carrot-caek-smoothie-with-nutmeg-sprinkled-on-top

Ingredients

3 medium size carrots, no tops
1 cup milk
1/2 large apple, core and seeds removed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 pitted dates
Pinch of nutmeg, optional

Looking for a healthy smoothie? This carrot cake smoothie is surprisingly good and packed with fiber and antioxidants. The dates add the sweetness and the apple thickens and balances all of the flavors. My kids give this smoothie two thumbs up and you will love it too.

There are so many ways you can customize this smoothie. If you want more protein, add a tablespoon or two of almond butter. For an electrolyte rich smoothie, use the water and white meat from a young coconut. If you like spice and need to boost your immune system, add a 1 inch piece of ginger. Peel the ginger with a spoon if the skin is brown and tough.

I use almond milk but you can use whole, skim, soy or coconut. Try to find a milk without carrageenan. You will be surprised how many organic milks have carrageenan.

Do not peel the carrots. This will save you time and you will benefit from the vitamins in the skin. Use a vegetable scrubber if there is some dirt in the creases. If you are worried about pesticide residue being on the skin of the carrots, then buy organic or grow your own. You can plant the seeds right now for a late fall harvest.

Directions

1) Wash the carrots and cut off the green tops. Wash an apple, cut it in half, and core it. Use a sweet apple like a Honeycrisp.

2) Pour in 1 cup of milk. Roughly chop the three medium sized carrots and throw them into the Vitamix. Add half of the apple, 2 dates, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Blend well. The smoothie should be very smooth.

3) Pour into a glass and add a pinch of nutmeg. Chill in the refrigerator or drink immediately. Serve with apple slices from the other half of the apple. Enjoy!

Why You Want to Drink This!

Carrots

Carrots are rich in vitamin A and K. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, B6, and several other nutrients and antioxidants.
Carrots are believed to have cardiovascular benefits, may improve your vision, and protect you from certain types of cancer including colon cancer.

Apples

An apple a day really can keep the doctor away. Studies show the Vitamin C in apples reduce free radicals in your body which can lower your cholesterol and risk of cancer.
Flavonoids and phytochemicals also reduce your risk of heart disease, asthma, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Apples are rich in fiber, Vitamin A, E, B-6, potassium, calcium and iron.
Make sure you eat the skin since many of the vitamins are in the skin.

Dates

Dates can improve your sleep, help you lose weight, lower your LDL cholesterol, and protect you against age-related macular degeneration.
Dates are rich in fiber, iron, potassium, beta carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, calcium, manganese, and copper.
Dates may help you eat less and naturally sweeten your drinks and meals.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese and fiber. It also has potassium, calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. Cinnamon may help the body regulate blood sugar levels and can be beneficial in high carb foods liked baked breads. The spice helps the body respond to insulin so it may be helpful for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon may be good for individuals with platelet issues or at risk for stroke or heart attacks since Cinnamaldehyde prevents platelets from clogging in the blood vessels.
The smell is invigorating and may help adults and children focus and improve brain activity. ?Research led by Dr. P. Zoladz and presented April 24, 2004, at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, in Sarasota, FL, found that chewing cinnamon flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon enhanced study participants? cognitive processing. Specifically, cinnamon improved participants? scores on tasks related to attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed while working on a computer-based program.? read more

Nutmeg

Rich in copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc and magnesium
Rich in B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin
Volatile oils of Myristicin, Elemicin, Eugenol, Safrole, Pinene, Camphene, Dipentene, Cineole, Linalool, Sabinene, Safrole, Terperniol
Relieves tooth ache, prevents cavities with anitbacterial properties, decreases bad breath
Nutmeg oil is used for muscular pain as well as joint swelling and pain.
Oil mixed with honey relieves nausea and intestinal issues
Myristicin and Elemicin may stimulate the brain. “Myristicin found in nutmeg has been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer?s disease and is used to improve memory.” Complete Well Being
Improve asthma issues
Alleviates gout
Relax muscles and helps you sleep
Clears your acne and eczema