When we talk about a powerful nutrient-dense meal to start out your day energy-fueled and mentally prepared, we call upon: Our ultimate smoothie. And, yes, this smoothie is also the perfect replenish-and-repair drink to have after a great workout, filled with nourishment for your body and mind.  Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day, the one that will kick start, support and carry out the performance of  your mind and body, this ultimate smoothie is the perfect candidate for the job. In the morning, we must be sure to provide our mind and body with enough of the right nutrients to generate cellular energy, handle stress, and ensure efficient work performance, communication and understanding with the external and your own internal world.  So, the focus of this smoothie is cellular and brain (mind) nutrition.  Let’s get started:

Prep: Place all ingredients in blender, add pure drinking water or homemade nut milk and blend until very smooth.  I make Brazil nut milk because they contain a very high amount of the mineral selenium. Selenium is one of the most important elements in protecting against cancer, improves immunity and it is a very powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize free radicals from causing cellular damage.

Nutritional Info:

• ❉ Banana: Rich in potassium which promotes bone health, is an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.  We use this as a natural sweetener, making the dairy-free smoothie creamy and rich.  Bananas also help activate the cells that compose the stomach lining, making them produce a thicker protective (mucus) barrier against stomach acids. Eat them not too ripe nor too green.

• ❉ Berries: Strawberries blueberries and raspberries are all brain foods. They are all mineral-dense, powerhouses of antioxidants that also keep your memory sharp.  Blueberries benefits include urinary tract health, mental alertness and visual support; they have also been called a superfood  that aids with memory retention.  Raspberries  have a whopping 8 grams of fiber in one cup and contain ellagic acid (also in strawberries) that fights cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.

• ❉ Bee Pollen: One of our featured HFoods, we call it “Nature’s Perfect Food”. Find out why.

• ❉ Lecithin: Used for mental clarity, lecithin is the form of Phosphorous that the brain needs in order to absorb this mineral.  It protects cells from oxidation, supports the circulatory system and keeps many brain functions including memory, in top shape.  All neuron activity requires phosphorous in the form of lecithin.

• ❉ Chlorella: A powerful combination of amino and nucleic acids, B vitamins, Omega- 3 and -6 fatty acids, a variety of minerals and Vitamins C and E for mental clarity and sharpness.  It has the highest amount of chlorophyll then any other plant, balances blood sugars, improves mental vitality and multiplies your T-cells times four, strengthening your immune system. This powerful superfood has a range of nutrients to release the energy you need throughout the day. Chlorella is a popular HFood here at HLife, learn why.

• ❉ Dulse: Rich in iron, this red algae is loaded with essential minerals and almost all B vitamins, including Vitamin B12, C, A and E.  It is particularly high in iodine, a metabolic mineral very important for the thyroid and a variety of different gland and brain function.  Also has the highest frequency of all essential minerals, is a controller for calcium metabolism and protects the brain by destroying toxins in the blood before it passes the blood brain barrier.

• ❉ Spirulina: This blue-green algae is a complete protein (65 to 71% protein) with all 22 amino acids, the entire vitamin B family including B-12 (with more than liver), naturally chelated minerals, and essential fatty acids like gamma linolic acid (GLA, the only food source other then chlorella and mother’s milk). It is easily digestible for rapid and long-range energy.

• ❉ Ceylon Cinnamon: Regulates blood sugar, fights E.coli bacteria, lowers LDL cholesterol, fights against candida overgrowth, has anti-clotting effects, anti-cancer cells, reliefs arthritis pain, is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.  One study found that simply smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

• ❉ Flaxseed: High in fiber (cleans your intestines, promoting bowel regularity), and absorbs excess liquid, protecting the digestive tract; has omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals called lignans, which regulate hormone balance and have antioxidant properties.  Also helps to reduce total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

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