Greetings steemit. I hope you are all well and corona-free. We have been on a short break from work and the computer. Hence me not being around for the past 3 weeks. But we are back home and can't wait to get busy in the kitchen again.

So many ideas for new recipes are floating through my head... I just don't know where to start first lol... I guess let's start with the basics again... GREEN SMOOTHIE!

Though we had a great time visiting old and new friends, I always miss my kitchen while on a holiday. Yes, I was able to use my friend's kitchen, but it's not the same.

If you have been following my blog for a while then you might remember that both my hubby and I have been green smoothie addicts for many years. So much plant goodness in a glass... there are worse things to be addicted to, right?

REFRESHING SOURSOP STRAWBERRY PAPAYA MORINGA SMOOTHIE

Two of our favorite superfoods to boost health and prevent disease are moringa and soursop. Not only are they super delicious, but they are also jam-packed with good-for-you nutrients. Allow me to quickly introduce you to the healing and protective properties of these two powerful natural ingredients.

Moringa Oleifera

Moringa is a tree that flourishes in tropical and subtropical climates. Ever since moving to Cambodia we have planted moringa trees in every garden we lived. From seed to tree - it only takes a few months to grow your never-ending supply of this yummy, nutrient-dense plant food.

Though we mainly use its spinach-like tasting leaves, every part of the plant (including the young pods, flowers, leaves, bark, and seeds) can be consumed. In many countries across the world, moringa is used to remedy various ailments and fight malnutrition.

Containing more than 40 different antioxidants and over 30 anti-inflammatory compounds, the leaves, in particular, have been found to stop or slow down the growth of tumors. Next to using the leaves in stews, soups, smoothies, and salads, different parts of the tree can be used to make healing teas, ointments, and powders.

Not only does moringa showcase anticancer properties but it has also been found to be antifungal and antiviral. Not unimportantly in times where the coronavirus is spreading like wildfire around the globe.

Furthermore, moringa has protective properties to inhibit the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

And it is renowned for being one of the only plant foods to provide all of the amino acids required by the human body. Good news for all the vegans among us to get much-needed protein.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ptr.2023
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4545797/pdf/pone.0135814.pdf

(FYI: this tree is less than one year old, amazing, right!)

Soursop aka Graviola - Guanabana

Feeling quite blessed to have a soursop tree in our garden. Compared to the moringa trees we have, they are a lot harder to grow and get fruit.

It is by far my favorite tropical sweet treat. While the fruit makes super delicious smoothies, breakfast bowls, and desserts, the leaves can be used to brew a healing, anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory tea.

Soursop has been found to slow the progress of certain types of liver and breast cancer cells, while positively impacting the absorption of other treatments for various illnesses. Annonaceous acetogenins- one of soursop's bioactive ingredients - has been found to induce cell death of cancerous cells.

Just as the moringa tree, soursop possesses strong antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-015-1133-0

SMOOTHIE RECIPE (SERVES 2-4)

2 cups moringa
3 cups mixed fruits (I used a mix of strawberries, papaya, and soursop)
1/2 avocado
Water as needed

Blend moringa and water until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again. If the smoothie is too thick, add more water. If you have a high-speed blender, throw in everything at once.