Cinnamon Spirulina Detox Smoothie

I was hanging with my friend Polly the other day, and we laughed when we said that you could put the word “detox” in front of anything these days and it would become super popular (which seems to be the trend these days). Don’t get me wrong, I love a good detox and reset, but it’s just funny how one word can spark so much! I think we all want to be “clean” and reset from a super toxic world and busy lifestyle. We crave a reset and to feel lighter and more energetic, especially around the holidays.

Detox or no detox, this smoothie bowl is the perfect little reset to the body between all of the Christmas cookies. It tastes like a holiday treat with the cinnamon and vanilla, it’s not too fruit heavy and has a great balance with the greens, fats, and plant-based protein, and other spices in the smoothie really bring the detox elements with all of their anti-inflammatory properties (listed below!).

You can enjoy this smoothie on its own or you can top with nuts, chia seeds, nut butter (oil free), or whatever toppings you’d like. The less processed, the better! I went with roatsted roasted walnuts, almonds, Spanish peanuts, almond butter, gluten-free oats, and chocolate chips and a Sakara bar as a little treat from the pantry.

If you make it, let me know what you think and share it with me. :) and have a happy, healthy holidays, beautiful humans. ❤️

Ingredients:

• 1/2 fresh banana

• 1/2 cup 1-inch zucchini cubes (preferably frozen. See my Smoothie 101 blog for more details on how to do this)

• 1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries

• 1 cup of packed raw, organic spinach

• 1/2 large fresh organic avocado, or 1 whole small one

• 1 teaspoon spirulina powder

• 2 teaspoons organic ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon organic ground turmeric

• a pinch organic ground black pepper

• 1 - 1.25 cups unsweetened almond milk

Recipe:

• Blend all ingredients on low working your way up to high for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Pour into your bowl and top with your favorite toppings. Pro tip: it’s best enjoyed with a Christmas Movie or Great British Bake Off with a friend. :)

Detox nutrient info:

— Cinnamon has extremely high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been found to have effects on blood pressure, lipid profile, and other cardioprotective properties, as well has central nervous system benefits. Cinnamon contains phytochemicals that boost the brains ability to utilize glucose, which has the potential to help regulate glucose levels in those with diabetes, which is what it is most famous for. (1) (2)

— Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is one of the highest sources of plant-based protein, and is extremely high in B12, beta-carotene (provitamin A), and iron. It’s also rich in phenolic acids, which promote anti-inflammation pathways in the body, and is very easily digested. It increases healthy lactobacillus (the good bacteria) in the intestine, and it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells. It has been shown to help immune modulation by helping with overall nutritional deficiencies. A recent study showed the potential effect of spirulina to lower blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol while increasing in HDL cholesterol in ischemic heart patients given spirulina supplements. (3)

— Turmeric has been well documented for its curcumin properties, which give it is beautiful yellow color. Curcumin has been shown to play a potential role in preventing cancers, lung disease, and brain disease, as has been shown to help speed recovery after surgery and even effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties while consumed in its raw form. Even just 1/8 of a teaspoon can reduce the DNA damage of blood cells against free radicals. The curcumin in turmeric is most bioavailable in the body when combined with piperine from black pepper. (2) (4)

References:

1) Kawatra P, Rajagopalan R. Cinnamon: Mystic powers of a minute ingredient. Pharmacognosy Res. 2015;7(Suppl 1):S1-S6. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.157990

2) Greger M, Stone G. How Not to Die. Pan Books Ltd; 2017.

3) Karkos PD, Leong SC, Karkos CD, Sivaji N, Assimakopoulos DA. Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:531053. doi:10.1093/ecam/nen058

4) Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017;6(10):92. Published 2017 Oct 22. doi:10.3390/foods6100092