The past six months have been ... full! Lots of exciting changes and news to share with you all. After a little hiatus, we’re back with our Smoothie Spotlight Series! Creamy, luscious and a touch of spicy-sweetness, this smoothie is like no other.
Figs
Ficus carica or fig is a member of the mulberry family. The fig plant is a small shrub or tree that produces over a hundred different varieties, including the Turkish and Black Mission. The tree produces a juicy, sweet fruit with tiny seeds that offer a slight crunch.
Figs are nutrient dense particularly due to their carbohydrate, dietary fiber and mineral content. Soluble and insoluble fibers help regulate digestion and stabilize blood sugar. Figs also contain rich antioxidants and phytochemicals. These compounds provide therapeutic benefits, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic and liver protective effects.
Banana
Food as medicine is evidently shown in bananas. Check out some of our previous posts here and here on the nutrition and benefits. The easily digestible carbohydrates and electrolytes are great options for athletes to support performance and recovery. Those looking to decrease or eliminate refined sugar can use mashed bananas in place of regular sugar. In clinical settings, banana flakes are used for relieving diarrhea in critically ill patients.
Dates
Another form of nature’s candy: dates. We love using dates to sweeten smoothies and our raw, vegan food without adding any refined sugar. Dates are rich in fiber and carbohydrates as well as amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Aside from satiety and blood sugar stabilization, fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol. A recent study concluded that consuming dates could positivity effect labor and delivery by reducing labor interventions.
Tahini
Tahini is a creamy, nutritious paste made from ground hulled sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are basically mineral supplements, rich in magnesium, calcium, iron and selenium. Tahini also contain B vitamins, vitamin E, healthy fats and plant-based protein. The rich mineral content aids in relieving inflammatory conditions, reducing migraines, supporting bone health and reducing cholesterol.
Cardamom
Native to India, this aromatic spice is now cultivated and used around the world. Cardamom is a member of the ginger family whose seeds are found in tiny pods about the size of a cranberry. The warm, spicy-sweet flavor is used therapeutically and as a culinary spice. Similar to ginger, cardamom is used for nausea, vomiting, heartburn and morning sickness. It can stimulate appetite, relieve gas and act as a diuretic.
Lucuma
Typically grown in Peru, Chile and Ecuador, lucuma is the fruit from the Pouteria lucuma tree. Lucuma is rich in beta carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, calcium and protein. Research has identified a relationship between lucuma and cardiovascular health, digestion and skin health. When applied topically, it can aid in wound healing and skin regeneration. Lucuma’s rich mineral and vitamin content benefits anti-inflammation, skin health and digestion. We love adding it to smoothies and other raw treats for its maple-like taste and low glycemic rating.
Rosewater
The benefits of rose transcend floral décor and visual beauty. Rose has been highly regarded in ancient medicine for thousands of years. In Chinese Medicine, rose helps regulate the Shen, or spirit. Rosewater can provide reproductive strength and support to both men and women. Rose is cooling, calming, mood lifting and nurturing. It is balancing and helps provide a sense of ease, something we can all benefit from.
Cashew Mylk
In general, nuts are one of the richest sources of plant-based fats, only second behind vegetable oils. Cashews are nutrient dense, fiber rich and filled with healthy unsaturated fats. They also contain vitamins, such as folate and minerals, like phosphorous, magnesium and manganese. Minerals are important in maintaining a healthy immune system and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Have you tried the Figgy Stardust yet? Some customers love adding blueberries or strawberries. We hope you'll get to enjoy one soon!
In Good Health,
The Nectary
With gratitude, we get by with a little help from our friends …
https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/stone-soup/many-health-benefits-dates/
https://foodandnutrition.org/july-august-2016/tahini-versatile-staple-seriously-good-nutrition/
https://foodandnutrition.org/from-the-magazine/bananas-naturally-sweet-and-simple-fruit-enjoyed-around-the-globe/
https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/stone-soup/help-meet-calcium-needs-non-dairy-sources/
https://nutritionstripped.com/food-index/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cardamom-benefits#section2
https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=614
http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jbb/papers/Volume%203,%20Issue%202/M030295104.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28286995
Photo Credit
Dates https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322548.php
Lucuma https://thechalkboardmag.com/superfood-spotlight-lucuma
Figgy Stardust Photographer Carmen Fowler
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The Nectary does not provide medical advice or treatment nor it is a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before consuming anything mentioned within these posts.