How To prepare Reggae smoothie

By :Sandrea Dennis and Nakena Ellington

Tired of the same old- same old? Well pop open your cupboard, take a peek inside and grab your good old Foska Oats and let’s get ready to rumble! Reggae Smoothie is like no other, with that zing of passion, ready to leave your taste buds feeling irie. Smoothies are for everyone, from small income to wealthy persons. It’s easy on the pocket, fabulous on the diet and tempting to the taste. Do not fear, this drink has a sophisticated name but is made of really simple, accessible ingredients, not to mention how easy it is to prepare. So get ready, slip on your aprons and let’s turn the kitchen inside out.

For this quick, nutritious blast and energy booster, all you need are a few things. First thing’s first. It’s a smoothie, which means that if you do not have anything else, you must have milk. Then, you will need really ripe bananas, or just one, depending on the amount you plan to make or how distinct you want the banana flavour to be. You will need a sweetener (honey or sugar), oats, and pumpkin seeds. The rest of ingredients are really optional.

A part from the fact that oats is generally known for its rich source of fibre and other nutrients, it tastes really great and enhances the proper functioning of the nervous system. But, you may ask, why pumpkin seeds? This is not widely known by average householders, but if you check with herbalists and vegetarian diet consultants, you will find out that pumpkin seeds not only taste good by themselves, they give a rich, unique flavour to any recipe. Also, they have a wide array of nutritional benefits.

Now, for the Reggae Smoothie, in order to acquire that exclusive Jamaican taste, you must follow the recipe and method which are as follow. However, to affix your personal creativity, you may add other ingredients, but be warned, proportion is the key. Ensure that your smoothie is not too thick not to watery, else it will lose the true essence of a smoothie.

You will need:-

· ½ - ¾ cup milk or water

· ¼ cup dried pumpkin seeds

· ripe bananas (a large one or two small ones)

· ¼ cup Foska Oats

· Vanilla (powdered or liquid) (optional)

· ½ tbsp honey or sugar – (or you can add to taste)

· 6 to 8 ice cubes

· Hershey strawberry syrup (optional)

Step 1

Microwave the oats in ½ cup – ¾ cup of water, but preferably milk. However, if you use water, you will still need to add milk. Do this for one to two minutes. Oats is rich in fiber. It is a good source of protein, vitamin E, zinc, copper and iron. Research has shown also that consuming oats can calm you down and help treat depression as well. So, you may really want to consider making this drink at least once per week.

Step 2

After you have microwaved the oats, allow it to cool for about one minute. Then you can blend pumpkin seeds until liquefied. Now, the real reason behind using the pumpkin seeds is not just for its exotic flavour, but mainly because its health enhancing properties. Pumpkin seeds are considered to be one of the most nutritional and flavourful seeds in the world, they contain protein, minerals, zinc and iron. They also provide a significant amount of fat that are rich in Omega 3 and 6, which are believed to promote heart, health and good cholesterol profile.

Step 3

Peel, then slice or dice your ripe bananas and place inside your blender. Now that you have done

that, it is now time to add the other ingredients. Pour all your oats, liquefied pumpkin seeds,

honey or sugar, ice cubes (or you can place ice cubes in when you have made the drink), and vanilla or other spices to the blender and blend until smooth. However, if you are really famished and or pressed for time, you can just place the ingredients in the blender all at once and blend until smooth.

Step 4

You are now ready to serve. Pour your smoothie into a clean margarita or cocktail glass, garnish with fruit of whatever kind (except citrus which causes the milk to curdle), then you can pour in your strawberry syrup and stir with a straw for about two seconds. This will add more flavour to the drink and also give it a spiral twist of colour. However, if you want to feel a little less sophisticated with your drink, just reach into that cup holder and grab your favourite cup, pour and enjoy..

Now you may be wondering why all these ingredients, but nothing recommended here has no nutritional value. So, you see, not only your taste buds are being catered for but also your health. Ripe bananas contain a generous amount of potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorous. It is rich in fibers making it a useful laxative for easing constipation. Bananas are also a good source for vitamin A, B and C.

It goes without saying that honey is a natural sweetener and as such it is fat free, sodium free and cholesterol free. In fact what honey contains is mostly sugar; glucose, fructose, maltose and sucrose coupled with traces of vitamins and minerals. Honey is known to help in the cleansing of the blood stream and to positive affect the regulation of blood circulation. It is also known for treating persistent coughs and sore throats. Honey has been associated with treatment of persistent coughs and sore throat.

Vanilla does not just add flavor to your favourite recipe, it comes packed with goodness too. It is known to be a great anti-oxidant that helps to avert numerous health complications inclusive of sexual disorders, respiratory problem, circulatory and digestive disorders and nervous problems amongst others.

Easy, wasn’t it? Reggae Smoothie is rich in nutritional value and the ingredients are simple and most can be found at home or at the nearest supermarket. It takes approximately 5 minutes to make and is guaranteed to boost your energy level in the morning time, day time or evening time. Are you energized?