The Healthy Chef – Teresa Cutter

What it’s good for:

Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin C and flavonoids,  the B vitamins, E, A,  folate, pantothenic acid  and the minerals, potassium, magnesium and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system, digestive system and immune system. Papaya is also high in papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins.  This smoothie is also high in  protein including the amino acid glutamine which is known as an anti-catabolic, meaning it helps us lose weight by reducing muscle breakdown and maintaining lean muscle mass.

A spoonful of ground flaxseeds feeds your body with omega 3 EFA’s . Omega-3  fatty acids are termed essential fatty acids (EFAs) because they are critical for good health. However, the body cannot make them on its own. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food, thus making outside sources of these fats “essential.”

A study published in the international journal of obesity stated that a diet rich in omega 3 fats would increase the number of fat calories burned in a single day. Omega 3 enables the burning of dietary fats by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria of our cells for burning as fuel and the other key reason was that omega 3 lowered insulin levels by 50% therefore allowing fat to be used as energy and not stored.

Other health benefits of omega 3 are helping to lower cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure, improves symptoms of arthritis, improves mental health as the brain is 60% fat and needs omega 3 to function properly.

But the best thing about this smoothie is that it tastes GREAT.  !

220 g papaya, cut into chunks
200 ml  natural yoghurt
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
Pinch ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon honey
ice to blend

Combine all the ingredients into a quality high speed blender like a VitaMix.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve immediately and enjoy.

If you’re dairy intolerant use your preferred milk or juice (almond, seed, quinoa, soy)
A scoop of protein powder or spirulina also provides an extra source of amino acids.

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