A touchdown on 4 superfoods that aid digestion and are a great source of energy. The easy-to-make smoothie recipe, listing all 4 as ingredients, is an added bonus.
When my digestive system needs a little cleansing, I make a smoothie with some of my favorite superfoods: dates, dark sweet cherries, chia seeds, and coconut oil.
These four foods don’t get enough credit for their digestive benefits!
Although chia seeds and coconut oil have gotten their share of buzz recently, dates and dark sweet cherries sometimes get a bad rap for their sugar content.
Here’s why these superfoods deserve a second-glance:
1. Dates
Dates add the perfect amount of sweetness and consistency to many recipes. They contain numerous vitamins and minerals, elevate the amount of healthy bacteria in the belly, and are easily digested to provide greater energy within 30 minutes of consumption. In order to get the best digestive and laxative effect from dates, soak them in water overnight and use in your smoothie, or drink the syrup-like dates alone.
2. Dark Sweet Cherries
Dark sweet cherries are a rich source of antioxidants, and the sugar they contain is a productive source of energy, even for diabetics. The antioxidants they contain keep the digestion system working productively, and they contain high fiber, which relieves constipation. Other benefits include protection from bacterial, viral, and fungal infection; anti-aging qualities; and they aid in healthy brain functioning.
3. Chia Seeds
Think flax seed on crack! These little seeds keep you full longer, and provide complete gastrointestinal relief due to their high fiber content. They provide slow and sustained energy, and have even been said to contain more calcium than a glass of skim milk. Chia seeds expand in water, and develop a gel-like consistency, which when consumed creates a greater feeling of fullness.
4. Coconut Oil
The anti-microbial properties of coconut oil eliminates the bad bacteria in our digestive tract, allowing for stability and relief from constipation. Coconut oil is extremely easy for you to digest due to the medium chain fatty acids, which are digested differently than other fats, and don’t require much strain or use of the pancreas. The nutrients and energy from coconut oil is quickly absorbed and put to use, making it an efficient energy source.
Try out this yummy (and slightly addicting!) superfuel smoothie!
Ingredients
Spinach, handful
Mejdool dates, pitted
Dark sweet cherries, frozen
Chia Seeds, 2 tablespoons
Almond slivers, handful
Almond milk, ½ cup
Coconut Oil, 1T
Cacao powder, 1 tsp
Hemp protein powder, 4 T
Add all ingredients to blender, and voila!
If the consistency is too thick, add a little water to loosen it up.
Enjoy!
See full story on mindbodygreen.com
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