Berrylicious smoothie – dairy and refined sugar free

Let’s be honest, it’s winter in South Africa and smoothies are probably not on everyone’s breakfast wish list at the moment. Up in Gauteng we are blessed with beautiful sunny winter days.  So why not pack a refreshing smoothie in your kids lunch box or take a smoothie to work.  Our berrylicious smoothie packs a health punch, is dairy and refined sugar free and an absolute crowd pleaser.  For lunch boxes, serve the smoothies in individual glass bottles with secure lids.

Bananas are rich in potassium and fibre and a good source of vitamin C and B6.  They may help prevent asthma, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and digestive problems.  Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that studies suggest plays a role in preserving memory and boosting your mood.

Blueberries are sweet, nutritious and wildly popular.  They are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese.  Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all commonly consumed fruits and vegetables.  Several studies have shown that blueberries can protect against DNA damage, a leading driver of aging and cancer.  The antioxidants in blueberries have been shown to protect LDL lipoproteins (the bad cholesterol) from oxidative damage, a crucial step in the pathway towards heart disease.  Several more studies have shown that blueberries have anti-diabetic effects, helping to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

Basil health benefits includes supporting healthy brain, managing arthritis, managing stress, slowing down aging, supporting bone health, managing epilepsy and aid metabolism. Other benefits includes relieving post menstrual syndrome, providing energy, preventing cancer and supporting eye health.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants and provide fibre, iron and calcium.

Coconut milk is made by grating the flesh of a brown coconut, soaking it in water and straining it to produce a milk like consistency.  Coconut milk is a high calorie food but also a good source of several vitamins and minerals.  Coconut milk is high in saturated fats called medium-chain-triglycerides (MCT).  MCT may reduce appetite, increase metabolism and help loose belly fat. Studies have shown that cholesterol and triglyceride levels improve with coconut intake.  Coconut milk may also reduce inflammation, decrease ulcer size and fight the viruses and bacteria the cause infections.