I created the Life Extension Smoothie to provide some of nature’s most protective, healing and perfect nutrients to protect against those factors that cause aging and disease. There are numerous benefits to combining ground organic flax-seed, omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids and blueberries in a delicious protein smoothie. These benefits are described below following the recipe.
LIFE EXTENSION SMOOTHIE
- 8 oz. (227 gm) Frozen Blueberries
- 2 Tbs (30 gm) Ground Flax Seed Powder
- 1 Tbs (15 ml) Barlean’s Omega Twin (Organic Flax & Borage oils)
- May substitute another brand or just flax oil)
- 1 scoop MRM Natural Whey Protein Powder (low carb and no sugar or artificial sweeteners)
- May substitute with any nutritious low/no sugar whey protein powder. A vanilla protein powder will add to it’s delicious taste.
- 16 oz. Water (474 ml)
- 1 tsp (5 gm) Cinnamon Powder
- 4 Ice cubes (adjust to preferred thickness)
Blending Instructions
Add the ice, blue berries, flax-seed powder first, then add the oil and cool water. Blend on low for about 10 seconds, then on high for a minute or more. Drink first glass. Re-blend for 20-30 seconds, drink balance.
Health Benefits:
Flax Seed Powder – Flax is a blue flowering plant that has attracted the attention of medical researchers around the world. Not only is it a source of two different kinds of dietary fiber (soluble & insoluble, each with different health benefits), it is also a source of powerful, health promoting Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Flax seed is the single highest source of”LIGNANS” which protect our body against cellular damage and unhealthy cellular changes. Flax seed has been studied for the following conditions: heart disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, oral cancer, menopause, PMS, kidney disease, constipation, Irritable Bowel syndrome, diabetes, peptic ulcer, hemorrhoids, weight loss and mineral absorption.
Flax Seed Oil – Flax oil contains Omega 3 essential fatty acids or EFA’s. These are the “anti-fat” fats that make foods like flaxseed and certain cold water fishes like salmon, herring and mackerel so healthy. The EFAs are the good fats that fight the bad fats we get in our diet from junk food and processed foods that are almost impossible to avoid. The highest quantities of Omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is present in flax-seed. ALA is the parent from which EFA and DHA (the healthy fish oils) are derived. ALA converts to compounds called prostaglandins. These compounds can be either inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. ALA converts to anti-inflammatory types of prostaglandins and since most degenerative disease all have inflammatory components, ALA is a welcome ally. In fact studies have shown that ALA prevented platelets (red blood cells) from clumping together which can be a factor in heart attack. It has been known to increase the elasticity of heart arteries, and lowers risk of heart attack and stroke. A study also showed that women who have breast cancer had very low levels of ALA in their breast tissue compared to women with healthy tissue.
Borage Oil – Borage is a plant whose flowers and leaves as well as the oil from its seeds are used as medicine. Borage seed oil contains a high content of the essential fatty acid known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is part of the inflammatory mediation process and therefore the oil might be expected to have an impact on a variety of diseases and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic eczema. Combined with fish oil, borage seed oil has shown improvement in bone density in a study of elderly osteoporotic women. A study also concluded that GLA may hold promise for treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Every cell in our body is enclosed by a cell membrane which plays a role in determining many cell functions, including what healthy or unhealthy things get in or out of our cells. Almost 25% of the cell membrane is composed of what should be healthy “phospholipids” (good fats). Unfortunately because you get so very little of the good fats from sources like flax oil and borage oil, and so many of the bad fasts from the typical western diet, that the body uses what it has (the bad fats, disease-causing trans and saturated fats) and incorporates the bad fats into these very critical cell membranes. The very nature, integrity and function of the cell membrane worsens, and a critical mechanism that we rely on to stay healthy and stay alive is seriously changed and compromised.
THE GOOD NEW IS... By switching to a combination of flax-seed oil and borage oil (such as Barlean’s Omega Twin or various brands of the individual oils combined), the body will begin to incorporate the “good fats” back into your cell membranes and re-establish cell membrane integrity and give you back the powerful protection that healthy cell membranes provide to our bodies. Matter of fact, the very process of AGING is associated with organic and biological changes in things like cell membranes. These EFA’s by protecting cell membrane integrity are combatting some of the cumulative negative effects of aging and poor dietary habits.
Blueberries – All fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of some powerfully protective and health promoting compounds called phytochemicals. One class of phytochemicals, “flavonoids” has an impressive range of heath benefits. Blueberries seem to have the most impressive combination of phytochemicals, especially flavonoids compared to other fruits and vegetables. A 2017 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has shown that blueberries can improve some aspects of cognition in older adults. Studies also suggest blueberries can inhibit the growth of liver cancer growth, and can help preserve cognitive function in post-menopausal women and decrease their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Blueberries also have amazing anti-oxidant powers that can protect you and your loved ones from most of the illnesses and diseases we all worry about.
We all know that we need oxygen to stay alive. But one of the byproducts resulting from the burning of oxygen is the production of potentially dangerous and unstable molecules called “FREE RADICALS” These free radicals are missing an electron and want to get that missing electron from somewhere in our bodies. They do this by attacking a healthy cell. This attack can cause the cell to die or to mutate… Neither option is a good choice! Fortunately both our bodies and certain foods can provide us with antioxidants that can neutralize these dangerous free radicals before they attack our cells. Because there are many different types of free radicals the real trick is to know which of the many antioxidants can neutralize as many of the different types of free radicals as possible. This is where the simple blueberry shines. The United States, National Institutes of Health found that blueberries containing antioxidants may act to protect the body against damage from oxidative stress, one of several biological processes implicated in aging and in the development of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Compared to 40 other fruits and vegetables measured for their anti-oxidant activity, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has ranked blueberries, by far and away the best.
Cinnamon – Proven health benefits of cinnamon are: high source of antioxidants, contains anti-inflammatory properties, protects heart heath, fights diabetes, helps defend against cognitive decline and protects brain function, may help lower cancer risk, fights infections and viruses, while protecting dental health and freshening breath naturally.
Whey Protein – Whey protein is considered a complete protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids and is low in lactose content. People commonly use it as supplementation, alongside resistance exercise, to help improve muscle protein synthesis and promote the growth of lean tissue mass. Whey protein enhances immune function, may lower blood pressure, treat type-2 diabetes, reduce inflammation, may be beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease, and enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses as well.
The “Life Extension Smoothie” makes it easy for people to incorporate these incredibly healthy ingredients and nutritional treasures into their diet effortlessly. Enjoy.
To the Best of Health,
Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.
