Recipe and photo courtesy of: Fitness Magazine
We’re so excited that fall is right around the corner because that means pumpkin everything!! YUM! This recipe combines acai and pumpkin to make an insanely DELISH meal that is packed with cancer fighting beta-carotene, phytoestrogen, and antioxidants.
Pumpkin is a totally undercover superfood that we tend to forget about after November, but that definitely needs to change. Pumpkin is low in calories, high in fiber, and oozing with flavor. The best part about pumpkin though is its high levels of beta-carotene and phytoestrogen. Beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body against free radicals, which can cause cancer. Pumpkin is one of the highest sources of beta-carotene delivering 17mg per 1 cup. In addition, pumpkin seeds contain phytoestrogens, a plant compound that mimics the human hormone estrogen and can help prevent breast cancer according to one study. Not that we need more reasons to love pumpkin, but it is also rich in carotenoids, these are responsible for the orange coloring. Foods rich in carotenoids have been linked to a host of health- promoting and disease-fighting activities. They have been shown to decrease the risk of various cancers, including those of the lung, colon, bladder, cervical, breast, and skin.
This bowl pairs pumpkin with acai, an extremely antioxidant-rich berry that is grown in areas with subtropical temperatures. The secret behind Acai’s health benefits appears to be its powerful antioxidant effect. Acai can fight free radicals because of its high level content of vitamin C. A positive impact on other diseases related to the lungs such as asthma have also been reported.
Not much to complain about in this bowl overflowing with flavor and health benefits! Not to mention it’s super easy to make, just throw it all in the blender, top it off, and you’re ready to grub!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 can organic pumpkin
- 1/2 cup papaya
- 1 frozen unsweetened acai smoothie pack
- 2/3 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon maca
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon and pumpkin spice
- 1 cup almond milk
Directions:
- Combine in blender and blend.
- Top with granola, remaining banana, papaya, cashews, goji berries, and pomegranate seeds.
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