Enjoy the cool and refreshing taste of cantaloupes and pineapples for breakfast with this delicious and healthy smoothie loaded with dietary fiber, antioxidants and nutrients. This is a low calorie smoothie that aids weight loss by keeping you satiated and preventing overeating and unhealthy snacking. Almond milk used in this smoothie instead of whole milk adds a mellow sweetness, nutty flavour and a wholesome amount of vitamins and minerals. Although, honey is used in this recipe to add a hint of sweetness, but those following a vegan diet can leave it out or replace it with Stevia and have this smoothie.
Cantaloupe is a hydrating and filling fruit loaded with water and dietary fiber which helps to prevent dehydration and helps to improve satiety. Cantaloupes also contain wholesome amount of beta-carotene that converts into vitamin A in the body and helps to maintain healthy eyes, healthy immune system and healthy red blood cells. Abundance of vitamin C in cantaloupes helps to boost collagen production in the skin, bones, muscles and blood vessels. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent inflammation and provide protection against cancer, asthma and diabetes. Cantaloupes contain high level of folate (vitamin B9) that helps to prevent memory loss due to aging, reduce the risk of some cancers and prevents neural tube birth defects.
Pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin C and manganese along with dietary fiber and enzyme bromelain. High level of vitamin C in pineapples helps to boost immune system function, fight free radicals and reduce the risk of heart disease. Mineral manganese found in pineapples helps to develop strong bones and connective tissues and reduces the risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Antioxidants present in pineapples protect eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. High level of dietary fiber in pineapples along with enzyme bromelain aids digestion by regularizing bowel movement and supporting the breakdown of protein from foods. Bromelain also helps to reduce excessive coagulation of the blood and reduces blood clotting.
Almond milk used in this smoothie as a thinning agent is a healthy low calorie substitute for whole milk which aids weight loss. Almond milk also contains considerable amount of protein that helps to boost metabolism and promote growth and recovery of muscles and tissues. Healthy fats and vitamin E content in almond milk helps to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering the level of harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increase the level of healthy HDL cholesterol. Being dairy-free milk, it is suitable for people vegans and people having lactose intolerance.
Here is the recipe…
Ingredients:
- Cantaloupe pieces – 1 cup
- Pineapple chunks – 1 cup
- Honey – 1 tablespoon
- Almond milk – ½ cup
Procedure:
- Toss cantaloupe and pineapple pieces in the blender.
- Then pour raw honey and unsweetened almond milk in the blender.
- Blend all these on high speed until smooth.
- Drink this smoothie to get all those essential nutrients and to stay fit and healthy.
This is a 100% gluten and dairy-free smoothie recipe suitable for people with gluten and lactose intolerance and those trying to avoid dairy in their diet. This recipe can also be modified to suit vegans by simply leaving out the honey or substituting it with Stevia.
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