Recipe

 1 whole apple chopped

1 small banana

large handful of spinach

1 cup of almond or oat milk (or desired amount)

2 heaped tsp of milled nuts and seeds

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp turmeric

Handful of ice

Dash of honey

Pop all of the above into a blender/smoothie maker or even better a vitamix (my best friend) and blend until smooth.

Smoothie Goodness

Apples are a great source of soluble and insoluble fibre helping with efficient bowel transit and elimination of toxins. They are also bursting with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, E and K as well as B vitamins, magnesium calcium and iron. Apples are high in quercetin a phytonutrient (plant chemical) found in the red/green skin of fruit.  Quercetin is an antioxidant meaning it protects against free radical damage, and has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties.

Turmeric has been extensively researched and is well known for its anti inflammatory properties, it is often used as a natural support to help     

   manage arthritic pain.     

Cinnamon is a warming herb often added to hot drinks and porridge. In Chinese medicine it's hot but sweet flavour is seen to resonate                energetically with the heart, spleen and pancreas, this is reflected in its associated benefits for weak digestion, poor circulation and blood sugar regulation.

Spinach is abundant in magnesium (the chill mineral) aiding sleep, muscle relaxation and high stress. it is also high in B vitamins essential for      energy production in the body and is a good source of non haem iron, facilitating red blood cell production.

References:

Davis, A. P. Yokoyama, W. (2011). 'Cinnamon Intake Lowers Fasting Blood Glucose: Meta Analysis', Journal of Medicinal Food, 14 (9).

Heidari-Beni, M. Moravejolahkami, A. R. Gorgian, P. et al. (2020). 'Herbal formulation "turmeric extract, black pepper, and ginger" versus Naproxen for chronic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial', Phytotherapy Research 34 (8), pp. 2067-2073.

Ranasinghe, P. Pigera, S. Premakumara, G. A. S. et al. (2013). 'Medicinal properties of 'true' cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): a systematic review', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 13 (275). 

Solomon, T.P.J., Blannin, A.K. (2009). 'Changes in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity following 2 weeks of daily cinnamon ingestion in healthy humans', Eur J Appl Physiol, 105, 969.

End Note:

Foods should never be seen as a replacement for medications if you are seeking to improve your diet and learn more about the therapeutic applications of herbs and foods please consult a qualified naturopath/ herbalist/ nutritionist. Please check the recipe for any allergies you may have. This recipe contains Nuts and Honey