Pear Banana Smoothie

The combination of pear, bananas, oats, yogurt and milk make a wholesome, healthy and high protein smoothie suitable for breakfast or an afternoon snack. High level of dietary fiber present in bananas, oats and pears make a filling and satiating smoothie that helps to keep you satiated till the next meal and aids weight loss by limiting total calorie intake throughout the day. Dietary fiber also aids digestion, relieves constipation and promotes complete detox by flushing out the toxins form the colon. Yogurt and milk used in this smoothie add a rich and creamy texture and provide some much needed protein that promotes the formation of lean muscle mass.

Pears are a delicious juicy and crunchy fruit loaded with dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin K. Pears are a low calorie fruit that contain abundant amount of dietary fiber which aids weight loss by improving satiety without adding too many calories. Dietary fiber also aids digestion and helps to cleanse the colon, which in turn reduces the risk of colon cancer. Potassium found in pears helps to lower high blood pressure and maintain proper muscle function. Vitamin C and vitamin A act as powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage and help to maintain healthy skin and eyes. Vitamin K present in pears promotes strong and healthy bones by supporting bone mineralization and it also helps proper blood clotting.

Bananas are a rich source of dietary fiber and potassium. Bananas contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber that helps to improve digestion, relieve constipation, control the level of cholesterol and glucose in the blood and promote weight loss. Potassium present in bananas help to balance blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack and stroke. Vitamin B6 found in bananas supports the production of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that helps to relieve depression and anxiety and improve the mood. Bananas are also rich in vitamin C, folate, magnesium, iron and copper that supports overall health.

Oats are a rich source of dietary fiber protein, vitamins and minerals that makes it a complete food in itself. Oats contain both soluble and insoluble fiber that aids digestion, helps to regulate bowel movement and relieve constipation. Soluble fiber helps to balance blood glucose and cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Plant-based proteins found in oats helps to improve satiety and support the growth and healing of muscles and tissues. Thiamin and folate present in oats support energy metabolism, nervous system function and red blood cell and DNA synthesis. Minerals zinc an iron present in oats support immune system and reproductive health and aids haemoglobin production.

Both yogurt and milk are used as thinning agents in this smoothie that helps to achieve the desired consistency. Milk and yogurt supply wholesome amount of calcium and protein to the smoothie that helps to build strong and healthy bones and tissues and support the growth of lean muscle mass. Calcium also boosts fat burning in the body and aids weight loss. Yogurt is a ferment food that contains abundant amount of probiotic bacteria that supports digestive health and boosts the immune system.

Cinnamon is one of the best sources of antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. Polyphenols known as proanthocyanidins present in cinnamon reduces the harmful effect of inflammation caused by type 2 diabetes.

Here is the recipe…

Ingredients:

• Pear pieces – 1 cup
• Banana – 1 (peeled and chopped)
• Cinnamon – ¼ teaspoon
• Honey – 1 tablespoon
• Oats – ½ cup
• Yogurt – ½ cup
• Milk – ½ cup

Procedure:

• Pour pear and banana pieces in the blender.
• Then add oats, yogurt, cinnamon powder, raw honey and milk to it.
• Blend all these ingredients well at high speed until smooth.
• Consume this healthy smoothie to detox your body, suppress your appetite and to lose your excess weight.
• Regular intake of this smoothie will help to stay fit and healthy.

This is a simple and healthy smoothie loaded with dietary fiber, protein and antioxidants which is beneficial for kids and toddlers. The recipe of this smoothie can be modified to suit a vegan diet by leaving out the honey or substituting it with Stevia.