For the first meal of the day, it’s important to supply your body with nourishing foods. We love to use breakfast as a way to pack in tons of superfoods to kick start our day. Some of our favorite breakfast pantry essentials are goji berries and fresh ginger.
Ginger has a reputation as a remedy for all sorts of ailments. Upset stomach, migraines, muscle aches— it seems there isn’t much it can’t handle. It also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Of course, we can’t forget about the goji berries — a superfood with many health benefits.
Goji berries
Also known as Wolfberries and Happy Berries, have become quite popular in the world of health and nutrition, and for good reason. These little red berries have been used in Asian herbal medicine for over 5,000 years and have been regarded as one of the most nutrient-rich foods on earth.
Legend tells of a Buddhist temple that had a reputation of a fountain of youth due to the thick Goji vines growing over its wall and the berries that fell into its wells. Chinese folklore is also where the nickname ‘The Happy Berry’ comes from. Local monks were reputed to be jolly and happy—a result of the Goji Berries they drank and used to brew their tea.
Why you should be adding goji berries to your diet:
They are a plant-based source of protein containing high amounts of essential amino acids, vitamins C and A, and over 20 trace minerals and vitamins (including zinc, iron, phosphorus, B2, vitamin E, and carotenoids).
How To Select And Store Goji Berries
Goji berries can be purchased at natural food markets and online. They are most often available as dried berries, but sometimes as a powder or juice. Since nutrients work in synergy to benefit our bodies, consuming essential nutrients in their whole food form – rather than through supplementation or fortification – increases the likelihood of optimal absorption and proper body functioning. For that reason, we recommend purchasing and using dried berries over refined powders and questionable “juice” supplements.
We believe that it is extremely important to only purchase certified organic goji berries AND to look into the grower/distributor to ensure that the “organic” label really means that the berries were grown organically. Just about all goji berries are grown in China (even the ones that say “Himalayan” on the package), and organic standards in China are sometimes not enforced.
Also, look for goji berries that are raw, which means they have been dehydrated at low temperatures rather than “baked dry”, as most dried fruits are. Brands I use and trust include Sunfood and Navitas Naturals.
And now the promised Goji + Ginger Breakfast Smoothie. We hope you will LOVE it!
Goji Berry + Ginger Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 ½ frozen bananas
- 1 cup nut or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons raw goji berries
- 1- inch ginger peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder or extract
- pinch of sea salt optional
Instructions
- Blend ingredients until smooth, sweeten if desired.
As mentioned above this would make the perfect quick breakfast or snack. For a little extra protein, add in some hemp seeds or protein powder of choice.
Want more healthy smoothie ideas? Check out our Good Morning Smoothie, Maca Rush Smoothie, Going Strong All Day Long Smoothie, and Active Recovery Smoothie.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, Pin for later, and don’t forget to tag a photo #avrecipes on Instagram. It is the light in the food that gives life and health to the living body, mind and spirit, so please share this with your friends!
Dedicated to your health & well-being,
