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BASIL-LOVERS' BLEND SMOOTHIE

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Basil-Lovers’ Blend made with Nuzest Clean Lean Just Natural protein, topped with Rich Greens Mellow Mix microgreens, granola, sweet beet coconut chips, and Eaton Hemp Pink Himalayan Salt toasted hemp seeds.

Basil-Lovers’ Blend made with Nuzest Clean Lean Just Natural protein, topped with Rich Greens Mellow Mix microgreens, granola, sweet beet coconut chips, and Eaton Hemp Pink Himalayan Salt toasted hemp seeds.

If you love basil like me, this vibrant and refreshing basil, spinach and pineapple smoothie defines nutritious-and-delicious!

Basil is a wonderful aromatic herb in the mint family.  There are an estimated 50 to 150 different species of basil.  For this recipe, I used the common sweet or Italian type.  It has a floral aroma and spicy-sweet taste, with hints of pepper, anise and mint.  While many of us are used to thinking about basil as a flavouring agent, it is also a nutritional powerhouse!

Basil is a rich source of vitamins (especially K) & minerals, as well as disease-fighting, anti-aging flavonoid antioxidants.  It also contains volatile oils that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immune-boosting benefits.  Furthermore, studies suggest that basil is a natural detoxifier, "adaptogen", and mood-booster.  Consumption may promote liver detoxification, help the body adapt to stress, and even reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression and PMS.

For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:

BASIL LOVERS BLEND SMOOTHIE WITH TOPPINGS.jpg

  • 1 1/2 cups or more unsweetened almond or cashew milk (or milk of choice), adjusted to desired consistency

  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach

  • 1 cup (loosely packed) fresh sweet basil

  • 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks

  • 1/4 to 1/2 frozen or ripe avocado

  • 2 to 4 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Just Natural or Smooth Vanilla protein powder or Further Food collagen peptides (see note below*)

  • Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener , pure stevia, raw honey, or sweetener or choice, adjusted to taste

  • optional toppings: microgreens (Rich Greens Mellow Mix above), granola, coconut chips, Eaton Hemp toasted hemp seeds, or toppings of choice

 *Note: If you prefer to avoid protein powder, this smoothie also works well using soy milk or with the addition of Greek yogurt.

Basil-Lovers’ Blend made with hemp protein powder (hence the darker colour).

Basil-Lovers’ Blend made with hemp protein powder (hence the darker colour).