Page 3 - NuWellbeing Smoothie Recipes 2017 Version

All about…

Coconut Oil: So you may have heard that coconut oil is amazing stuff, and everyone seems
to be using it, well here’s why;

90 percent of coconut oil is composed of medium chain fatty acids (or Triglycerides) which
are easily digested and sent right to the liver for energy production. By traveling directly to the
liver, it is not stored as fat and actually can help boost your metabolism. These triglycerides
also help keep skin smooth and moisturized by trapping the escaping moisture from pores.
Most of the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil are Lauric acid, which is only found
in as high a concentrate in human breastmilk. This actually helps increase immunity and fight
infections, which makes it essential to our daily diets. It’s also antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral
and antimicrobial! These properties make it ideal for a facial moisturizer, deodorant and for
soothing sunburns and cuts and sores, or healing mild wounds.

Kale: Kale is a great detoxifier, as are all cruciferous veggies. The glucosinolates in kale form
isothiocyanates (ITCs) which help regulate detox activities in our cells. When you add kale to
your green smoothies, you’re also adding great anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anti-
cancer benefits into your day. Kale also has heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids which help
fight cardiovascular disease and is extremely high in calcium.

Spinach: Spinach is full of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Spinach has an extremely high
nutritional value and is rich in antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamins A, B2, C and K, and
also contains magnesium, manganese, folate, iron, calcium and potassium. Don’t rely
completely on spinach for calcium, it contains “oxalates” which inhibit calcium absorption.
Cinnamon: Consuming up to 6 grams of cinnamon per day "reduces serum glucose,
triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes." and that
"the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors
associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases." In addition, a certain cinnamon
extract can reduce fasting blood sugar levels in patients, cinnamaldehyde - a chemical found
in Cassia cinnamon - can help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.
Ginger; Ginger aids in digestion and has numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Two compounds found in high concentration in ginger, gingerol and shoga, may help the
entire digestive tract to relief any discomfort from gas, constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating.
Lemon; Lemon juice aids the liver in flushing out toxins naturally and acts as a diuretic.

Turmeric; a natural liver detoxifier. It is a root similar to ginger that is common in Asia and
Polynesia. It lends a gorgeous yellow colour to curries, mustard, and other foods we consume
on a normal basis. The curcumin in turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and has been used
in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries to treat all kinds of maladies.

Honey: A great natural source of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy to our
bodies, honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance
and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes. Its natural sugars play an important role in preventing
fatigue during exercise. The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an
immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained
energy. It is known that honey has also been found to keep levels of blood sugar fairly constant
compared to other types of sugar.
Agave Nectar: Agave has a favourable glycaemic profile. Its sweetness comes primarily from
a complex form of fructose called inulin. Fructose is the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits and
vegetables. The carbohydrate in agave nectar has a low glycaemic index, which provides
sweetness without the unpleasant "sugar rush" and unhealthful blood sugar spike caused by
many other sugars. Agave nectar is a delicious natural sweetener that can be used
moderately by dieters and some diabetics to replace high-glycaemic and refined sugars.

For Information on Nuts and Seeds for snacking or putting in some of the recipes in this guide
please see the Nuts and Seeds for Health reference guide.