tropical tummy love smoothie

This is my go-to breakfast. Packed with flavor and all sorts of good things for your guts.

• pineapple- contains the enzyme bromelain, which is an anti-inflamitory and aids digestion by breaking down proteins. It is concentrated in the core of the pineapple so be sure not to cut that part out!
• papaya- contains the digestive enzyme papain. Papaya also contains plenty of fiber and vitamins A, E, and C! 
• spirulina- a blue-green algae grown right here in hawaii! spirulina is considered a super food because it benefits the entire body in many ways. It is loaded with enzymes, chlorophyll, B vitamins, and packed with protein. It has been around for billions of years, and its benefits have been studied intensely.
• chia seeds- another super food packed with nutrients. Above all, chia seeds are known for their omega-3 fatty acids and tons of protein.

 I like to soak my chia seeds in water, they create a gel, which blends well into smoothies. The ratio is about one tablespoon chia seeds to a half cup water. They only need to soak for a few minutes, but I keep a little jar of gel in my fridge, smoothie ready.

the  recipe:

• 1/2 frozen banana
• a few chunks frozen pineapple
• one half of a ripe papaya (depending on the size of course, some papayas on this island are as big as babies!)
• a few teaspoons chia gel
• one tablespoon coconut oil
• one teaspoon spirulina powder

I usually have frozen bananas and pineapples in my freezer specifically for smoothies, you can use fresh fruit, I just like the texture of frozen better.

Place all ingredients in your blender, and add almond milk to the top of the fruit. Blend, and top with granola, yum...









sources:
http://www.naturalnews.com/040564_chia_seeds_omega-3_sources_healthy.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/025703_spirulina_diet_studies.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/031844_papaya_health_benefits.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/035804_bromelain_enzymes_inflammation.html