SUPERFOODS

In the last article we discussed the benefits of beetroot and cayenne pepper.  Let us now take a look at Chia seeds, my absolute best and cinnamon which I LOVE.

I will also post a recipe once again inspired from a fellow health and smoothie enthusiast, Ryan.

Chia Seeds are nutritional powerhouse that are very worthy of a place in your daily diet.  You can add them to anything but I especially love them in a smoothie or sprinkled on top of yoghurt:

Chia Seeds

• Full of healthful omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
• High levels of protein and fibre
• No cholesterol
• Minerals in significant amount such as:
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorous
  • Potassium
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Manganese
• Beneficial in weight loss because of their ability to keep you feeling full
• Aid in keeping your blood sugar from spiking and dropping due their high content in fibre
• Provide you with energy
• Are known to relive joint pain and irritated skin
• Positive effects on your blood sugar levels
• Aid in digestion as they are so high in fibre, soluble and insoluble fibre.
• Aid in lowering cholesterol levels and raising the amount of good cholesterol in your blood.

Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie Recipe

1 cup raw milk or nut milk of choice

1/3 avocado or frozen banana

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

A dash of sea salt

A little honey, or stevia to sweeten (optional)

 Cinnamon

Who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon?  This is such a delicious spice and has many medicinal properties that have been used for thousands of years.  Cinnamon used to be rare and valuable and was regarded as a gift for kings.

• Loaded with antioxidants which protect our bodies from oxidative damage caused by free radicals
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties which aids our bodies fight infections and repair tissue damage
• Improves sensitivity to the hormone insulin which is the key hormone regulating metabolism and energy use
• Essential for transporting blood sugar from your bloodstream to your cells
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Helps fight bacterial and fungal infections

Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices!

Whey Protein Smoothie Recipe

1 cup milk of your choice (I use unsweetened almond milk)

1 serving of your preferred whey protein powder (I use NPL Platinum Whey, Vanilla Ice Cream – divine!)

½ tablespoon coconut oil

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Dash of salt

To sweeten a squirt of raw honey – this is optional, you really don’t need this

I always add more cinnamon as I LOVE cinnamon.