It’s getting to be the time of year where all we want to eat is smoothies! Smoothies are one of our favorites year-round, but this warm weather makes us crave them even more. Today we’re bringing you a list of 11 of the best ingredients to put in your smoothies. Some of them you may never think of, some you may never have heard of, and some you may just not think they sound appealing…but trust us, they are! All these ingredients pack a serious healthy punch and increase your cancer fighting power. Read up below:
CHIA SEEDS
Perfect for thickening up a smoothie, these tiny energy-promoting seeds thicken and turn into a gel. Chia is a robust source of protein and is rich in trace minerals. The seeds also contain more than three times the concentration of essential fatty acids in most grains. It’s the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in chia seeds that help lower your risk of heart disease and play a role in cancer prevention.
GOJI BERRIES
A bit bitter on their own, they’re a great smoothie ingredient because other flavors can mask the bitterness. One of the world’s richest sources of antioxidants, goji berries contain 18 amino acids. Traditional cultures cherish the berry for its immune-boosting and vision-protecting properties. It also helps keep your liver and kidneys healthy. Germanium, a nutrient found in goji berries, is said to reduce the growth of tumors and has anti-cancer benefits. Goji berries are also said to reduce the risk or help in the treatment of testicular cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer and uterine cancer. In addition, goji berries are said to have anti-estrogen effects. This means that tumor cells can be more vulnerable to immuno-therapy and radiation. Cancer cells are force to commit suicide and not proliferate.
KALE
Don’t like cooked kale on the dinner table? Enjoy the green powerhouse raw in a smoothie instead. Dubbed one of the world’s healthiest veggies, kale contains isothiocyanate and glucosinolate compounds that help lower your risk of cancer. Kale is rich source of organosulfur compounds, which have also been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers.
CAMU CAMU
An antioxidant-rich tropical fruit, camu-camu boasts a vitamin C concentration up to 60 times greater than an orange. It’s also rich in potassium, calcium, protein, and other phytochemicals. “Just a quarter teaspoon gives you over 250 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C, and you’ll never taste its strong tartness,” Chef Julie Morris says. “Camu is a ‘why not?’ functional ingredient.” Camu is also shown as being anti-mutagenic, which means it helps prevent the genetic mutation involved in the creation of cancer tumors.
CACAO POWDER
Great in creamier smoothies, cacao is the raw form of chocolate and is one of the world’s richest sources of antioxidants and magnesium, explains Morris. Cacao also contains iron and potassium.
MACA
Boasting a strong, earthy, slightly butterscotch flavor, maca is rich in mood-boosting B vitamins, amino acids, and brain-boosting fatty acids. The root has long been used in traditional medicine to raise libido and combat fatigue, Morris explains.
WHEATGRASS
Wheatgrass is loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fiber, antioxidants, and even a bit of beneficial fatty acids. It will help boost your energy and immune function while detoxifying your body. It helps alkalinize your body to balance out high acid culprits like coffee and meat.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil contains lots of lauric acid, a potent immune system protector, and the same compound found in breast milk. We always use this as our substitute for cooking oil and it’s an awesome ingredient to sneak into your smoothies for some added health benefits.
AVOCADOS
One of our all time favorite foods! Avocados are one of the great cancer fighting foods, rich in a multiplicity of nutrients, including many potent anti-oxidants and phytochemicals as well as vitamins, minerals, fiber and monounsaturated healthy fats. Avos also contain a ton of different ingredients that help ward off cancer causing cells, these include: lutein, carotenoids, and oleic acid… to name a few!
GRASS-FED WHEY
Whey protein contains the amino acid cysteine that helps convert glutathione in the body. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that prepares cells for battle against bacterial or viral infections.
HEMP PROTEIN POWDER
Hemp contains all of the amino acids to form complete protein, making it a go-to protein source for vegans and vegetarians. Not getting enough protein can make you tired, cranky, and even cause skin rashes and changes in skin color.
Want more great smoothie recipes, tips and tricks? Download the B4BC x Goofy Foot Foods Quick & Clean Salads and Smoothies cookbook for the active girl on the go!
Sources:
Rodale News
Cancer Defeated
The Superfoods
Life Extension Magazine
Natural News
Huffington Post
