We know what you are thinking. Broccoli and lettuce in a smoothie? It sounds... a bit too healthy, right? But trust us. Cajá gives more than enough fruity flavour to this drink for it to become one of your favorites.
In Latin America, Cajá is often associated with weight loss - the fruit has almost no calories and is a rich source of fibers which help in the proper functioning of the intestine and leave you satisfied for more time. But it's so more than just low-cal! Cajá is also a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium and essential minerals that work in the prevention of osteoporosis and other diseases that can affect our bones or muscles. Potassium also improves our circulatory health, aiding blood circulation and preventing clogging of arteries. The little yellow fruit is extremely rich in vitamin C, a substance that acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals. With so many health benefits while being low calorie, it is only natural that Cajá is used in Detox and Immunity boosting smoothies like this one.
Cajá is the star here, but this Smoothie has two easy to find vegetables that also bring a lot to your glass - broccoli and lettuce. Broccoli is rich in nutrients and minerals with numerous health benefits, especially for digestion, the cardiovascular and immune systems. Lettuce brings health benefits such as helping to lose weight and to control blood glucose, as it is rich in fibers that give satiety and decrease the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine.
Take this smoothie to the next level by adding Amaranth. Amaranth is a nutritious, gluten-free grain that provides plenty of fiber, protein and micronutrients. It has been associated with a number of health benefits, including reduced inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels and weight loss. You can find Amaranth in your local Bio-markt, but you can also substitute for other fiber-rich grains like Oats.
Ingredients
For a 500ml smoothie:
- 1x Tropix Cajá
- 100ml natural yogurt
- 2 lettuce leaves
- 2 broccoli flowers
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 200ml water
- 1 tbsp flaked amaranth, oats or other grains (Optional)
Preparation
Run the pulp pack under warm water for a few seconds. This helps soften the pulp just enough so that it’s a little easier to slip out of its packaging. Combine the pulp, lettuce leaves, broccoli flowers, yogurt and amaranth in a blender and mix at low speed until smooth, about 1-2 minutes, adding water slowly until you reach your desired consistency. Add honey to taste and enjoy it chilled as a healthy breakfast or after-workout smoothie.
