Category: Smoothies

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.

The food we put in our bodies greatly impacts our health and well-being. A plant-based diet, for example, has the ability to help prevent and heal disease. A particular group of herbs, known as adaptogens, work to assist our bodies cope with physical and mental stressors. A simple way to incorporate adaptogens in our diets is to add them to smoothies. Let’s take a look at the scientific evidence backing the use of the adaptogens featured in this berry smoothie.

Important: Some people should take caution when using herbs, such as maca, ashwagandha, and medicinal mushrooms, so always confirm with your healthcare provider first.

Maca

A member of the broccoli family, maca root has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac around the world. Studies have indicated that maca has a notable effect on enhancing libido and treating sexual dysfunction in women and men. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and balance reproductive hormones in postmenopausal women. Maca may also increase overall well-being. 

Ashwagandha

Also known as Indian ginseng, ashwagandha is a powerful herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. The strongest evidence existing on this root shows it can have notable stress-reducing and anti-anxiety effects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that ashwagandha supplementation reduced cortisol levels and improved self-reported quality of life after 60 days of use in 64 adults who had a history of chronic stress. Another smaller study in adults with generalized anxiety disorder found that 6 weeks of ashwagandha supplementation significantly decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Medicinal Mushrooms

The reported benefits of mushrooms are vast. The effects vary depending on the mushroom but they all share immune boosting properties and are great sources of antioxidants.

Chaga: anti-inflammatory, protects the liver, decreases cholesterol and blood pressure 

Cordyceps: energizing, anti-anxiety, decrease insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, supports proper liver functioning

Coriolis: fights tumor growth, aids digestion, may treat oral HPV

Lions Mane: improves concentration, reduces anxiety and depression, may help treat nerve damage

Maitake: anti-inflammatory, may decrease blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol

Reishi: cancer-fighter, may support heart health, promote cognitive function

Shiitake: lower cholesterol, antibacterial, anti-tumor

Smoothie Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen berries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp cacao
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tsp maca (gelatinized)
• 1 tsp mushrooms (medicinal 7)
• 1 tsp ashwagandha root powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon

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_{Thanks to Finlandia Pharmacy & Natural Health for sponsoring this post. Check out their website and extensive herbal dispensary at their storefront in Vancouver, BC. I do not receive affiliate commissions on products purchased from Finlandia Pharmacy & Natural Health Centre.}