Add a little zest to your day with this delightful, skin-nourishing smoothie that not only tantalises your taste buds, but also provides a powerful dose of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and gut-friendly probiotics.

Created by Balmonds in-house nutritionist, Farah Mehrez, this skin-boosting smoothie is a perfect addition to your skin wellness routine, helping to boost skin health from the inside, whatever the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot

• 1/2 apple with skin

• 1 inch of peeled ginger

• 2 Tbsp of kefir or a plain/plant-based yoghurt with live cultures

The Power of Ingredients:

Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, take centre stage in this recipe. Beta-carotene promotes skin health and supports immunity by enhancing the function of immune cells, particularly in the skin and mucous membrane barrier. Both ginger and quercetin (a flavonoid found in apples) bring anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to the mix, aiding in the management of inflammatory skin conditions. Quercetin is also anti-allergic, with the ability to inhibit histamine production and promote wound healing.

Probiotics for Skin and Gut Health:

The addition of kefir or live yoghurt introduces beneficial bacteria to the blend. These probiotics play a crucial role in promoting a balanced gut microbiome, benefiting the body's immune system and supporting overall skin wellness.

Recipe Method:

• Blend the carrot, apple, and ginger with a little water (around 200ml) in a blender until smooth.

• Pour the smoothie into a cup and top it with 2 tablespoons of yoghurt.

• Add a little dash of cinnamon to taste if you prefer things a little sweeter!

Tips for Optimal Nutrition:

• Choose organic ingredients whenever possible and keep the skin on, especially for the apple, as most of the nutrients and fibre are found in the peel. Picking organic helps avoid the consumption of pesticides.

• Kefir, with its wider variety of bacterial strains and yeasts, contains more probiotics compared to yoghurt. However, if the sourness of kefir is not to your liking, feel free to swap it for plain or plant-based yoghurt. Look for the phrase 'live cultures' or bacteria names such as Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium on the back label. Yoghurt also contains a good source of healthy fats that enhance the absorption of beta-carotenes, further boosting the smoothie's skin-nourishing benefits.

Fortify your skin against the effects any season and indulge in this vibrant skin wellness smoothie. Packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents (much like many of Balmonds skincare products!) and probiotics, this simple, delightful blend is not just a treat for your taste buds but a step towards radiant and healthy skin!

Cheers to boosting your skin's wellbeing from the inside out!

 

Pick some seasonal skincare to complement your skin wellness smoothie!