Sipping on a triple fruit smoothie is ideal during the hot summer months. A smooth blend of beta carotene rich fruit does more than just refresh you on a hot summer day. This unique blend can actually help keep your arteries relaxed and your blood pressure low. The triple fruit smoothie contains bananas, mandarin oranges and mango. Add in healthy dairy and you are not only refreshed but relaxed from the inside out.
Keep Arteries Clear with Beta Carotene
During the pregnancy of my second son I developed preeclampsia. This is basically high blood pressure. In an effort to lower my blood pressure readings, I ate more oranges. Oranges, mandarins and carrots are all orange due to the plant pigment, beta-carotene. This gives the fruit its orange color and cuts the risk of high blood pressure by blocking plaque build up in the arteries. It also speeds healing of your arteries that are already damaged.
Citrus fruits overall have properties that promote lower blood pressure. Due to the rich source of vitamin C and minerals already present in the fruits, they help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Oranges also contain choline, fiber and potassium which are all good for your heart.
Bananas in Triple Fruit Smoothie
By adding bananas to the triple fruit smoothie you increase your consumption of the electrolyte mineral, potassium. Potassium is vital for a healthy nervous system. If our bodies lack this mineral we can deplete the calcium in our bones and increase blood pressure. The potassium found in both the bananas and oranges help to lower blood pressure. Bananas also give us energy, aid digestion, promote weight loss and protects us from developing Type II diabetes.
Did you know that each banana is about 105 calories and hold very little protein and no fat? Bananas are rich in fiber and antioxidants which are all beneficial to a healthy diet. When the banana is green is it unripe and when it is yellow it is ripe. When dark spots develop, it is over ripe, but perfect for banana bread.
Benefits of Adding Mangoes
A sweet mango not only brings vitamin C but it is known to support healthy heart function. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, that aid immunity, mangoes can help lower the risk of certain cancers. This fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, low in fat as well as cholesterol and sodium free. Combine mangoes with turmeric to boost the health benefits of this triple fruit smoothie.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1½ cup of almond milk
- 10½ oz. of mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- ½ tsp turmeric powder and cinnamon
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
[…] you think about being healthy but have lots of produce that may spoil soon, consider making a smoothie instead of a full meal. This way you increase nutrients and effectively use all the fruits before […]