Sunflower Cinnamon Maca Smoothie

This sunflower cinnamon maca smoothie is just as nourishing as it is delicious. It's packed with selenium, vitamin e, copper, bloat-busting potassium, and mood- and hormone-balancing maca. 

This sunflower cinnamon maca smoothie is a powerhouse of feel-good ingredients, including...

Bananas. Bananas are packed with potassium, tryptophan, and B6, which makes them one of the ultimate mood-boosting, bloat-busting foods. Specifically, potassium balances out the body's sodium levels, allowing it to release excess fluids, while tryptophan and B6 serve as a mood-enhancing super duo.

How so?

Carbohydrates (e.g., sweet bananas) allow the brain to absorb tryptophan and B6 helps convert tryptophan to serotonin. I've mentioned this before, but there are few foods that I get an instant mood boost from, and bananas are one of them. The aftermath of consumption is lovingly referred to as "the banana high" in our house.

Sunflower seeds + sunflower butter. Sunflower seeds (as well as sunflower butter) are rich with vitamin e. Vitamin e is a fat-soluble nutrient that acts as an antioxidant in the body, fighting free radicals and naturally slowing the aging of cells. Specifically, vitamin e is hailed for its ability to balance cholesterol, repair damaged skin, thicken hair, and balance hormones.

Maca. Maca is an adaptogen, meaning it works with a person's body to help her adapt in a variety of ways, most notably to stress and fatigue. Adaptogens also help boost the immune system, support the endocrine system, increase physical and cognitive stamina, reduce discomfort, and balance mood.

But what's so special about maca root?

Maca has long been touted for its positive effects on fertility, hormone balance, stamina, sexual function, memory, and focus. It contains over 20 amino acids, 8 of which are essential. It's also rich with vitamins B1, B2, C, and E, and calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

When it comes to hormone regulation, there are few foods as well-regarded as maca. It's been known to help manage symptoms of PMS, menopause, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); decrease levels of anxiety and depression, and improve prostate health in men.

This root-derived adaptogen is typically found as a powder, which can be easily added to recipes or tucked in to capsules to be consumed as a daily supplement.

Cinnamon. Cinnamon, a warming spice derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree, is highly praised (and ranked) for its protective antioxidant properties. It's also known to have anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and immunity-boosting properties.

Long story short: You're getting all of the above goodness wrapped up in one, milkshake-esque smoothie.

To make this nourishing smoothie, simply add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender, and give everything a solid one- to two-minute whirl.

Then, pour into a glass (or two if you're willing to share) and slurp back the feel-goods.

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4.8 from 5 votes

Sunflower Cinnamon Maca Smoothie

This sunflower cinnamon maca smoothie is just as nourishing as it is delicious. It's packed with vitamin e, copper, bloat-busting potassium, and mood- and hormone-balancing maca. 

Course Breakfast, Smoothie, Snack

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, plant-based, Vegan

Servings 1 to 2 people

Author Ashley

Ingredients

• 2 ripe and speckled bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon sunflower butter
• 1 tablespoon maca powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender, and blend on high until smooth and creamy.
• Pour into a glass (or two).
• Serve immediately.