Want Major Chaga Benefits In A Smoothie?

Want Major Chaga Benefits In A Smoothie?

chagabenefitshand.jpg

This mushroom smoothie might seem unusual, but chaga benefits us in so many ways! Chaga is a fantastic immune-booster. Chaga is traditionally used to create a healing tea, but it can be added to any smoothie or soup for a more potent dose in powder form. We add it in combination with our Clean protein powder Daily Shake for a superfood shake that’s out of this world.

CHAGA BENEFITS FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT

Chaga is a type of mushroom that typically grows on the trunk of birch trees. Chaga mushrooms are rich in compounds called Beta-Glucans, which are classified as biological response modifiers. “Biological response modifiers” is a general classification for a compound that can increase immune response and slow it down when it is overactive. Beta-Glucan is like an intelligence booster for your immune system.

Some compounds that stimulate the immune system can be harmful in autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions because they can overstimulate. Beta-glucan is unique because it knows when the immune system has put out enough of a response and can slow the response down when appropriate. This quality has even been shown to be beneficial in counteracting some of the adverse side effects of chemotherapy.

CHAGA BENEFITS FOR CLEAR SKIN

The anti-viral compounds in chaga can help clear blemishes and acne, and it also improves circulation and fights inflammation which helps keep skin healthy glowing and prevents aging. In addition to fighting acne, Chaga may fight off sunburns as well. Chaga’s deep color comes from its dense concentration of melanin – the same substance found in human skin.

CHERRIES TO HELP YOU SLEEP

Since cherries have a short season (usually late spring to mid-summer), we’ve chosen frozen cherries for optimal nutrition and flavor. Cherries naturally contain melatonin, an antioxidant that fights free radical damage in the body. Melatonin is more well-known for its essential role in sleep. Our bodies naturally produce melatonin, but melatonin production often suffers from excessive exposure to screen light in the evening and other modern stressors. Consuming cherries and cherry juice can increase our levels of melatonin (meaning better sleep).

CHIA COMPLETES THE MEAL

We’ve added chia seeds to this smoothie to boost protein, fat, and nutrients. Chia seeds are rich in Omega-3s (supplementing is another way to get that all-important Omega-3s) and have 3 grams of protein in just one tablespoon. For an even more significant boost of protein, we’ve added a serving of Clean Daily Shake – both vanilla and chocolate work well in this smoothie.

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk (or nut milk of choice)

1 cup cherries, fresh or frozen

1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 large cucumber or 1 whole small

1/2-1 tsp chaga powder

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 scoops of Vanilla or Chocolate Daily Shake

1 date

Directions:

Wash cucumber and cut into blendable pieces. If using fresh cherries, remove stems and pits before adding them to your blender.

chagabenefitsingredients.jpg
Add all ingredients to a high-power blender and blend until smooth.
chagabenefitsblender.jpg
You can optionally top with additional chia seeds or hemp seeds.
chagabenefits.jpg
Recipe and photography by Kaitlyn Noble.