Right in time to keep you on track in your New Year cleanse, this vibrant pink smoothie recipe makes healthy living and dieting delicious. It contains kale, a super vegetable which is full of goodness, yet you can barely detect it's presence in this smoothie rich in fruity flavours.
This smoothie also uses acai powder. Acai is commonly found as a frozen puree in the US, ready to add to smoothies and smoothie bowls. Here in the UK, however, I have never been able to find acai in any form other than powder or capsules. Make sure you purchase freeze dried powder with no additives, just pure fruit. It can be expensive, but a little goes a long way. I avoid the high street shops and brands to buy my acai (and other superfood powders) as they can be extortionately priced. Instead, I buy small portions from the bulk sections of independent health food shops or online.
Acai is rich in fat soluble vitamins A and E and water soluble vitamins B1 and B2. A healthy source of iron, calcium and potassium, high in fibre and antioxidants.
Of course, you can leave the acai out of you don't have any to hand.
Kale is produced in the UK nearly all year round and is an absolute powerhouse of nutrition. It boasts an excellent source of vitamins K, A and C, as well as containing useful amounts of manganese, copper and phytochemicals, which are believed to help against certain types of cancer. Just check out the facts and figures below to find out why kale should make it into your daily meals.
1 portion (80g) of cooked kale contains 120mg of calcium
Kale is an excellent source of folate with 69µg in every 80g of cooked curly kale.
Kale is virtually fat free and low in calories. Four heaped tablespoons (80g) contains only 19kcals and has 2.2g of fibre
Kale is rich in lutein - an anti-oxidant which helps keep the eyes healthy. Kale contains 76mg lutein per kg, compared to broccoli which has 17mg. Experts recommend we should eat 6-10mg of lutein each day
A portion (80g) of cooked kale contains 448µg Vitamin A
Gram for gram kale contains 17 times more vitamin C than carrots. A portion (80g) of cooked kale contains 57mg of vitamin C
Raw kale is an excellent source of vitamin K containing 704.8µg per 100g.
(Source)
This smoothie combines beautiful vibrant superfoods to give you an uplifting boost any time of day. Hibiscus tea is slightly tart, pairing perfectly with the sweet cherries plus giving you a whole host of antioxidants and blood pressure lowering properties. Add the banana for a thicker, creamier smoothie.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kale (I used pink kale, could use spinach or other green)
- 1.5 cups frozen cherries
- Arils from one pomegranate
- 1 tsp acai powder
- 1 cup brewed hibiscus tea (or water or apple juice)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1 banana (optional)
Blend in a high speed blender until creamy and smooth. Pour into a glass and serve.
Recipe by Poppy Velosa
www.bunnykitchen.com