Plant-Based Protein Pick Me Up: Banana Almond Blackberry Protein Smoothie

I love to make this healthy and delicious plant-protein smoothie when I need a quick pick me up.

Whether for breakfast, lunch, post-workout fuel or for a snack, the ingredients in this creamy,

nutrient rich blend pack a powerful punch!

When I found organic blackberries in my local greenmarket, I happily purchased several containers

and used them as the centerpiece for my smoothies, cereals, parfaits and fruit salads all week.

Blackberries are noted for their high nutritional contents of dietary fiber– both soluble and insoluble–

vitamin C, and vitamin K.

One cup of blackberries (144 g) has an average of 7.6 g of fiber.

Dietary fiber is important in maintaining a healthy digestive system, as it supports regular bowel

movements.

Blacberries are an excellent source of vitamin-C (100 g of berries contain 23 mg or 35% of RDA), which is

a powerful natural antioxidant.

Vtamin C helps develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation, and scavenge harmful

free radicals from the human body.

The large seeds found in blackberries contain oil rich in omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and -6 fats

(linoleic acid) as well as protein, dietary fiber, carotenoids, ellagitannins and ellagic acid.

Blackberries have significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as anthocyanins,

ellagic acid, tannin), quercetin, gallic acid, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol, and salicylic acid.

These antioxidant compounds may have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation, and

neurological diseases.

In fact, blackberry has been placed at the top of more than 1000 polyphenol-rich foods consumed in the

United States by some researchers.

They also provide adequate levels of vitamin A, vitamin E and are rich in several other health promoting

flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin, and ß-carotene in small amounts.

These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive

oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

In addition, blackberries provide a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and

magnesium.

In addition to banana, orange and almonds, I like to add a plant-based protein powder such as

RAW Protein Powder for extra protein and nutrients.

I used RAW Protein Powder for several good reasons:

• Provides raw organic sprouted protein and live probiotics and enzymes
• Excellent source of protein 17 grams and 33% daily value
• Contains vitamin code raw food-created nutrients with their unique code
• Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets
• Easily digested supports digestive health and function with live probiotics and protein-digesting enzymes

Try this healthy and delicious smoothie recipe to benefit from dark, juicy blackberries and plant-based protein.

Banana Almond Blackberry Protein Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup organic blackberries

1 organic frozen banana

1 organic orange

1 cup organic raw almonds, soaked overnight

1 teaspoon organic cinammon

2 scoops RAW Protein Powder or vegan protein powder of choice

1 cup organic almond or hemp milk

1 tablespoon organic coconut oil – optional

Directions

Add ingredients to a high speed blender. (I use Vita-Mix)

Blend until smooth.

Taste the smoothie–add more liquid if it is too thick and blend again.

Blend in a dash of maple syrup, coconut palm sugar, organic stevia, or sweetener or choice,

if a sweeter smoothie is desired.

Pour the smoothie into your favorite glass or mason jar.

Drink up and enjoy!

What’s in your smoothie today?

What are your favorite ways to enjoy blacberries?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

“Shared on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday”