Five Friday Favourites - Souped-up Smoothies

Although it’s winter, smoothies are still a frequent inclusion in my weekly meal rotations. There is almost no easier way of getting fruit and veggies, plus fibre into a make-ahead and portable breakfast.   While kale, spinach, bananas and other fruits are packed with nutrients I still like to add in a few things in to pack as much nutritional value into my smoothies as I possibly can. 

Here are a few of my favourite superfood add-ins to 'soup up' my smoothies. 

1. Maca - Maca is actually a member of the cruciferous vegetable family (like broccoli and cauliflower), originally found in in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It’s been well-regarded for centuries for its healing powers and is renowned for the support it provides for the natural functioning of the endocrine (hormonal) system. A teaspoon or two adds a slight buttery sweetness to smoothies (though you probably won’t taste it at all)
   
2. Glutamine – a wonderful non-essential amino acid, Glutamine is in fact the most common amino acid in your muscles, making up 61% of your skeletal tissue. Its most commonly found in powdered form, and can assist with muscle growth, cell hydration as well as healing the gastrointestinal tract. It can be a little chalky-tasting on its own, so make sure you have ½ a banana in your smoothie to mask the taste.
   
3. Bee Pollen - Bee pollen is richer in proteins than any animal source. It contains more amino acids than beef, eggs, or cheese of equal weight. Bee pollen is also rich in carbohydrates, protein and B vitamins, making it a great natural energizer. Enzymes in bee pollen are also useful for the digestive system. The granules taste a little sweet too – lovely!
   
4. Whole food vitamin C with Amla – this is a great source of vitamin C, more bioavailable than many of the synthesized tablet forms available. Vitamin C is essential for anyone suffering from stress, immune system depletion, and for supporting the immune system to fend off winter bugs. The one I like contains Organic Acerola Berries, Wildcrafted Rose Hips, Camu Camu Berries, plus Amla.
   
5. Chia seeds – These little seeds used to be called ‘running food’ by the ancient Aztecs as they deliver a sustainable slow release form of energy. Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, chia seeds are good for healthy brain function and their gel-forming properties make them fabulous for your digestive system. They keep things ‘moving’ if you know what I mean. ** Note that Chia seeds are not AIP compliant
   

What are your favourite additions to smoothies? Let me know in the comments below.