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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie

Day 10 into my battle against the seasonal flu, and I finally am getting the first slightest hint that the bugs will be gone real soon. Having a sweet tooth just the night before, we had this to the close the night with - the blueberry pomegranate smoothie, a complete boost to my immune system! Inspired by the very same version of smoothie hubby had at McDonald's, I started getting the idea of making our own at home especially considering that hubby seemed to have fallen in love with that smoothie right after his first try. As good as that can ever be (oh yes, it indeed was very good! lol), I guess we know just too well that once you get past their marketing part and actually bother stealing a second glance at the nutritional information behind the making, they can never be quite on par with those made from real fresh fruits, probably not even close. So make my own I shall! 

 
Unknown to me all the while until I have tried it for myself, blueberry and pomegranate are the refreshing flavor duo that together they make a winning combination, so much so that I would even think that they actually taste better complementing one another compared to having them on their own separately. A combination of two antioxidant superstars that packs a hefty nutritional punch, this smoothie makes a lovely and refreshing beverage that could make you easily over indulge probably without having to have the slightest guilt. With fresh blueberries and the POM 100% pomegranate juice being the two main ingredients, here's a link to the POM Wonderful website that nicely tells all the benefits these pomegranates have. As with the blueberries, here's a quick peek into some of the many health benefits they offer, briefly summarizes from a couple of reference sites.

  • Antioxidant Rich in vitamins and wonderful elements they boost your immunity keeping free-radicals in check.
  • Brain booster Restoring the general health of the central nervous system, the nutrients in blueberries improve brain functions and hinder the onset to many age related cognitive problems.
  • Low glycaemic index In between 40 to 53, their low-in-sugar and high-in-fiber properties keep you full for longer with less sugar level crashes or disturbances and thus a more stable blood sugar level.
  • Heart healthy Thanks to the antioxidant within each little berry, they strengthens cardiac muscles and regulates the cholesterol level, increasing the good ones, bringing down the bad. 
  • Cancer fighter Anthocyanin - a big word yea lol - a rich source of antioxidants that work in harmony with the other nutrients to pack a punch of cancer combatting properties.
  • Healthy vision Again the anthocyanin together with many other various vitamins, minerals and lutein - they work miraculously in maintaining ocular health, easing eye fatigue and simply promoting a healthy vision.

Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie
Makes 2 servings (~120cal a serving)
1 cup frozen blueberries
3/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup unsweetened organic soy milk
6 cubes of ice
1 to 2 tsps honey (optional)

In a tall blender, bring in all the ingredients. Blend on high speed for about 45 seconds or until it reaches your preferred consistency of a smoothie. Portion out into separate glasses and lets toast to good health!


References
http://www.wildblueberries.com/health/research.php
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8

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