Cinderella Didn't Make it to the Ball Smoothie

Cinderella didn't make it to the ball because Halloween is just around the corner so someone has actually turned her pumpkin into this luscious smoothie! Hold your horses....before you jump the gun and think how 'wicked' that is.... and if you be patient with me, I'll let you know later that Cinderella is actually in for a real treat!

Admitedly I am a dreamer. I could stay home and take 5-10 minutes just to day dream and if no one disturbs me or if I am not in a rush for my appointments or other engagements, my imagination will continue to skip, hop and jump away on some sweet escapades. I guess this is my daily potion of dessert for my soul.

Snap out of my dream, you'll find me at home busy with chores like many of you and Cinderella. So, what would be a better way to immediately quench your thirst and replenish the nutrients in your body with a jar packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals smoothie?!

Go on and quench your thirst of day dreams with Cinderella Didn't Make it to the Ball Smoothie. While you are savouring the silky smooth sweet and creamy taste from each sip, remember to go down that journey of sweet-day dreaming and share with me some exciting stories if you must! I'll be all ears. Dreams do come true. First and foremost, get on the Day-Dreaming Train. And your train ticket is your Cinderella Did'nt Make it to the Ball Smoothie. Ahak!

Why is Cinderella in for a real treat?

Pumpkin:

Pumpkin stores many vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals such as:

• vitamin A (promotes good vision, maintainence of the integrity of skin and mucus membranes, help a body protects against lung and oral cavity cancers)

• vitamin C (strengthen immune system, protection against cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. Other important roles include help detoxify our bodies, promotes healing of all of our cells, and allows us to better deal with stress. It also supports the good bacteria in our gut, destroys detrimental bacteria and viruses, neutralizes harmful free radicals, removes heavy metals, protects us from pollution including responsible for creating and mantaining collagen)

• vitamin E (promotes the circulation of blood to the scalp, helps alleviate fatigue, strengthen capillary walls while nourishing the cells and helps the healing process)

• vitamin B (promotes glowing skin, strong immune system, healthy nervous system and calmness) and

• dietary fiber (promotes healthy digestive system, healthy heart as a diet high in fiber resulted in 40% lower risk of coronary heart disease as highlighted in one Harvard study, keeps your appetite at bay so you eat less overall, facilitates in lessening the blood LDL cholesterol level and regulates the blood sugar level).

Mineral wise, it’s rich with:

• potassium (great post workout drink for muscles and electrolytes recovery),

• iron (promotes healthy red blood cells which is the basis of hemoglobin formation which contributes to regular body temperature, healthy enzyme activity and energy metabolism),

• calsium (promotes healthy bone development), magnesium (helps to relax blood vessels which alleviate migraines, reduces Type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy blood sugar control, promotes healthy bones and teeth formation too),

• phosphorus (required by the body for bone and teeth formation as calcium alone can't build strong bones and tissues)

• copper (promotes proper growth of the body, efficient utilization of iron, proper enzymatic reactions, as well as improved health of connective tissues, hair, and eyes. Copper is also integral for preventing premature aging and increasing energy production)

• manganese (an antioxidant that helps to prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production as well as to protect red blood cells and other cells from injury by free radicals),

• sodium (balances fluids in the body, helps send nerve impulses, needed for muscle contractions, influences blood pressure and even modest reductions in sodium consumption can lower blood pressure)

• zinc (contributes to male sexual health - the high content of zinc and carotenoids help protect against prostate cancer as zinc and carotenoids prevent enlargement of the prostate and over-stimulation of the male hormones that cause prostate problems).

Pumpkin has high amounts of phytosterols that is similar to our human cholesterol. Therefore, it can replace and normalize the cholesterol to a healthy level.

Rich also with L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that our body cannot produce. When this chemical compound is presence, it activates the feeling of happiness and well-being, reducing the depressed mood.

Yes you can consume raw pumpkin. Raw pumpkin juice is natural diuretic, which is very useful for getting rid of toxins and useless waste materials by flushing them out of the body. If you are thinking of detoxing, add pumpkin on your detox list.

These healthful properties are best obtained by drinking of its juice regularly.

Avocado:

A few health benefits to mention such as they contain more potassium than bananas, loaded with heart-healthy monosaturated fatty acids, packed with fiber, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels which promotes healthy heart, the fat promotes better nutrient adsorption from plant foods (these are fat soluble nutrients such as Vit A, D, E and K including antioxidants such as carotenoids), rich in powerful antioxidants that can protect the eyes (Lutein and Zeaxanthin), may help prevent cancer, may help relieve symptoms of arthritis, promotes a healthy body weight and the monosaturated fats are beneficial for our skin (vital for maintaining good moisture and reduces the visible signs of aging).

Wonder no more as to why it has become outrageously popular food among health conscious individuals!

(!) Precaution: If you think you are allergic to avocado, then best to consult your doctor before consuming Avocado. Avocado allegies are associated with coughing, wheezing, nasal stuffness to name a few.

Quinoa:

This ancient grain was found about three to four thousands years ago by the Incas. And today, it is categorised as superfood and is no longer a stranger amongst health and allergen conscious individuals. It is gluten free too.

It is one of of the most protein-rich foods which contains a complete nine essential amino acids with twice as much fiber as most other grains. It is also rich in iron, magnesium, riboflavin (B2) and manganese.

Apricot:

Rich in Vit A, Potassium and dietary fibre!

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon regulates blood sugar, with anti-inflammatory properties Cinnamon helps to reduce pain linked to arthritis, helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Its antimicrobial properties make it suitable to act as natural food preservatives.

Cinnamon contains fiber, calcium, iron and manganese. Additionally, it contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde which helps in balancing the progesterone and testosterone hormones in the body.Therefore it is effective for menstrual pain and infertility.

I love cinnamon as it helps my condition. I will introduce it further in my later post. For now, you can be sure to add a dash or two cinnamon powder in your porridge or drinks. It is excellent to be paired with carbohydrates as it has the ability to balance the rate at which food is broken down for glucose to be released in the body resulting in a steady and sustained release of energy.

(!) Precaution: not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if in doubt.

For the recipe, here it is.

Serves 1-2 (depends if you want to share it or not. My recommendation is to share).

Ingredients:

2 1/2 -3 cups of quinoa milk depending on the consistency you desire. Here you can also use almond or rice milk if you prefer.

2 cups of diced pumpkin

1 avocado

5 dried apricots

1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 cup Ice cubes

Put all ingredients into a blender and press ON the button.

Though Cinderella didn't make it to the ball, her body would be thankful for all the nutrients. She is better off without the ball - there shall be no glass slippers (no missing one too), no anxiety of waiting to be found by her prince charming, I'd say!

Enjoy and you will glow from within and may your dreams come true!

Lots of love,

Aina

#dairyfree #glutenfree #plantbased