~Sunday, September 22, 2013
In my Pumped with Potassium blog last
February, I spoke of the many benefits of coconut water in a health conscious diet. Now I’m going to get into the “meat” of the
coconut. More specifically, extra virgin
coconut oil which is extracted from the insides
of the coconut through a cold-expeller press much like olive oil. The Italian in me will never give up olive oil,
but it’s impossible to ignore another healthy alternative popping up in
kitchens everywhere. And, of course, my
husband is always receptive to incorporating another “superfood” into our
morning smoothies.
The unique combination of fatty
acids contained in coconut oil have shown amazing health benefits including: better brain function, increased energy and
fat loss, aid in eliminating harmful bacteria, an increased feeling of
fullness, reduced triglycerides–translating to a reduced risk of heart disease,
and effectiveness as a skin moisturizer (my husband attesting to this fact by
telling me how smooth his skin feels lately—and yes, I pleasantly concur!)
Therefore, without further ado,
I give you the Tropical Smoothie: A recipe healthy beyond belief, undoubtedly
delicious—and gives kudos to the many tropical countries that have thrived on
the coconut for hundreds of years.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
2 cups water
16 ounces frozen organic
tropical fruit blend (pineapple, banana, strawberries, and mango)
1 banana, peeled and halved
2 tablespoons organic virgin
coconut oil
3 tablespoons hemp seed
3 heaping tablespoons nonfat
plain Greek yogurt
Place water and frozen fruit
blend into the Vitamix, set machine on low (Variable 3), and blend until
dissolved, slowly increasing to higher setting (Variable 10).
Place the rest of the
ingredients in the Vitamix and blend on low, slowly increasing to a higher
setting (Variable 10), then to HIGH.
Blend on HIGH for approximately 1 minute. Serve immediately.
“The
doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his
patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and
prevention of disease.”
—Thomas
A. Edison
