National Smoothie Day (Summer Solstice)

On the first day of summer, also known as national smoothie day, we would like to send out a public service announcement to please protect your digestion and enjoy those smoothies warm.

Wait a second, WARM???? Yup, that’s right. Especially if you plan on starting your day with that smoothie, it is best to support your digestion, which wants to be warm, by taking in your nutrients at a temperature closer to room temperature or adding warming ingredients into your smoothie to support metabolism such as ginger, cinnamon, or tumeric. If you usually use frozen berries, try taking them out of the freezer the night before and allowing them to thaw first. Instead of a banana, try half an avocado for creaminess. Drinking the smoothie at the warmest time of the day (1-3pm) can also help with absorption and reducing damage to the digestion.

In Chinese medicine we liken the digestive system to a bubbling cauldron that requires warmth for optimal metabolism. Warmth can refer to the temperature of the food that is ingested or to property of the food ingested. Too much ingestion of cold, sticky foods weaken the digestion and tend to produce loose or sticky stools, an increase in mucous production for the sinuses or lungs, reduced warmth circulating to the hands and feet, increased response to seasonal allergies, as well as a reduction in mental focus.

Here is one of my favourite recipes for a smoothie that won’t freeze your stomach
½ a ripe avocado
1 cup fresh blueberries (or thawed if previously frozen)
¼ cup hemp seeds
½ tsp dry ginger powder
1 cup coconut beverage
Small pinch pink himalyan salt
½ lime juiced
Two handfuls of fresh spinach
Room temperature water
One scoop of Purica’s Power Vegan Protein powder (vanilla flavour)
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy. Your digestion will thank you.