Anti-Inflammatory Chocolate Orange Smoothie for Brain Health

This smoothie was made with your brain in mind. It’s packed with brain boosters like avocado, cacao, and walnuts. The vitamin C from the mandarin oranges can also support our immune systems during cold and flu season. I added a vegan omega-3 powdered supplement made from golden flaxseed and marine algae. If you have ever experienced the unpleasant fishy burps shortly after taking a fish oil supplement, you’ll likely enjoy this fish-free alternative. I have extra adoration for this product because it also includes curcumin, vitamin Bs, vitamin D3, and prebiotic fiber! I have discussed the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin here. Vitamin B12 is an important supplement, especially for vegans, as it is challenging to obtain adequate B12. Vitamin D3 supports brain functioning and immunity. It is crucial to obtain D3 in the darker months when we don’t see much sun. Prebiotic fiber has several potential benefits, one of which is gut health.

Health Benefits of Omega-3s

Studies have found that omega-3s may:

• boost brain functioning, especially during developmental years and later in life,
• assist in the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety,
• support eye health through preventing macular degeneration,
• reduce insulin resistance (associated with PCOS and metabolic syndrome),
• relieve menstrual pain, perhaps better than ibuprofen,
• improve heart health through decreasing triglycerides and improving cholesterol,
• help fight autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s and more.

Taste and Texture

I think chocolate and orange go together like peanut butter and jelly. This smoothie tastes like a mix between a Terry’s chocolate orange and an orange creamsicle. I like my smoothies extra thick and creamy (to the point I could eat them with a spoon!). You’ll love this one if you’re a smoothie-spooner, too.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup nut milk
• 1 tbsp cacao powder
• 2 mandarin oranges
• 1 handful of walnuts or 1 tbsp nut butter 
• 3/4 cup avocado, frozen
• 1 scoop nanomega3 pineapple orange

Place all ingredients in a blender and go for a whirl.

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Biopharma Scientific. Use code PHRUITFUL for 10% off all their products (non-GMO and organic). I do not receive an affiliate commission on products purchased from Biopharma Scientific.

Disclaimer: As the sole author of Phruitful Dish, I have based my posts on my own experiences and personal knowledge regarding nutrition and PCOS; particularly that gained in obtaining my doctorate degree in obstetrics and gynaecology. The information in this blog is not intended as medical advice, and it is not endorsed by my employers or institutions I am affiliated with. Nutritional choices should be made in consultation with your health care provider. This blog is intended to inspire and encourage readers to educate themselves on how nutrition can be one important part of a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, please use the information at your own risk. Occasional links may be provided leading to third-party websites. The existence of these links does not infer a responsibility or an endorsement of the linked site, its operator, or its contents.

Author: Dr. Dylan Cutler, Ph.D.

Dr. Dylan Cutler is the founder of Phruitful Dish. She's a holistic health content creator, vegan, athlete, feminist, social activist, and PCOS fighter. She obtained her Ph.D. in obstetrics and gynaecology specializing in PCOS management using nutrition, movement, and mindfulness. She resides in Victoria, Canada on unceded Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territories. View all posts by Dr. Dylan Cutler, Ph.D.