Blueberry Hazelnut Smoothie
It’s coming up to summer here in Australia, which means… Smoothies and juices and yummy summer berries with yoghurt and other exciting goodness! So to set off some inspiration for you to get the blender out, i give you the Blueberry Hazelnut Smoothie. Packed with good fats like avocado, almonds, hazelnuts to give you long lasting energy and the amazing antioxidant benefits of blueberries.
Blueberries are beneficial for your eyes and skin. They also help to protect against cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, they’re also beneficial for brain function and memory. Blueberries contain good amounts of cancer fighting anthocyanins, vitamin C, A and E. Wild blueberries are particularly good, if you can find them.
This smoothie is definitely low in sugar but you could of course switch out the raw honey for rice malt syrup for a low fructose alternative.
Freezing out the Frozen Foods!
One thing i do recommend is to not have your smoothies too cold. Use fresh fruit instead of frozen and leave your fruit out the fridge for a little before blending. Why do i suggest this? Well Chinese medicine philosophy suggests that cold foods deplete the chi in your stomach, or in other words they put out the fire in your belly. That fire helps you to digest food and i believe good digestion is the foundation of good health. I myself am not suited to cold foods, they make me cold and mucous-y and congested. However i still enjoy a smoothie, so i try not to have it so cold so as to save my digestion.
Crunch factor!
Adding crunchy cacao nibs and blueberries to the top of your smoothie is another key element to correct smoothie drinking etiquette! The crunchiness will allow you to “chew” your smoothie, which releases digestive enzymes in your mouth that will help to break down the food before it gets to your tummy. If you chug down your smoothie, you’ll miss out on this first step of digestion and put further strain on your digestive system. PLUS you get the added benefits of Raw Cacao nibs which are super high in antioxidants and magnesium. BONUS!
Blueberry Hazelnut Smoothie:
serves 1
What you need:
- 1/2 cup blueberries + some for the topping
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 a small avocado
- 1 tsp raw honey
- handful roasted hazelnuts
- 2 heaped tsp activated almond butter
- squeeze of lemon
- sprinkle of cacao nibs for topping
What to do:
In a high powered blender Blend everything except the cacao nibs + extra blueberries
Top with cacao nibs + blueberries
enjoy!
