26 Apr Delicious Green Breakfast

This delicious green breakfast is packed full of nutrients and contains numerous vitamins and minerals so it’s a fantastic way to start your day.  It’s a great source of antioxidants which help strengthen your immune system by defending cells against free radical damage and help increase the production of white blood cells, helping to protect your body against infections and disease which is especially important at this time.

Recipe:

2 x ripe bananas

1 x ripe avocado 

1 x handful of spinach

6 x basil leaves

1 x tablespoon of Manuka honey

1 x tablespoon of chia seeds

Juice of a lime

1 x tablespoon of Almond milk

1 x tablespoon of Linseed mix (optional)

1 x tablespoon of wheatgrass (optional)

1 x tablespoon of baobab powder (optional)

1 x tablespoon of hemp protein powder (optional)

Topping: Any of your favourite fruits, nuts and seeds such as blueberries, pomegranates, green and black grapes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dates, mixed dried fruit, brazil, pecan, hazelnut, walnuts, almonds etc.

Method: 

Whizz all the ingredients in a blender and add your favourite toppings (suggestions above).

The benefits of eating bananas:

Bananas are full or fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as carbohydrates which are a key source of energy. The riper the bananas, the fuller the flavour. 

The benefits of eating spinach:

Spinach is exceptionally rich in vitamin C, iron and beta-carotene and is highly cleansing and is laden with health-boosting, regenerative properties which tone the liver, digestive system and the circulatory system. 

Benefits of eating avocados

Avocados are high in healthy fats and have powerful health benefits.  They have a high nutritional value, including 20 different vitamins and minerals including Vitamins C, B5, B6 and E, Folate and Potassium.  Avocados also contain small amounts of magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous and vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin).  They don’t contain any cholesterol or sodium and are low in saturated fat.  They contain more potassium than bananas.  Potassium is an important mineral that most people don’t get enough of and supports healthy blood pressure levels.

The majority of the fat in avocado is oleic acid – a monounsaturated fatty acid that is also the major component of olive oil and believed to  be responsible for some of its health benefits.   Oleic acid has been associated with reduced inflammation and shown to have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer. 

Avocados are also relatively rich in fiber – about 7% in weight, which is very high compared to most other foods.  Fiber may have important benefits for weight loss and metabolic health. 

Avocados are high in antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin.  These nutrients are very important for eye health and lower your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Studies have shown that avocado can significantly reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. 

Benefits of Manuka honey

Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that is native to New Zealand. 

It has a profound effect on wound healing and management and also has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat numerous ailments including gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, periodontal disease and upper respiratory infections. 

 Manuka honey is likely an effective treatment strategy that may accelerate the healing process when used in conjunction with more conventional therapies. 

Benefits of basil:

Basis is one of the oldest herbs known to mankind.  It is good for digestion, fortifying the digestive and nervous systems and it can be a good remedy for headaches and insomnia.  The eugenol present in the leaves ensures anti-inflammatory action in the digestive tract and helps balance acid within the body, restoring the body’s correct pH level.  

Basis contains a range of natural antioxidants which can help protect body tissues against free radical damage.  Basil contains two important potent water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants, known as orientin and viceninare which strengthen the immune system, protect DNA, cellular structure and delay effects of skin ageing. 

Basil is also an excellent skin cleanser and is perfect for those with oily skin and also helps remove dirt and impurities that clog pores.  

Benefits of chia seeds (also known as Hispanica): 

This superfood is naturally high in fibre and polyunsaturated fat and is a source of omega 3.  They contain alpha linolenic acid which helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels.

Benefits of lime:

Limes are nutritional powerhouses and are high in antioxidants and vitamin C – providing over 20% of your daily needs.  They also contain small amounts of iron, calcium, vitamin B6, thiamine, potassium and more.

Limes may help improve immunity, prevent kidney stones, reduce heart disease risk factors, promote healthy skin and lower your risk of certain cancers.

I hope you have found this blog useful and enjoy eating delicious green breakfast as much as I do and reap the rewards of all it’s wonderful benefits.