Tropical Folate-rich Smoothie

Folate (vitamin B9) is an important vitamin for our health which can easily be obtain in your diet through some of your favorite fruits and vegetables. It’s beneficial for the breakdown of amino acids (protein digestion), and healthy heart function.[annotation]Mierzecki A, et all. (2013) Association between low-dose folic acid supplementation and blood lipids concentrations in male and female subjects with atherosclerosis risk factors. Medical Science Monitor. 4;19:733-9. Accessed on 2/8/16 from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3767584/[/annotation] This nutrient is especially important to support normal fetal development in pregnancy.[annotation]National Institute of Health. (2012) Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Folate. Accessed on 2/8/16 from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/[/annotation]

Foods like grapes, grapefruit, leafy greens, citrus fruits, papaya and mango are all sources of folate.[annotation]National Institute of Health. (2012) Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Folate. Accessed on 2/8/16 from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/[/annotation] The tropical folate-rich smoothie includes a few of these foods to reach 30% of your daily folate needs in a tart, easy-to-make drink.

Ingredients

1 ripe grapefruit
1/2 cup papaya or mango, frozen or fresh
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 frozen or fresh banana
1/2 heart of romaine lettuce
1/4 cup ice if using all fresh fruit
1 serving Natural Vega® Protein & Greens
or Natural Vega One® All-in-One Shake Extra Large
or Vanilla Vega® Essentials

Preparation

Juice ½ grapefruit (or sub in ¼ cup grapefruit juice) and add juice plus the other half whole (peeled) to your blender.
Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and process until smooth.
Enjoy!