Sweaty as a Mother

View Original

What's in my Smoothie and Why


Wild blueberries.
2x the antioxidant power of ordinary blueberries, Wild Blueberries are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body against inflammationboost brain functionmay improve mood, high fiber content helps improve cholesterol and lower risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.


Hemp hearts  

Provide you with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which are vital for fetal visual and brain development. They also provide you with many necessary minerals— they are extremely rich in minerals; phosphorus and calcium = good for the baby’s bone mineralization  as well as prevent osteoporosis for us. Also

potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron. 

Maca powder

can help boost energy, memory, relaxation and balance hormones. Researchers believe that the latter benefit means it can potentially help boost fertility and support a healthy pregnancy.

Cacao powder/nibs

Rich in Polyphenols —Improve Blood Flow to Your Brain and Brain Function. May Reduce High Blood Pressure by Improving Nitric Oxide Levels. May Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke. May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression by Various Means. Theobromine and Theophylline Contents May Help People With Asthma (like me)


Dates:

provide Fiber: It helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system and helps in dealing with pregnancy related constipation. 

Folate or folic acid aids in the formation of new cells and prevents a form of anemia. 

Vitamin K plays a key role in blood clotting and keeping the bones strong.

Iron: plays an important role in a number of metabolic processes.

- It is particularly important during pregnancy because iron is an integral part of myoglobin, collagen and enzymes

Potassium is one of the most important electrolytes in the body

A study from Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, suggests that dates can help in easy delivery since it causes cervical dilation and also reduces the duration of labor.(eating 6 a day in 3rd trimester!)

Moringa

Pregnant women can meet their daily iron and calcium needs just by taking moringa leaves alone. moringa leaves contain zinc, vitamin A, potassium, calcium and even protein! These are all important vitamins and minerals to have while pregnant or planning to conceive. Moringa has three times the amount of vitamin A that’s in carrots, over 7 times the amount of vitamin C in oranges, double the potassium found in bananas and 4 times the calcium in cow’s milk.