Blueberry-Mango Antioxidant Smoothie

Day 3, meet my blueberry-mango antioxidant smoothie. This is a more classic fruit smoothie packed with antioxidants. We already know the power of the mighty blueberry, but the addition of mango and coconut milk takes this fruit smoothie to a new level. With a subtle tropical essence, this fruit-forward smoothie is a great go-to any time of day. Even my boys, who claim to not like mangos or blueberries, loved it. Guaranteed to start your day off right, this protein smoothie can also be made dairy-free by subbing soy yogurt for Greek yogurt without compromising taste.

A mango is considered the “king of all fruits.”  It is a luscious fruit that has an abundance of vitamins (A, C, and B6), minerals, and antioxidants. For decades, mangos have been used to treat upset stomachs. It has taken me years to like mangos; smoothies have come to be my vehicle for their enjoyment. Also high in fiber, mangos are a great easy way to add dietary fiber to your diet.

Let’s quickly chat about coconut milk. You could make your own but buying canned coconut milk is substantially easier and faster. A common ingredient in Asian cooking, coconut milk is also a great alternative for anyone who has a casein allergy (like my sister’s daughter). One cup of canned coconut milk has 10% of your daily iron, magnesium, and potassium. While all coconut milk includes fat, half of the saturated fat in coconut milk comes from lauric acid which is a medium-chain triglyceride. Medium-chain triglycerides are thought to assist with weight loss and are being studied for a range of possible benefits, including potentially a role in Alzheimer’s prevention. Two more tasty smoothie recipes are to come this week, so keep reading, there is something for everyone.