Greens, almond milk, fruit, superfoods – what else could you possibly add to your smoothie?
Essential oils will give your juices and smoothies a powerful kick of flavor – not to mention great benefits physically and emotionally. Adding a glass of juice or smoothie to your daily routine may bring on better immunity, a slimmer body, better sleep, and clearer skin. You really can create optimal health through your kitchen using real food ingredients and pure essential oils.
How to Use Essential Oils
Flavoring juices and smoothies with essential oils is tasty, but using essential oils internally is also an important daily health habit. Essential oils support the mouth, throat, digestive system, and immune system. When using essential oils internally, you may consume 2-3 drops for their therapeutic benefits and support to the body’s systems. However, only 1-2 drops are needed for flavor and benefits when juicing and blending.
Juices or Smoothies?
Is juicing better than blending because you get more nutrients? Should you blend instead of juice to keep the fiber? The answer usually comes down to which one is best for you and your health goals. Here’s a comparison of juicing and blending to help you decide.
Juice: Pulp and liquid are separated so you are left with a concentrated fruit and vegetable blended drink that provides instant vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
• Less work on digestion because there is virtually no fiber to break down
• Body focuses on rest and repair as nutrients are quickly assimilated
• Consume more nutrients with more vegetables and fruits
• Ideal for hydration, cleansing, and cellular repair
Smoothie: All ingredients (liquid base, fruit, vegetables, and spices) are blended – fiber included.
• Fiber supports blood sugar balance and digestive health, including regular elimination.
• A high-speed blender is ideal for smoother and more palatable drinks.
• Ideal for a light meal, a nutritious snack, before or after a workout, or to end a detox or fast.
Jenni’s 5 Favorite Essential Oils for Juices and Smoothies
• Cinnamon: Helps to warm the body; invigorate; uplift immunity
• Fennel: Soothe menstrual cramps and digestive issues
• Ginger: Aid motion sickness and nausea; ease cold or flu congestion
• Lemon: Stimulate cleansing and lymphatic flow; uplift mood
• Peppermint: Soothe digestive issues; oxygenating
Chocolate Mint Maca Smoothie (from Essential Juices and Smoothies)
• 1 ½ cups almond milk
• 1 cup kale
• ¼ avocado
• 3 dates, pitted
• 1 Tablespoon cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon maca powder
• 1-2 drops peppermint essential oil
Combine ingredients, except essential oil into a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add essential oil last, to taste.
Jenni Hulburt is a health and fitness coach, and has a BS in Exercise Science and MS in Kinesiology. Jenni started the Nature Fed Wellness movement to inspire people to revolutionize their health through nature. She is the author of Essential Juices and Smoothies, the Dirt Detox, and creator of the Inspire Workouts. Jenni offers fitness and lifestyle coaching, and wellness resources for people who want results in their body and their life. Visit her online at www.jennihulburt.com.
For information on how to use and purchase essential oils, CLICK NATURE'S RX HERE!