This basil kiwi smoothie is clean and refreshing! Hopefully it's just what the doctor ordered…
When my husband and I returned from our mini vacation we were greeted by a stuffy, hacking twenty-year-old. Our son has a summer cold. Apparently, he’s not the only one. I heard numerous phlegmy expectorations while shopping for groceries the next morning.
I fear my immune system may be slightly compromised by the number of cocktails I enjoyed the previous week. I decided an extra boost of vitamin C might be in order.
Kiwi Health Benefits
Which foods are rich in vitamin C? Did you say oranges? You might be surprised to learn kiwis contain more vitamin C than the equivalent amount of orange. Kiwis are also rich in:
- Vitamin K
- Copper
- Fiber
- Vitamin E
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Folate
In addition to boosting your immune system, the nutrients in Kiwis may:
- Protect DNA
- Reduce Inflammation
- Control blood sugar and promote cardiovascular and colon health
- Protect against asthma and macular degeneration
Basil Kiwi Smoothie
Basil also offers numerous health benefits, but I use it because I love the taste! The fresh sweet peppery flavor combines well with the invigorating tang of kiwi.
Additionally, I deviated from my standard smoothie-making protocol by using frozen mango in the place of banana. Mango keeps the flavor light and refreshing while packing plenty of fiber. This basil kiwi smoothie won’t make you feel too full, but it will stick with you!
Basil Kiwi Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice milk or choice of plant milk
- ½ cup frozen mango chunks
- ½ cup frozen cut leaf spinach
- 1 kiwi – peeled and quartered
- 4 leaves Italian basil
- ¼ cup raw almonds
- 1 medjool date pitted
Instructions
- Place ingredients in a high-speed blender in the order they are listed.
- Begin blending on lowest setting and slowly turn up to highest setting.
- Blend on high for approximately 30 seconds.
- Serve immediately.
Note: I do not include nutrition information with my recipes because I subscribe to the theories presented in the book Whole and believe we should focus on eating a variety of whole foods instead of counting calories or keeping track of individual nutrients.
I welcome questions and comments!