Drinking as many healthy smoothies and juices as you can in your daily routine is the best gift you can do to yourself.
This delicious Superfood Carrot Smoothie can secure you 2 portions of your 5 a day in just one glass, plus all the health benefits included in the few, fresh ingredients: carrots, banana, almond milk and basil. It takes less than 3 mins to make it and it’s the perfect breakfast on the go!
Carrot is known to be a fantastic source of Vitamin A, which is used by our eyes to maintain good vision, and one serving provides 210 percent of the recommended daily amount. In addition to this, it has so many health benefits that this vegetable really deserves to be called“Superfood”. Carrots contain also antioxidants, which protect skin from sun damage and the harmful effects of the free radicals. More over, this colorful vegetable prevents cardiovascular diseases, it has plenty of potassium and fiber and works as a natural abrasive that scrubs away plaque and leftover food particles from your mouth. So, in a few words, eat as many carrots as you can, or just drink them!
Banana gives you literally a happy morning start, due to the high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter. It’s also high in potassium, reduces swelling, protects against type II diabetes, aids weight loss and digestion and efficiently reduces morning sickness. Eating a banana can also lower the body temperature and cool you during a fever, which is good to know since it’s still winter and flu is always ready to catch you ( – touching wood!).
Almond milk is the best vegan / diary-free alternative to cow milk. Almonds are another superfood and are rich in nutrients including fiber, vitamin E,potassium, iron and calcium. Try to avoid store-bought almond milk, which is often very high in sugars, and make your own homemade almond milk is simple and ready in 3 steps.
Basil is a fantastic herb and not only for its unique aromatic flavor. It’s rich in antioxidants and has anti-ageing properties as well as a high content of Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin C. Basil also helps reduce inflammations and swelling. Next time you’re up for some Italian style cooking, save yourself a little basil and add it into your morning smoothie!
This Superfood Carrot smoothie has everything you can get from a drink, you can either keep it natural or add a little agave syrup to sweeten things up. If you’d like to get creative and make your own balanced smoothie follow this rule for one serving: 1 cup of greens, 1 cup of liquid and 1.5 cups of fruit.
If you’re looking for more smoothie inspiration check here and find plenty of ideas to start your day with a smile!
- 1.5 cups chopped bananas, freezed overnight
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup almond milk (store-bought or homemade)
- A small bunch of fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp agave syrup (optional)
- Mix all ingredients into a blender until smooth.
- Pour into a glass, or transfer into a bottle for a healthy energy burst on the go.
- Enjoy!