Steph's Staples: Berry Mushroom Smoothie

These cold, antioxidant-rich, immune boosting smoothies are sweet, earthy, and satisfying. I often alternate them with green drinks as a part of a nutrient-dense breakfast. I use about a half cup each of mushrooms, frozen berries, and pineapple or another sweet fruit; so with just 3 ingredients (plus water) it's very easy! Mushrooms in a smoothie might sound strange, but I've found that they have a mild enough flavor that they blend in well, and I wanted a way to reap the benefits of raw medicinal mushrooms as well as of the fruits.

Blueberries have plenty of antioxidant power from anthocyanins (the dark blue color), vitamin C, resveratrol, and ellagic acid, among others. Antioxidants have a protective effect on cells, especially in the cardiovascular system and nervous system. I actually often use frozen aronia berries when I make these smoothies. They are similar to blueberries but even more rich in antioxidants, and I get them at a Russian store.

Mushrooms, especially medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake, portobello, or lion's mane, may each differ a little on their strongest points, but in general they are immune-boosting, cancer-fighting, and contain nutrients including selenium, copper, and B vitamins. Their phytonutrients are also anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Some of their immune-boosting and cancer-fighting properties come from their unique polysaccharides, which can also improve nerve function and support the liver.

Pineapple contains bromelain, a proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme which is anti-inflammatory. The citric acid supports kidney health. It also has high levels of Vitamin C and manganese and antioxidants.

To make this smoothie, I use:

1/2 cup of shiitake or lion's mane mushrooms. (For those of you who are local, Skyland Farms in Greer carries several varieties of raw medicinal mushrooms). Baby bella mushrooms are widely available in grocery stores and would also be a good choice.

1/2 cup of frozen aronia berries or blueberries. Or you could try blackberries, raspberries, etc. I also like to throw in a few unusual frozen berries I get at the Russian store, such as sea buckthorn or viburnum berries.

1/2 cup of pineapple. I've also used strawberries or peaches. You could get creative. If you want your smoothie colder, you could use frozen fruit here too.

Optional: Sometimes I add a few leaves of frozen spinach. You could also try adding in another superfood if there's one that you want to include more of in your diet.

I don't usually measure the ingredients, but just dump some of each into my Nutribullet blender, then add pure water to cover about 2/3 of the stuff and blend them till smooth.

So why don't you give it a try? I think you'll be surprised how good it actually tastes!