Dragonberry Delight Smoothie

This bright pink smoothie is as delicious as it is nutritious. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the colorful fruits and veggies. Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, not only is a good source of vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and C), minerals, and fiber, but is also chock full of phytonutrients including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalins. Many of these such as quercetin and rutin are strong antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals.The diverse phytonutrients in dragonfruit act as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory agents in the body promoting overall health. The smoothie is also rich in fiber which improves digestion and feeds the gut microbes allowing them to flourish. In addition, the chia seeds add protein and omega 3 fatty acids while the beets help with endurance, inflammation, and blood flow. Plus the coconut water and orange add a dose of electrolytes to the drink. Select the functional mushrooms based on what you want to support – lion’s mane for the brain; chaga and reishi for all over health and immune function; and cordyceps for energy and vitality. You can even add all three, or skip them if you don’t have them.

This makes one 12-16 ounce glass of bright pink smoothie that is as tasty as it is good for you. The smoothie will thicken as it sits because the chia seeds absorb liquids, so if you don’t drink it immediately, give it a good stir before drinking.

You can find frozen dragon fruit in many standard grocery stores as well as health food stores. You can also use fresh dragon fruit if you can find it, but I have had a hard time finding the pink fleshed versions.

I’d love to hear back from you if you try this smoothie. As always, let me know if you have any questions.