Thank You Straw-Berry Much – Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Smoothie bowls have increased in popularity over the last few years. They provide all the goodness of a smoothie but you can get more creative with a smoothie bowl. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your personal taste or current craving. Smoothie bowls, like smoothies, are packed full of vitamins and minerals we need daily, to keep our bodies and minds healthy and happy. Don’t worry the texture of the smoothie bowl is heavier than that of a smoothie, it is akin to a moose, with a thick and creamy texture. By serving your smoothie this way you can add some delicious and nutritious toppings to it, such as seeds, cereals and fruit. It is also perfect for adding in a scoop of your Health Essentials product (Heart, Joint or Cholesterol). A smoothie bowl is like having dessert for your breakfast, such a healthy treat!

Our smoothie bowl of the week is a delicious strawberry smoothie bowl, and here’s what you need to make it.

Ingredients – Serves 1

1 cup frozen strawberries

1 banana

½ cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons of Greek yoghurt

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon granola or your topping of choice

1 scoop of the Health Essentials product of your choice (Heart Essentials, Joint Essentials or Cholesterol Essentials)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and wash your fruit first.
  2. Add all ingredients (except chia seeds) to the blender.
  3. Blend until thick and creamy.
  4. Pour into a bowl and mix in your scoop of product (Heart Essentials, Joint Essentials or Cholesterol Essentials)
  5. Top with granola for that extra crunch.
  6. Enjoy!

Our strawberry smoothie bowl is packed full of vitamins and minerals and is a real treat first thing in the morning. You deserve it after all!

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 coconut milk

Coconut milk is an excellent milk substitute for anyone who’s lactose-intolerant and also for vegans. Coconut milk supplies many vitamins and minerals to the body, these include; Vitamins C, E B1, B3, B5 and B6. It also contains iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Coconut milk contains MCTs, which researchers have linked with weight loss. A 2015 study found that overweight men consuming MCTs at breakfast led to reduced food intake throughout the rest of the day. It is also considered to be heart-healthy. A recent study found that coconut oil increased the levels of “good cholesterol” (HDL). Coconut milk boosts the immune system as it includes lauric acid. Research found that lauric acid triggers cell death in cancer cells. Coconut milk is also a really delicious drink!

Health benefits of Greek yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is a thicker, creamier yoghurt. The whey has been removed during the production process, which means it has less lactose than other yoghurts. Greek yogurt contains vitamin B12, iodine, calcium, sodium, probiotics and protein. It is said to provide good protein to the body, improve your gut health, support bone health, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes. Plus it is also a great workout recovery food after exercise or sickness.

Health benefits of honey

Honey is a good alternative to using sugar. Honey surprisingly has many health benefits. It is thought to be beneficial to maintaining a healthy heart. Honey contains antioxidants that can help to lower bad cholesterol and also lower blood pressure. You can also buy local honey which supports the beekeepers and helps to save the bees. Check in your local shops and see if they have any.

Health benefits of granola

A bowl of granola is a delicious breakfast option, adding it to a smoothie bowl gives you the benefits of granola along with a smoothie.  Granola contains many different vitamins and minerals such as; fibre, Vitamins E & C, niacin, thiamine, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and  potassium. Granola has many health benefits. It aids your digestion and prevents constipation. Granola can help to lower the bad LDL cholesterol and increase levels of the good HDL cholesterol. It also lowers blood pressure levels, helping to keep you heart healthy and happy. It also supplies you with a good source of energy which helps your body and mind to function correctly. Granola is also very filling and it can prevent you from snacking between breakfast and lunch time, this in turn can help control weight.

Smoothie bowls 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 Essentialsinto your smoothie every morning and you’re fully set for the day ahead.

We will have another 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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