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APPLES & ADAPTOGENS SMOOTHIE

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APPLE & ADAPTOGEN SMOOTHIE.jpg

Naked or topped, this is one of my favourite fall smoothies! It delivers the good ol’ apple-a-day in a tasty blend that is packed with probiotics, fibre, healthy fats and protein.

Here I have also added a few natural adaptogens, including maca powder, ashwagandha, and medicinal mushrooms.  These are optional but really boost the taste and nutrition of this amazing shake.  Herbal adaptogens are believed to help the body counteract and adjust to stress.

Maca Powder

Native to Peru, maca has a slightly earthy, butterscotch taste and is rich in vitamins and minerals.  Touted as the "Incan superfood", it has been used for millennia to increase stamina and endurance.  Consumption may help to relieve anxiety while also boosting energy, concentration, and even libido and sexual function in both men and women.  Here I have used gelatinized maca since it is easier to digest.

Ashwagandha Root Powder

Ashwagandha is native to India, Northern Africa and the Middle East.  It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia and is sometimes called "Indian ginseng" because of its ability to reduce the effects of stress and restore a sense of wellbeing.

Ashwagandha is believed to reduce anxiety, support the immune system, and improve energy, memory, concentration, and even sexual potency.

Medicinal Mushroom Blend

I know it may sound funny to add ground-up mushrooms to your morning smoothie.  However, FreshCap Mushrooms Thrive blend provides what I think is a pleasant earthy flavour along with a myriad of potential disease-fighting benefits.  It combines six different culinary medicinal mushrooms, including chaga, cordyceps, lion's mane, and reishi.  These immune-boosting fungi are rich in B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and each species has its own unique health profile.

Lion's mane, for example, has been recognized for its nootropic effects and is believed to boost memory, concentration, and brain function.  Chaga and cordyceps are considered energizing adaptogens because they are thought to improve stamina and endurance while reducing stress and anxiety.  Studies also suggest they may have anti-cancer properties.

For 2 servings, blend until smooth:

  • 1 large apple, cored and diced

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice, adjusted to desired consistency

  • 2/3 cup plain probiotic Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)

  • small handful of steamed-then-frozen cauliflower florets (optional, see note below*)

  • 1 to 2 scoops Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla protein powder (optional)

  • 2 pitted Medjool dates

  • 2 Tbsp raw almond butter (or seed butter for a nut-free option)

  • 1 tsp maca powder (optional)

  • 1/2 tsp FreshCap Mushrooms Thrive 6 mushroom blend (optional)

  • 1/4 tsp ashwagandha root powder (optional)

  • 1/4 tsp or more ground cinnamon, adjusted to taste

  • Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, pure stevia, raw honey, or pure maple syrup, adjusted to taste (optional)

*Notes: I love to add frozen cauliflower to my smoothies for a little veggie boost. Frozen cauliflower adds nutrients and a wonderful creaminess without much flavour.

Apples & Adaptogens Smoothie topped with cinnamon and grain-free granola.

Apples & Adaptogens Smoothie topped with cinnamon and grain-free granola.