Happy Healthy Colon Smoothie
This recipe is a great way to hydrate and heal your colon. It also nourishes your body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
The Ingredients:
- 1 10-ounce bag frozen blueberries
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled and cut into smaller pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
The Directions:
In a blender, puree all the ingredients together. Serve immediately and enjoy! Provides 4 servings.
The Nutrition:
Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants vitamins, and fiber. The fiber in blueberries can alleviate and protect against intestinal inflammations, such as ulcerative colitis. Blueberries contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, and are known to help relieve both diarrhea and constipation. In addition, they’re rich in the soluble fiber pectin, which helps to lower cholesterol as well as help to eliminate harmful substances from the colon. They also contain an antioxidant compound called pterostilbene that inhibits genes involved in inflammation, which is thought to be a risk factor for colon cancer. Blueberries are also a good source of ellagic acid, which is known to block metabolic pathways that may lead to cancer. Adding blueberries to your diet may be a natural way to protect against colon cancer.
Bananas: Bananas are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, and potassium. The vitamin B6 in bananas is one of many of the banana’s anti-cancer benefits, by helping to inhibit DNA strand breaks. Bananas are also loaded with phytochemicals that help neutralize free radicals. They are also an easy way to help prevent constipation. Their high fiber content helps to encourage movement of the digestive tract. For stomach health, the banana has a natural antacid effect that neutralizes hydrochloric acid and stimulates production of mucus in the stomach which helps to prevent and heal irritation of the stomach lining.
Yogurt: The probiotic bacteria in yogurt balances your intestinal flora, and prevents the colonization of potential pathogens. The byproducts of yogurt digestion increase your colon acidity and create an inhibitory shield against polyps and tumor formation. Yogurt is also the best source for easily absorbable calcium and vitamin D. Deficiency of these two nutrients can elevate your risk of colon cancer. Eating yogurt each day is one of the best things you can do for your intestinal health.
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is very beneficial for colon health. It is high in a type of saturated fat called medium-chain fatty acids, which are processed differently than saturated fat from animal products. Unlike saturated fat from dairy products and meat, medium-chain fatty acids are absorbed quickly by your body and used for energy instead of being stored in adipose tissue for later use. Some research studies indicate that compounds in coconut milk may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Some of the fatty acids in coconut milk, such as lauric, capric and caprylic acids, display antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can enhance immune function. If you are struggling with constipation, coconut milk is also considered a good natural laxative.
Honey: Studies have shown natural honey to be beneficial in both stomach and lower intestinal tract (colon). Bacteria called H. pylori have been proven to cause stomach ulcers, and natural honey inhibits their growth. Honey provides the probiotics (live microbes) to increase the amount of healthy bacteria in the gut. It also provides the probiotics that stimulate the activity of beneficial bacteria already in the GI tract. Check with your local Farmer’s Market to find natural honey in your area.
Nutrition per serving (1 cup)
- Calories : 300
- Fat: 15 grams
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbohydrate: 43 grams
- Sugar: 28 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
Recipe Adapted By Dacia Lyn Breeden
Photo credit: Jay Day Images http://www.jaydayimages.com/