Orange you in the mood for a SMOOTHIE?

Summer is the perfect time of year for us to start looking after our health and wellbeing. The longer days and improved weather give us the perfect opportunity to get out and about exercising – either in the morning or evening. Summer is also the time of year when all the fruits and vegetables come into season. What better way to enjoy them than in a smoothie?

Smoothies are a delicious treat at any time of the day, but they are also a really healthy breakfast option. You can be as creative as you like with your smoothies, mixing and matching ingredients to suit your personal taste or current craving. The best thing about smoothies is that they are so delicious to drink, they make eating healthily an enjoyable experience! Smoothies are also packed full of the vitamins and minerals we need daily, to keep our body and mind healthy and happy. Drinking a smoothie in the morning for breakfast sets you up for the day ahead.

Our smoothie of the month is a delicious orange smoothie, and here’s what you need to make it.

Ingredients – Serves 2
1 large orange (peeled)
5 strawberries
1 banana
250ml orange juice
Honey to taste (optional)

Instructions
Prepare your fruit.
Place all ingredients in a blender and whizz for 2 minutes.
Pour into a glass/beaker and enjoy!

Our orange smoothie is packed full of vitamins and minerals and is a real pick-me-up first thing in the morning.

Health benefits of oranges

Oranges are one of the most popular fruits. They are perfect as a snack or included in a recipe. Oranges are packed full of Vitamin C which supports your immune system and overall health. One orange contains over 100% of the daily Vitamin C needed and helps to prevent colds and flus. They also have antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that would otherwise damage the healthy DNA. These antioxidants also help to detox the body. Oranges help to keep your skin youthful looking, helping to slow down the signs of ageing. The B6 and magnesium in oranges helps to keep your blood pressure under check by supporting the production of haemoglobin. Researchers in the US and Canada found that Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs), found in orange peel, can effectively lower your cholesterol levels. Oranges keep your blood sugar levels under control and are therefore a fantastic snack for people, especially diabetics. Oranges are believed to help prevent cancer due to the presence of the D-limonen compound. They are also good for your eyes as they are a rich source of carotenoid and Vitamin A.

Health benefits of strawberries

A firm favourite during the summer months, strawberries aren’t just a delicious treat, they offer lots of health benefits too. A serving of strawberries gives you 100% of your daily Vitamin C. Vitamin C supports your immune system and overall health, fighting off infection and disease. Strawberries also have antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that would otherwise damage the healthy DNA. These antioxidants can help treat the symptoms of arthritis and gout by detoxifying your body and reducing inflammation. The potassium in strawberries fights hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases by counteracting the effects of sodium in the body. Flavonoids such as anthocyanins, quercetin and kaempferol are special components found in strawberries that have the power to fight cancer. Strawberries are also good for eye health due to the presence of antioxidants. The presence of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic is proven to improve your mood, benefiting you mentally and emotionally. The Vitamin C found in strawberries is converted by the body into collagen which helps keep your skin young and healthy looking. Strawberries also help alleviate allergy symptoms due to the presence of fisetin, an anti-allergy flavonoid.

Health benefits of bananas

Bananas are a popular snack choice for many people, but they also have many health benefits. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and magnesium which are essential minerals for overall heart health. They act together to reduce and control blood pressure levels. Due to bananas being an excellent source of potassium they are believed to help maintain healthy kidney function. The presence of Vitamin B6 in bananas aids the body’s production of haemoglobin which carries oxygen around the body. This means that bananas are beneficial in the treatment of anaemia. Pectin and resistant starch in bananas helps to moderate blood sugar levels and fill you for longer. The fibre in bananas helps to improve your digestion. The low level of calories in bananas makes them a healthy snack for people who are trying to lose weight. The antioxidants, dopamine and catechins in bananas reduce the risk of heart disease and other degenerative illnesses. Bananas are a perfect snack for athletes, they contain easily digested carbs and are also packed full of minerals. Bananas can help reduce cramps and soreness associated with exercising.

Health benefits of orange juice

There is nothing more refreshing than a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. A glass of orange juice a day has many health benefits. Orange juice is packed full of Vitamin C which supports your immune system and overall health. Vitamin C helps to prevent colds and flus and to fight infection and disease. Orange juice also has antioxidants present that neutralize free radicals that would otherwise damage the healthy DNA. The presence of ascorbic acid which is a basic component of collagen helps to keep your skin looking youthful, slowing down the signs of ageing. Orange juice is also good for your eyes as it is a rich source of Vitamin A. Orange juice serves as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce inflammation that builds up in the body from the consumption of fatty and sugary foods in the diet. It also protects the heart. The antioxidant hesperidin can help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and decrease the chances of developing heart related diseases. The presence of folate, a member of the b-complex family, helps to support blood circulation and oxygen supply around the body. Orange juice can also help to keep your digestive system working properly.

Smoothies are clearly a great healthy way of getting vital nutrients into your body. They also make taking your Health Essentials supplements super easy, just add 1 scoop of Heart Essentials, Joint Essentials or Cholesterol Essentials into your smoothie every morning and you’re fully set for the day ahead.

We will have another smoothie recipe for you next week.

And check our archive of recipes right here in our Blog, if you want more kitchen inspiration.

Don’t forget to share your smoothie pictures with us on Facebook and Instagram, just tag @healthessentialsie in your Facebook or Instagram posts. We’ve got a prize for you if we feature your recipe in a future Newsletter 🙂 Looking forward to seeing your creations!

Super Health Essentials

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