Key Health Benefits:⤵️
• High in healthy fats and calories: Avocado and Yogurt provide nutrient-dense calories to help maintain weight and energy, which is often a challenge for cancer patients.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Spinach and chia seeds are packed with essential vitamins (A, C, E, K) and minerals (potassium, iron) that support immune health and recovery.
• Easy to digest: This smoothie is gentle on the stomach, making it ideal for those experiencing nausea or digestive issues during treatment.
Explanation of Health Benefits of this Recipe:⤵️
Avocado⤵️
- Calories: ~234 calories (per avocado)
- Nutritional value: Avocados are rich in healthy fats (monounsaturated fat), which help provide calories and maintain energy levels during treatment. They also contain vitamins E, C, and B6, which support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Spinach⤵️
- Calories: ~14 calories (per cup of fresh spinach,washed)
- Nutritional value: Spinach is high in vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for immune support and healing. It is also a good source of folate, which aids cell regeneration, and iron, which supports red blood cell production.
Greek Yogurt⤵️
- Calories: ~80-100 calories (depending on the type)
- Nutritional value: Greek yogurt is rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, which promote gut health and help rebuild muscle mass, crucial for patients undergoing treatment. It also contains vitamin B12, important for nerve function.
Banana⤵️
- Calories: ~105 calories
- Nutritional value: Bananas provide a gentle source of carbohydrates, helping to maintain energy levels. They are high in potassium, which helps maintain electrolyte balance, and vitamin B6, supporting brain health.
Chia seeds⤵️
- Calories: ~60 calories
- Nutritional value: Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation, and fiber supports healthy digestion, which is essential for those undergoing cancer treatments.
Almond milk (unsweetened)⤵️
- Calories: ~30 calories
- Nutritional value: Almond milk is low in calories but a good source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It’s also fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Honey (optional)⤵️
- Calories: ~64 calories
- Nutritional value: Honey provides a natural sweetener and additional energy. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, although it should be consumed in moderation due to its sugar content.
Recipe: Creamy Avocado Spinach Banana Smoothie⤵️
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: ~300-350 calories
Ingredients:⤵️
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 cups fresh spinach (washed it properly)
• 1/2 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (optionally - substitutes are enumerated listed down below of this blog - scroll it down please)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optionally - substitute are enumerated listed down below of this blog - scroll it down please)
Instructions:⤵️
1. Slice the avocado and banana.
2. Place all ingredients (avocado, spinach, yogurt, banana, chia seeds, almond milk) in a blender.
3. Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more almond milk to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Taste and add honey if you need more sweetness.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
- Made from almond milk, almond milk yogurt is a delicious and healthy substitute for traditional yogurt. It's rich in calcium and is free from lactose.
- Made from soy milk, soy milk yogurt is rich in protein and is a great source of calcium. It's also lactose-free and is usually available in a range of flavors.
- Made from coconut milk, coconut milk yogurt is a delicious and refreshing alternative to traditional yogurt. It's rich in calcium and other nutrients and is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant.
- Made from cashew milk, cashew milk yogurt is a popular dairy-free alternative to traditional yogurt. It's creamy and delicious and is rich in protein and other nutrients.
- Made from oat milk, oat milk yogurt is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant. It's rich in calcium and fiber and is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional yogurt.
There are sweet powders that substitute for table sugar and honey. These several sweet powders are good for the diet and pre-diabetic patients, such as: