The combination of pomegranates, banana and yogurt make a wholesome and delicious breakfast smoothie that is easy to make and loaded with nutrients. This is smoothie makes use of just 3 to 4 ingredients but it tastes amazing. Abundance of dietary fiber in both pomegranates and bananas make it a filling smoothie that helps to keep you satiated till the next meal and aids weight loss.
Yogurt provides much needed protein to this smoothie and adds a smooth and creamy texture to it. Replacing yogurt with almond or coconut milk makes it a 100% vegan smoothie suitable for people with restrictive diets.
Pomegranates are a rich source of antioxidants, fiber and B-complex vitamins and it also acts as potent source of energy. The phytonutrients in pomegranates improve cardiovascular, nervous and digestive system health. Abundance of flavanols in pomegranates protects the nervous system and improves brain function such as memory, learning, etc. Polyphenols found in pomegranates support cardiovascular health by preventing the build-up of plaque from oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Pomegranates also contain certain amount of protein; a medium sized fruit contains 5 grams of protein that helps to boost muscle growth and recovery. Vitamin C and vitamin E found in pomegranates also support the muscular system. Fiber present in pomegranates aids digestion by regularizing bowel movement. B-complex vitamins also support healthy digestion by converting fat, carbs and protein into energy efficiently.
Yogurt provides wholesome amount of animal protein to the body that supports the growth and recovery of muscles and tissues. Being a low calorie food it helps to promote weight loss. Calcium present in yogurt speeds up fat breakdown in the body. Calcium and vitamin D also support healthy bones and teeth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and brittle bones.
Being a fermented dairy product, yogurt contains probiotics (live microorganisms) that helps to improve digestion and treat intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, etc. Probiotics in yogurt also improve immune system function and boosting the activity of white blood cells and increasing the production of antibodies that provide protection against certain pathogens. A specific type of probiotic bacteria found in yogurt also provides protection against breast cancer by slowing down tumor growth.
You can use either milk or water as a thinning agent in this recipe. But using milk definitely increases the nutrient quotient of the smoothie. Milk is a rich source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus and vitamin D. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and vitamin support bone health and play important role in muscle contraction, nerve transmission, circulatory health and cellular communication. Calcium content in milk helps to improve body composition by boosting fat breakdown in the body. Vitamin A present in milk
Here is the recipe…
Ingredients:
- Banana – 1 (cut into chunks)
- Pomegranate seeds – 1 cup
- Yogurt – 1/3 cup
- Water/Milk – 1/4 cup (optional)
Procedure:
- Pour pomegranate seeds and banana slices in the blender.
- Then add yogurt and blend well at high speed until smooth.
- Pour this smoothie into your serving glass and have it immediately to grab the nutrients in it.
- Regular intake of this smoothie will help to shed down your excess weight.
This simple and healthy fruit smoothie makes use of fresh, whole ingredients with makes it highly nourishing and helps to make up for any nutritional deficiencies while following a low-calorie diet. The recipe can be modified to suit a vegan diet by substituting yogurt and whole milk with almond milk.
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