Green-a-Colada Summer Smoothie

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as an ice cold pineapple flavored smoothie on a hot Summers day. Now throw some alkalizing green goodness into the mix, and viola! A Green-a-Colada Summer Smoothie is created. The perfect summer drink.

With the creamy addition of coconut milk, the sweetness of the pineapple is subtly toned down into a perfectly delectable mixture of bold flavors that balance each other out beautifully. You actually can barely taste the Organic Barley Grass powder, which gives this smoothie its gorgeous green hue, as well as it’s super alkalizing and immune boosting benefits.

Why Use Raw Organic Vegetable Powders?

I love the idea of having an abundant vegetable garden, overflowing with goodness, but in all honesty – I’m a pretty crappy gardener. I have my little patch of herbs, which I’m doing pretty well at keeping alive, but as for a full on garden – nope, definitely do not have one of those. I might put it down to not having enough space to grow one, but then again, I could just be making excuses ?

So, you see, this is why I find raw organic vegetable powders so incredibly handy to have in the fridge, as they can instantly boost the nutritional value of a smoothie (or recipe) with minimal effort. My current favorite are a few from the Chantal Organics range, particularly the Raw Carrot Powder, Raw Organic Beetroot Powder and the Raw Organic Barley Grass Powder – which is one of the stars in this week’s recipe.

Nutritional Benefits of Barley Grass Powder

Barley is a multi-nutrient rich super food loaded with vitamins such as

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

It contains an abundance of electrolytes such as magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium along with other essential minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium. Barley grass is also a rich provider of powerful antioxidants, essential amino acids, and beneficial enzymes. It supplies the valuable fiber to the body and does not offer any harmful cholesterol.

Boosts Immune System

Barley grass supports in boosting the immune defense mechanism of the body. Regular consumption of barley grass provides the required nutrition which is necessary for balancing the optimal production of immune cells in the body.

Natural Detoxifier

The cleansing ability of barley grass is effective in eliminating the accumulated harmful heavy metals including lead which may cause behavior and learning disorders, particularly in kids. The major contributors behind the act of detoxification are trace elements zinc, selenium, and copper. Furthermore, an abundance of chlorophyll and beta-carotene in barley grass stimulates the eradication of waste materials such as mucus and crystallized acids. It also supports the metabolic processes and aids in strengthening and detoxifying the liver.

Reduces Excess Acidity

It beneficially contributes in establishing the acid-alkali balance of the body attributing to its super alkaline nature. It is a natural alkaline source which helps in reducing the excess acidity in the body which may cause acidosis damage.

Protects against UV Radiation

Another beneficial effect of barley grass is its protective action against the cell destructing effects of UV radiation. It helps to prevent as well as extends a therapeutic relief on the existing damaged cell owing to the presence of superoxide dismutase enzymes.

Antioxidant Power

Barley grass has impressive antioxidants. Along with vitamin E and beta-carotene, barley grass is the most potent supplier of healthy and critical enzyme superoxide dismutase which helps to neutralize the effects of oxygen free radicals produced during energy metabolism. Source

Hope you enjoyed this recipe, and for all of you in the Southern Hemisphere – Happy Summer 🙂 and Happy Winter to those in chillier parts of the world 😉