Blue Pineapple Digestive Tonic

Happy Sunday, beautiful people!!  I'm all about pretty food, and I'm all about supporting optimal digestion.  So obviously I decided to make a gorgeous digestive tonic to start my Sunday right.  Read on for the recipe and alllllll the details on how each ingredient contributes to the tonic.

BUT FIRST:  I haven't been to Costco in a hot minute, and I have to say they have some sweet new offerings.  I was so excited to find not only C2O coconut water, but their 100% organic line!  I drink a loooooot of coconut water, but I'm pretty picky about what kind I drink and where it's sourced from.  I love love love this line of C2O because it's 100% organic and FREE of preservatives and sweeteners.  Boom.  No nasties in my hydration, thank you very much.  It's also sourced from inland freshwater coconuts, which have a naturally sweeter taste than the coastal coconuts (coastal varieties tend to be a little saltier).  Since it's preservative free, you'll find your C2O keepin' it fresh in the cooler section.  Anywaaaayyy I just thought I would share since it's a stellar deal on a product I think is the bees knees.

Okay now for the delicious stuff.  I made my digestive tonic with C2O coconut water for optimal hydration post Sunday morning sweat-sesh, and a few key ingredients to support digestion.  

• Pineapple: This fine fruit is packed with an enzyme call bromelain, which helps your bod break down proteins into individual amino acids.  Pineapple has also been shown to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis and acid reflux, and the high fiber content helps to keep your elimination on the reg.  Studies also show that fruits high in fiber help to prevent colorectal cancer, so bonus!
• Ginger: The gastroprotective activity of ginger has been well documented and studied.  Since it is highly anti-inflammatory, it can provide powerful support of many inflammatory digestive disorders. Ginger root also contains PREbiotics, a type of plant-based fiber that feeds good bacteria in the digestive tract to help them grow. Last, ginger is amaze at reducing nausea.  If your tummy is feeling unsettled, have some of this drink! (Or make some ginger tea, one of my other fave digestion supporting tonics.
• Collagen peptides: This super soluble, tasteless collagen has been shown to increase the integrity of the epithelial lining of the gut.  In other words, it helps heal from and prevent what is commonly known as "leaky gut".  The high level of proline and glycine in collagen peptides also helps to support proper stomach acid production.  This is super important, as stomach acid facilitates the proper absorption of nutrients.  When your stomach acid production is on point, you're absorbing more nutrients and your bod is functioning at a higher level.  You can get them in both marine and bovine forms, depending on your dietary preferences.

You guys ready to make this tonic or what!?!

Recipe:
Blue Pineapple Digestive Tonic 

Ingredients: (serves 2)

• 16 oz C2O 100% organic coconut water
• 1 cup organic fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
• 2 heaping scoops collagen peptides
• A thumb's length of fresh ginger, peeled
• Juice from 1 whole organic lemon
• 1 tsp Blue Majik blue spirulina

How To:
Blend all ingredients together.  Best served over ice with a bamboo straw, obvi.

X's and O's,
Nikole