APPLES & ADAPTOGENS OVERNIGHT PROATS

I absolutely love these overnight oats. They deliver the good ol’ apple-a-day in a tasty brekkie bowl that is packed with fibre, healthy fats, protein, and adaptogens, too!

Apples rank as the second most commonly consumed fruit in the United States, following bananas.  Fortunately, the benefits of eating apples are numerous.  They are a good source of disease and cancer-fighting flavonoid antioxidants as well as soluble fibre.  Fibre helps to reduce cholesterol and promote gastrointestinal health.

Here I have also added a few natural adaptogens, including maca, ashwagandha root powder, and a medicinal mushroom blend (not sponsored).  These are optional but really boost both the taste and nutrition.  More studies are needed, but herbal adaptogens are believed to help the body counteract and adapt to stress.  

Maca Powder

Maca has a slightly earthy, butterscotch taste and is rich in vitamins and minerals.  Touted as the "Incan superfood" owing to its Peruvian origins, maca 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.

Superfood 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 6 different culinary medicinal mushrooms — reishi, chaga, cordyceps, lion's mane, maitake, and turkey tail.  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.

Apples & Adaptogens Overnight Proats Recipe

Ingredients for 2 large servings:

• 2/3 cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats

• 2 Tbsp Further Food collagen OR Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla or Natural protein powder OR one Tbsp of each

• 2 Tbsp white chia seeds or shelled gluten-free hemp seeds

• 2 tsp Plant Burst or Organika maca powder (optional)

• 1 tsp ashwagandha root powder (optional)

• 1 tsp FreshCap Mushrooms Thrive 6 mushroom blend OR Four Sigmatic superfood 10 mushroom blend OR reishi powder (optional)

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 large apple, grated

• 1/3 cup walnut pieces (omit for nut-free)

• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond or nut-free milk (I like to use my Almond Cow to make homemade plant-based milk)

• 3/4 cup canned organic coconut milk

• Lakanto monkfruit sugar-free sweetener, pure stevia, raw honey (nonvegan), or sweetener of choice, adjusted to taste (optional)

• optional toppings: diced apple, walnut pieces, bee pollen and/or a drizzle of Beekeepers Naturals superfood honey with cacao, or toppings of choice

Directions:

1. Put oats, collagen/protein powder, chia seeds, maca, ashwagandha, mushroom blend, cinnamon, apple, walnuts, almond milk, and coconut milk in a bowl or single-serving mason jar(s) and stir well to combine.

2. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for a minimum of 6 hours.

3. In the morning, stir and add additional nondairy milk as need for desired consistency. Serve cold or heated with your choice of toppings.

Apple & Adaptogen Overnight Proats can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Apples & Adaptogens Overnight Proats topped with apple slices, walnuts, and raw cacao honey.