I can’t decide which I love more, the sweet earthy taste of this smoothie, or it’s vibrant colour! Beets and berries, especially strawberries, are a match made in flavour (and colour) heaven. But don’t be fooled by this smoothies fun looks and sweet flavour because it packs a serious punch of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein.

Famous for their intense hue and ability to stain anything and everything, beets are also known for their health benefits. They’re of vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium, amino acids, and have been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, aid in liver detoxification, and even help fight off cancer cells.

Strawberries and blueberries are no slouches either, these powerful antioxidants and are packed full of vitamin C, and provide the perfect amount of natural sweetness. Since this smoothie is made from whole foods it includes plenty of fiber and phytonutrients.

And let’s not forget about our greens! The nutrient levels of micro-greens are super-concentrated and they can be packed with up to 100 times more nutrients than full-grown greens. Sunflower sprouts, in particular, are a great source of complex-B vitamins and are one of the best sources of complete plant-based protein.

For an extra protein boost try adding a few tablespoons of hemp hearts and a cup of almond milk into your smoothie. Blend everything together in your blender, and voila! You have one hell of a high-protein, antioxidant-rich, plant-based smoothie!

The bright colours of this smoothie are also an asset to your gut health, as they can help track your transit times. (Aka. the amount of time it takes for food to get from your mouth, through your digestive tract, and out the other end.) Normal transit times are about 12 to 14 hours and can help determine the state of your overall gut health. That’s right, your poop will turn red after you drink this smoothie. But fret not… it’s totally worth it!

Beet Berry Smoothie

Half a medium sized beet, cooked* and roughly chopped
1/3 Cup of frozen strawberries
1/4 Cup frozen blueberries, blackberries or raspberries
3 – 4 ice cubes
1 Big handful of sunflower sprouts
1 Cup almond milk
2 Tbsp. of shelled hemp hearts/seeds

Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

*How to cook beets: Wrap your beets in aluminum foil and cook for 45 mins to 1 hour at 375 degrees F. Cooked beets will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.