Christ is in our midst!
I love having chamomile tea on a daily basis so coming across this recipe by Julie Morris, I was thrilled to try it. I would have never thought of blending chamomile tea with mulberries and strawberries but it is EXEMPLARY! I am not surprised since every time I try something by Julie Morris, I fall in love with it. This recipe is low calorie, cleansing and strengthening for the bones. The sweetness that comes from the mulberries ties the flavors of the chamomile and strawberries really well. The lemon juice uplifts the flavors.
Camu powder
A note on camu powder… It has so many wonderful health benefits! It is great for the immune system, heart, mood, eye health, skin health! So, if you have camu powder or looking for a way to add it into your lifestyle, this is a great recipe for that!
1. Extremely High in Vitamin C
• One of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, essential for immune function, collagen production, and antioxidant protection.
2. Powerful Antioxidant
• Contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamin C that help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.
3. Boosts Immune System
• Vitamin C and other antioxidants enhance the body’s defense against infections and illnesses.
4. Supports Skin Health
• Helps with collagen synthesis, reducing signs of aging, improving skin elasticity, and promoting wound healing.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
• May help reduce inflammation and support conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory diseases.
6. Improves Mood and Mental Health
• Contains compounds that may help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by supporting neurotransmitter function.
7. Aids in Digestion
• High in fiber, promoting gut health and healthy digestion.
8. Supports Eye Health
• Contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C, which may help prevent age-related eye diseases.
9. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar
• Some studies suggest camu camu may support blood sugar balance and improve insulin sensitivity.
10. Promotes Heart Health
• May help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and improve circulation due to its high antioxidant content.
Julie Morris’ notes:
Sometimes when I make tea at night, I’ll make an extra cup or two and toss it in the refrigerator, saving it for a morning smoothie. The slightly sweet and floral flavor of chamomile is a gorgeous match for bright, juicy strawberries.
Ingredients
2 cups frozen strawberries
½ cup dried white mulberries
1 ¾ cups brewed chamomile tea, chilled
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sweetener, to taste, optional
2 tbsp chia seeds
½ tsp camu berry powder, optional
Directions
Blend the strawberries, mulberries, tea, and lemon juice together until smooth. Stop the blender, taste, and add desired sweetener if needed. Add the chia seeds, and give the blender a second quick whirl, just to mix the ingredients. (Incorporating the chia seeds at the end allows the smoothie to retain a smoother texture.) Add in the camu powder, if using.
Sources
“Superfood Smoothies” by Julie Morris
Sources on camu powder:
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry – https://pubs.acs.org/journal/jafcau
PubMed – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/
A Spiritual Steward 
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