Papaya Twist Smoothie
This smoothie is another inspiration from my recent travel to Parrot Cay, Turk & Caicos. Apart from looking fluffy and tasting yummy it invites a numerous amounts of health benefits with all the soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral ingredients. This blend will have you dreaming of an exotic beach while restoring your digestive health, joints and even promoting weight loss.
First let’s take a look at some of these health giving ingredients:
Papaya and Mango have antioxidants benefits as well as Vitamin A, C and help fight off inflammation.
Coconut - Promotes heart health, healthy cholesterol balance and weight loss. It contributes to increased and immediate source of energy because it's easily digested and very efficiently metabolized and promotes a healthy immune response to bacterial, viral, yeast and other fungal infections, including Candida. Supports immune system function and reduces risk of autoimmune diseases and the thyroid gland. Improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
Cinnamon - Has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon is a rich source of manganese, iron, calcium and fiber. Cinnamon has been used to treat diarrhea, indigestion, bloating and even as immune booster. It's also blood sugar stabilizer making it a great choice not only for diabetics but also for people trying to lose those extra pounds.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and is highly beneficial for helping with digestion and cleansing the liver. Turmeric has a phytonutrient called curcumin, which is a liver protectant compound that may help to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, making it useful for treating liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice. When liver is cleansed, it will also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for it is a potent detoxifier. Turmeric stimulates the production and flow of bile, and the liver uses bile to eliminate toxins; bile also rejuvenates liver cells that breakdown harmful compounds.
Other health benefits of turmeric:
Anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory
Anti-cancer, anti-aging
Helps remedy diseases of the digestive tract
Prevents oxidation of cholesterol and reducing the risks of heart diseases
Prevents deterioration of mental performance
Improves intestinal flora, thus the health of the gastrointestines
Flaxseeds - contains all sorts of healthy components, it owes its primary healthy reputation to three of them:
Omega-3 essential fatty acids, "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects. Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3s.
Lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.
Fiber. Flaxseed contains both the soluble and insoluble types.
Spearmint besides having an amazing clean and fresh aroma this also gives relief to your digestive system and eliminates gas from the system, strengthening our stomach. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic. Spearmint is found to work as a hormone and this activity often releases emotional blocks. It increases your metabolism and helps you in burning extra fat.
Papaya Twist Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
½ cup frozen mangos
½ cup papaya
½ inch fresh turmeric root
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of coconut oil
1 Tablespoon flax seeds or flaxmeal
handful of fresh spearmint
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with cinnamon sprinkles, shredded coconut and mint.
Note: All ingredient measurements are approximate and should be adjusted to personal taste. I recommend all organic ingredients. Here’s to your good health!
XO
Claudia