Blueberry & Chia Anti-Aging Smoothie Recipe

Legend has it that Juan Ponce de Leon searched his whole life for the fountain of youth, but perhaps the answer was right under his feet — in the garden! Diets rich in plant-based foods offer nutrients that fight free radical damage and diseases, hydrate us, and keep us looking and feeling younger from the inside out!

One unassuming little fruit that packs a big nutritional punch is the blueberry. It's bursting with nutrients and anti-aging benefits. Rich in fiber, minerals, and the vitamins A, C, E & K, fresh blueberries are lower on the glycemic index than many fruits, and also offer a good dose of fiber — both of which are helpful in managing blood sugar.

A cup of blueberries has about 80 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and about 25% of the RDA of vitamin C. When given the choice between wild or cultivated berries, choose the wild. Despite being smaller than the cultivated kind, they contain more anthocyanins, and a deeper, more intense taste.

Available May through October, blueberries are at their peak in the mid-summer, so it's not surprising that July is National Blueberry Month!

One way to boost your intake of plant-based foods easily is with smoothies. With that in mind, here's a delicious and simple recipe:

Sara’s Fountain of Youth Smoothie

Directions:

Put everything except the frozen fruit into the blender — blend to combine.

Add in the frozen banana and blueberries, blend.

Add ice as desired to thicken, blend. Pour and enjoy!