Everyone has stress, but during COVID-19 and other times of instability, stress, and anxiety may become chronic. Experiencing chronic stress puts your body under unnecessary pressure, like being continuously under attack. Red alert: That’s not good news for your health and wellbeing. In this all-natural DIY green smoothie we combine ingredients, such as CBD and blueberries, which will help combat stress and leave a sweet taste in your mouth!
Fight or Flight
Your body is purpose-built to react to threatening situations. For instance, a fast Mac truck comes toward you while walking in a crosswalk; your body will activate your adrenal glands. In turn, the adrenal gland releases a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline will raise your heart rate and blood pressure while cortisol will lower nonessential thinking – so you’re able to get out the situation fast.
Our flight or flight is the ultimate stress-response system. But if we activate it too frequently, it stays in “on” mode more or less permanently. Chronic stress will overexpose your body to stress hormones and make you more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and decreased immunity.
Managing Your Stress
Eliminating stress is not always possible, but learning how to manage your stress may positively impact your life and overall health. Understanding what events stress you and how you react are the first steps to improvement. Taking care of yourself and developing stress management strategies are also critical. Two well-known strategies for fighting stress are to exercise regularly and eating healthy, well-balanced meals.
Below is our recipe for a stress-busting hemp CBD-infused green smoothie. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a nutrient-dense and healthy meal replacement. Ingredients include antioxidant-rich superfoods chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and the superhero of anxiety relief: CBD.
Here are more details on each ingredient and why they are powerful stress reducers:
Hemp-Derived CBD
Hemp-derived CBD is the one-two stress management punch in our healthy smoothie. CBD is known to address a host of common conditions such as:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Excema & skin issues
Cashews
Cashews are delicious on their own, but in a smoothie, they add creamy goodness. Packed with iron, B6, and magnesium, a handful of cashews a day boost our mood and quell anxiety. Cashews are also a fantastic source of the amino acid tryptophan. This wonder amino helps with our serotonin’s uptake, which helps us to feel our best selves. It also happens to be a precursor to the hormone itself.
Avocado
B vitamins help our bodies beat back nervous energy and even promote healthier brain cells. B vitamins are known to relieve stress, and avocados are full of them. Avocado is also full of healthy monounsaturated fat and potassium, and in a smoothie, an avocado is an excellent replacement for animal-based milk.
Super Greens
Spinach and kale are both rich in magnesium; which is vital for proper growth and maintenance of bones. But magnesium also allows our systems to function properly. Psychology Today says that magnesium is one of the most essential minerals for the body to function properly.
Blueberries
Berries, in general, are great stress-busters, but blueberries in particular, hold the most antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to memory, sharpen cognition as well as to lower blood pressure. High in vitamin C, blueberries combat stress and lower cortisol levels.
Pineapple
With higher levels of Vitamin C, pineapple is another good addition to your smoothie. Other fruits such as kiwi, cantaloupe, or papaya are suitable substitutes for pineapple. They are all packed with immune-boosting properties and will also help to lower cortisol levels. We love pineapple because of the taste, and when mixed with spinach, your smoothie will become a vibrant green hue!
Lion’s Mane Powder
Lion’s mane mushrooms have been linked to new growth of brain cells: hericenones and erinacines. Studies have found that lion’s mane is also a potent anti-inflammatory. In addition, researchers believe it to reduce anxiety and depression by improved functioning of the hippocampus.
Maca Powder
A recent study indicated that maca root might reduce anxiety and stress while at the same time increasing libido. People claim that maca also decreases the instances of erectile dysfunction when taken regularly and flavonoids may be why. A 2015 study also found that maca could reduce symptoms of depression in postmenopausal women.
Ingredients for Hemp CBD-Infused Green Smoothie
- 1 full dropper of hemp-derived CBD
- 1 handful of unsalted cashews
- 1/2 an avocado
- 1 handful of spinach or kale
- 1 handful of blueberries
- 2 large spears of pineapple
- 1/2 tsp of Lion’s Mane powder
- 1/2 tsp Maca root powder
- 1 small container of coconut vanilla yogurt
- 1 handful of ice
How to Make Our Green Smoothie
This is pretty simple. Put all the ingredients in your blender or Nutri Bullet and mix it! If it is too thick, add a little water and mix again. Enjoy!
