Camu
Acai
Maqui
Number one rule for smoothies is that they must be delicious. The best way to make that happen is to use frozen bananas in each batch. Bananas give a smoothie the right consistency and sweetness. Then add whatever fruit you are in the mood for: frozen pineapple, berries, mangos, peach…..the sky is the limit here! You can add some dark leafy greens like spinach, kale or chard for extra nutrients and a beautiful green color. You want to add some liquid to it, so you don’t kill your blender: water, coconut water, nut milk or juice are all fine choices. You can add additional flavor by adding cocoa or carob powder, and play with Liquid Stevia which comes in an array of flavors like raspberry chocolate and vanilla cream now (available through Frontier).
Last, but not least, you want to add your super foods: spirulina, bee pollen, flax seeds, kelp powder, and – what we will discuss here today – camu, acai and maqui.
Camu fruits are the highest documented source of vitamin C - providing 200 times more than a banana, 56 times more than a lemon, and 30-60 times more than an orange. Camu also contains a broad range of other important nutrients including potent antioxidants, phytochemicals and amino acids, as well as many important vitamins and minerals including beta-carotene and potassium. In addition to adding it to your smoothies, you can also use it to make dressings, desserts, use in beverages or in yogurt. It is also amazing for your skin! Blend some of the powder with rose water (from Frontier) and apply it as a mask to your face. It reduces wrinkles and bathes your skin in anti-oxidants for radiant looking skin.
Acai has a flavor that's somewhere between chocolate and wild berries, and its abundant (and super healthy) omega fatty acid content gives acai a unique and creamy texture. Acai has a high antioxidant profile found as well as protein and fiber which help to keep you feeling full throughout your day. It contains a vast array of nutritious vitamins and minerals including B-vitamins, vitamin K, potassium and manganese, and potent antioxidants like resveratrol. Acai is also a great source of oleic and linoleic acids - essential omega fats. Omega fatty acids are terrific for promoting glowing skin and hair.
Maqui are rich, dark purple berries which contain more antioxidants than any discovered food on earth, making them an excellent addition to any diet. The Maqui berry has a wonderful, slightly tart flavor that has been described as having hints of blackberry, blueberry, watermelon and acai. Maqui berries have been found to have an incredibly high ORAC value (more than four times higher than blueberries and twice as much as acai berries), which measures the antioxidant capacity of foods. Maqui berries contain the antioxidant flavonoids called anthocyanins and polyphenols, and they also contain a healthy roster of fundamental nutrients including vitamins A, C and E, along with several important minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium. You can also use it in cereal, muffins, granola, yogurt and beverages.