Cleanse and Calm Smoothie

Great smoothie for cleansing the body and calming the digestive system – also yummy as a breakfast smoothie.

• ½ fennel
• 1 apple
• 1 pink grapefruit
• Inch ginger
• Handful blueberries
• 1 tbsp. flaxseed (optional)
• 5 ice cubes
  

Toss all ingredients in a blender or smoothie maker and blend.

Pink grapefruit: contain lycopene – the antioxidant found in tomatoes and some other red fruits like watermelon which neutralize free radicals in the body and help in the fight against the formation of cancer cells. Grapefruits reduce bad cholesterol, keeping arteries clean and lower insulin in the body which helps prevent weight gain.

Ginger: is high in antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger contains ginerol, a compound that is thought to relax blood vessels, stimulate blood flow and relieve pain. It is commonly used as a digestive aid and contains compounds that ease motion sickness and nausea. Ginger also helps to ease congestion and cleanses the body.

Apple juice helps soothe the intestines and reduce constipation. It helps clean out harmful bacteria and parasites in the digestive tract. Apples contain vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron. The pectin in apples forms a gel in the intestine that eliminates toxins.

Fennel contains its own unique combination of phytonutrients including the flavonoids rutin, quercertin, and various kaempferol glycosides – which gives its strong antioxidant properties. Fennel contains vitamins B and C, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. They help in reducing intestinal gas and bloating, relieving anaemia, constipation and have a calming effect on digestion.

Blueberries: Berries contain phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help prevent some forms of cancer. Blueberries contain lutein which help in destroying free radicals and slow down the signs of aging. They are packed full of vitamins, minerals and fibre such as vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, beta-carotene, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Berries tend to spoil quickly especially if they are broken or stored in damp conditions. Always check them carefully before buying them and don’t rinse them out until you are ready to eat or sue them.

Enjoy!