaten fresh, cooked, dried, juiced or preserved. Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, it also contains Bromelain. Bromelain serves many purposes but is best know as a digestive enzyme, it breakdowns proteins in food to provide amino acids.
The orange is a fruit from the citrus family. The most common varieties are - Valencia, Navel and Blood oranges. Oranges are commonly peeled and eaten fresh or squeezed for juice. Oranges are full of nutrients, they promote clear healthy skin and have a whopping 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids - giving anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects.
Macadamia nuts are tree nuts that have a subtle, butter-like flavour and creamy texture. The Macadamia tree is indigenous to Australia. Macadamias are full of heart-healthy fats, they have more omega 3 fats than any other nut. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. There is no need to soak macadamias like many other nuts and they make a very creamy delicious dairy-free milk.
Sunflower seeds have a mild nutty flavour. An excellent snack as they are high in protein, delicious added to smoothies and grain free baking. Sunflower seeds can be finely ground to replace almond and other nut meals/flours in baked goods, substitute ratio 1:1. They are high in Vitamin E. Vitamin E travels throughout the body neutralizing free radicals. Sunflower seeds are also a good source of magnesium, which can help calm your nerves, muscles and blood vessels.
Golden flaxseed meal is finely ground linseed. You will find it in many of my recipes. It is also a great egg substitute when mixed with water. Flaxseed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of carbs. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is the key force against inflammation in our bodies. Flaxseed must be stored in the fridge. I like to use golden flaxseed as it is lighter in colour, than the brown variety and produces a nicer colour to your baking.
Ensure you use unflavoured grass-fed gelatin in my recipes. ‘Great Lakes’ is a good brand, it's made from Kosher grass-fed beef. When using gelatin to thicken desserts, use the Great Lakes red carton. The green carton (which is cold water-soluble and does not thicken) I use to add to smoothies and drinks for extra protein. Another brand I like is Zint which I purchase online from iherb. Gelatin is pure collagen protein, which is good for bone and joint care. It is also excellent for skin, hair and nails (helps the wrinkles from the inside).
Raw Maca Powder is a revitalising super-food that is rich in nutrients that benefit the body and mind. Maca is an ancient Peruvian root crop belonging to the radish family, the roots are ground into a fine powder. Grown in the mountains of Peru, it has been called “Peruvian ginseng”. Maca is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants, it's also known for increasing stamina and endurance. Maca has an earthy taste that is mildly nutty with a hint of malt.
This is the liquid found inside young coconuts. It is packed with electrolytes, excellent for after exercise. Coconut water contains potassium, calcium and magnesium and is also a natural hydrator. I use it in my smoothies and have added it to a few of my recipes. You can find it in health food stores and supermarkets. Ensure you read the label carefully as some contain preservatives and/or sugar and may not be 100% coconut water.