Powerhouse Smoothies

To stay in my monthly food budget, I usually serve breakfast for  supper once a week, plus, it's Joel and Luke's favorite thing for supper. I make oatmeal pancakes with smoothies, but not just any smoothies.  I make Powerhouse Smoothies.  The base of my smoothie is keifer instead of regular yogurt because it is one of the most nutritious probiotics available.  I add frozen mango, frozen berries and coconut milk.  To that I add three special powders that are almost completely masked by the berries, yogurt and coconut milk.  Spirulina powder, Ground Flax seed, and Slippery Elm Bark powder.  It's such a fantastic way to boost my family's nutrient intake without them even knowing it! 


I've listed the almost endless benefits these three little powders contain.  I add about 1 Tablespoon of Slippery Elm Bark powder, 1 Tablespoon of Ground Flax seed, and 1 teaspoon of Spirulina in one pitcher of smoothies which fills 3 good-sized glasses.  These powders can be found in the bulk herbs section of your local health food store ,or you can follow the links I created on each of their names above to purchase them online.  The online prices are pretty close to what I find in the store. 


Please keep in mind, I am in no way a medical professional and I am just sharing out of my family's own experience!  If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. I personally took all three of these supplements through my pregnancies with beautiful results of health and vigor!

Spirulina
-- Blue-green algae that grows on freshwater ponds. Spirulina is 55-70 percent protein by weight and considered my many to be the greatest plant source of usable protein and is rich in B vitamins and gammalinolenic acid (GLA).
--Potential immune system-enhancing, anti-cancer and cholesterol-lowering actions.
--May act to protect the liver, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your body, and fight viral infections such as herpes, HIV and the flu, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
--Offers antihistamine effects
--May help in treating fibromyalgia, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
--Supports your immune system, treats allergic reactions and fights viral infections, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
--Protects your liver from damage and cirrhosis
--Could have the potential to treat oral cancer, antibiotic-induced diarrhea and high cholesterol, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
--Spirulina and other types of blue-green algae may possibly have some uses in suppressing appetite, treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD -- and easing fatigue, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

People with a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid taking spirulina.

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, you should avoid spirulina. Theoretically, it could stimulate your immune system and make your condition worse.

Slippery Elm Bark Powder


Slippery Elm is a “mucilaginous herb that helps absorb toxins in the bowel. In fact, it is very soothing to the entire digestive system. It is useful especially for diarrhea, bowel weakness or as a mild nourishing food for sick children. Since the herb is slightly sweet, it is one that children will often take readily if it is mixed in some cereal, applesauce or fruit juice.”

--An herb from the inner part of the elm bark which is usually sold in a finely ground powder.
--Hails from the elm tree and masquerades under many names: American elm, Indian elm, red elm, moose elm, sweet elm, rock elm, and winged elm.
--It is a very safe and gentle herb and is allergen free(unless you are allergic to elm trees). Slippery Elm Bark herb can be taken by anyone; infants, pregnant women, and the elderly can all enjoy its benefits.
--The soothing properties of the bark benefit both the skin as well as the respiratory and digestive track.
--Contains sodium, potassium, calcium,  iron, selenium, iodine, copper, zinc, phosphorus, bromine, manganese, and vitamins E, F, K, and P
--It is excellent for those who are sick or have cancer or other destructive "wasting" diseases.
--Excellent for Digestive Problems such as indigestion, cramps, ulcers, colitis, gastritis, GI hyper acidity, kidney problems, diarrhea and constipation, wasting diseases, cancer
--It soothes nausea and is not likely to be thrown up

Ground Flax Seed


--Flax seeds are great hormone balancers with their high level of omega-3 fatty acids.
--Flax seed is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which is important for keeping the arteries clean, the heart functioning, and the immune system in good health. 
--Flax will improve your immune system
--Beneficial for healthy skin and hair


My 2 yr old absolutely loves these smoothies, as do Joel and I.  I think you'll love 'em too!