10 Herbs & Spices For Smoothies


Here is a list of 10 herbs and spices you can add to your future smoothie mixes!

1. Rosemary
Not many people know that rosemary contains carnosic acid and carnosol which are great anti-inflammatory compounds. These two compounds inhibit COX-2, an enzyme that causes pain and inflammation in the body. Nitric oxide was also inhibited by rosemary extract, which also plays an inflammatory role in the body. Rosemary also elevates mood, helps with migraines and prevents cancer. Adding a bit of rosemary in your smoothies or juices (1-2 tsp) is a wonderful way to reap these benefits. 









2. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper helps to ease upset stomachs, ulcers, sore throats, coughs, and diarrhea. It also helps to break up and move congested mucus. Cayenne is also an anti-fungal and anti-allergen and aids the digestive tract by stimulating it and increasing the flow and production of enzymes and gastric juices. This helps the body metabolize food and toxins! Don't add too much cayenne to your smoothies in the beginning - adding 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. at a time is more than enough (depending on the degree of hotness you purchase it)








3. Turmeric
Turmeric helps support your immune system, digestive system, bones and joints, as well as cardiovascular system. It is an all around power root that is known for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body! It can help prevent and slow the growth of cancer. It is a natural liver detoxifier and may prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. It is also a natural painkiller, may aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management and speeds up wound healing and assists in remodelling of damaged skin! Add a couple teaspoons to your next smoothie (or juice it fresh), to start seeing changes in your health!





4. Mint
Mint is a great appetizer and promotes digestion - it also soothes the stomach in cases of indigestion and inflammation. The strong aroma of mint is very effective in clearing congestive issues of the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs, which helps give relief from asthma and colds. It also makes the breath smell wonderful (it is a powerful germicidal) by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth and by cleaning the tongue and teeth. Certain enzymes in mint may also help prevent cancer. I love adding mint to my smoothies. I usually add 3-4 leaves for each smoothie I make. 









5. Cilantro
Cilantro is known for its heavy metal detoxification benefits. It has been found to remove heavy metals from the body by binding to the toxic metals and loosening them from the tissues. Not only that, but cilantro helps prevent cardiovascular damage, has powerful anti-diabetic and blood-sugar lowering activity, is a powerful anti-anxiety herb and is a natural internal deodorant. This herb can be added to smoothies in large quantities. Make a banana, mango, cilantro smoothie to help ease the stronger taste of cilantro with the satisfyingly sweet taste of banana and mango!









6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great addition to any smoothie. Numerous studies have shown that cinnamon regulates blood sugar and so it is a wonderful choice for those suffering from diabetes or hypoglycemia. Cinnamon reduces LDL cholesterol too, and has natural anti-infectious compounds that have been shown to be effective against ulcer-causing H. pylori bacteria. Cinnamon has also been shown to reduce pain linked to arthritis and may reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. Adding 1-2 tsp. of cinnamon to your daily smoothie routine is a great way to start healing your body naturally!













7. Ginger
Ginger is great at stimulating the digestive juices and increasing appetite as well as improving the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. Ginger maintains normal blood circulation (due to its high levels of chromium, magnesium and zinc) which can help to improve blood flow as well as prevent chills, fever and excessive sweating. It is great for reducing the symptoms associated with motion sickness and is wonderful at preventing the cold and flu (it has great anti-inflammatory properties). Shave in an inch or two of ginger into your smoothie (combining it with cinnamon makes your smoothie taste like a ginger snap cookie), or juice it whole in your juices. 







8. Cloves
Cloves are very high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. It is loaded with antioxidants that protect against free radicals and oxidative damage. Cloves are also wonderful for those dealing with lots of gas and bloating. It reduces gas pressure in the stomach and aids in the proper elimination of food and toxins. Cloves help to encourage healthy gums and teeth and is a traditional remedy for relieving pain associated with toothaches, sore gums and oral ulcers. This spice is also resistant to inflammation and may provide protection against brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease which are mostly cause by chronic inflammation. For smoothies, add 1-2 tsp of clove powder or fresh cloves. 








9. Vanilla
A number one benefit of vanilla is its ability to reduce nausea. The mere scent of vanilla has also been shown to assist people in losing weight. If you deal with high anxiety or stress, vanilla may be of great help (again, the scent of vanilla is very calming and relaxing, and thus helps individuals dealing with stress). Historically, vanilla was used to help heal wounds, and is used to this day to help in the clearing and cleansing of minor wounds. Vanilla is a great addition to any smoothie - I would recommend using 1-2 tsp of fresh vanilla bean or raw vanilla bean powder in your smoothie mixes. 











10. Nutmeg
Nutmeg aids in sleep and helps keep the immune system strong. It can also be used to make your skin look clearer and brighter within just a few days and can help reduce scarring and alleviate bad acne. Nutmeg has also been used for centuries for relieving digestive problems and aiding in proper dental care. Not only that, but nutmeg contains a natural organic compounds called myristicin, which is known to shield your brain against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. For smoothies, add in 1-2 tsp. fresh nutmeg powder.











If you want an amazing blender, I highly suggest you purchase a vitamix! It makes the smoothest, most creamiest smoothies, raw soups and sauces I have ever experienced! If you purchase a vitamix through Live Love Fruit, you will get FREE shipping and handling! Click HERE to purchase.
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1 comments:

  1. Send Flower Pakistan5 December 2014 at 21:27

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Meet The Author

Carly is a blogger, raw vegan, and nutrition enthusiast! She emphasizes healthy eating through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Carly has taken her life-long passion of helping others and combined it with her passion for eating whole, raw foods, as a means to teach people to become more aware of the foods they eat. She has inspired and motivated thousands of individuals to critically think about what they put in their movies and to move towards a mind-set that helps them increase their consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. She enjoys reading, and learning about the body, food processing mechanisms and has a keen interest in detox and life regeneration. "Eat fruit, and be happy and energized. Eat greens and other mineral dense vegetables and feel calm and steady. A recipe for good health!"

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