Creamy, sweet and good for you! My Pecan Pear & Cranberry Smoothie is a perfect mid morning snack or afternoon sweet treat, with plenty of benefits and here’s why…
Cranberries
Cranberries – not to be confused with the 90’s band … zombies or anything that lingers these tiny but mighty fruits are high in nutrients and antixodants and have been deemed pretty beneficial for the old bod. Or the young bod … I don’t want to discriminate.
These bountiful berries contain high amounts of phytochemicals called pro-anthocyanidins (PAC’s). Some studies have shown that eating these babies could have potential health benefits against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial infections.
For more information on all sorts of berry goodness head on over to my Berry Goodness blog! It’s berry nice ….
Pecans
Nuts are all the rage. They are full of healthy fats, minerals, proteins and are a great on-the-go snack. You’ll be so on trend with this smoothie in your hand.
Pecans are particularly great because they contain high amounts of fibre, boosting our heart health and our digestive health.
Pecans are also rich in magnesium, which aids as an anti-inflammatory. They can help to strengthen our immune system which is perfect for those colder times of the year and If that isn’t enough to do the pecan can, because pecans are rich in vitamins A, E and zinc they help to keep our skin clear gorgeous, glowing and youthful!
Pears
High in fibre, B2, C and potassium pears certainly do pack a punch for your health.
Pears are said to be perfect for helping at preventing your risk of high blood pressure, the antioxidants fight free radicals to prevents cancer, they contain high pectin levels which lower our cholesterol and also keeps our digestive systems moving and grooving and … they are a super immune booster and a cooling food helping to reduce inflammation, particularly in the digestive tract. Cool ehy?
For my sing-a-song buddies out there … pear juice is used in chinese medicine for it’s healing properties for the throat and vocal chords so if your suffering try drinking pear juice morning and night and you’ll be singing like a canary!
Pecan Pear & Cranberry Smoothie
Makes: 2L
Serves: 2-4
Equipment:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 pears
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans
- 3-5 raspberries
- tsp cinnamon
- tsp raw honey
- 1-2 cups ice
Method:
- Put all the smoothie ingredients into the Vitamix 2L container in the order listed and secure the lid.
- Select Variable 1. Turn the machine on and quickly increase the speed to 10, then override to High.
- Use tamper to effectively press the ingredients into the blades if required whilst processing if necessary.
- Blend for 60 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.
- Stop the machine, poor into your glass. Add some freshly grated ginger as a garnish or some fresh mint chopped up to top it off.
- Enjoy!
Make sure you use a good quality high powered blender to ensure a smooth and creamy blend every time! We can’t go past the Vitamix.