Hormone Loving, Hot Apple Cider

Hello lovelies. As the leaves change and fall slowly (thankfully) starts to come to a close, and the winter months approach. I'm really appreciating warming spices and delicious fall flavours.

Think cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pumpkin spice (which really is a mix of the above and ginger), ginger, allspice, apples, sweet potatoes, squash ... the list goes on.

There is something so comforting about these things, and the final warm hugs of fall that lights me up and makes me feel ... at home. So I've created fall in a cup. Warming, hormone balancing thanks to the maca powder, and truly tasty. It's gluten free, vegan and can be sugar free. Are you ready? Here's the recipe:

You will need

- 2 apples, chopped

- 1 cup of water

- 1 tsp - 1 tbsp cinnamon

- 1/8 tsp nutmeg

- 1/2 cup cashew milk (or any nut milk)

- 1 tsp coconut oil

- 1 tsp maple syrup, or stevia

- 1 tsp maca powder

How?

Chop your apples, you can peel them if you want - but the skin holds a lot of nutrients, so I vot for skin on. Place the apples and water in a pot on the stove and stew for about 10-15 minutes or until soft.

Pour out about 1/3 of a cup of the water, and pour the rest into your blender.

Add all other ingredients and BLEND. It will get really smooth and creamy. You can add more water if you want it less thick, and then pour the mixture into a mug. And sip. So good.

Why is it hormone balancing?

Maca is one of the ingredients in this baby. Maca is a a root that has been used in Peru for thousands of years. It was thought to be a vital ingredient to health. It contains amino acids, carbohydrates, and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E.

It has LOADS of benefits for both MEN & WOMEN. Here are a few:

- increased energy

- assists in sexual dysfunction

- increased athletic performance

- nourishes the glandular system

- fertility enhancement

- improves physical and emotional well being

- promotes mental clarity

- balance hormones

- PMS

- menopause support

It's great for assisting your endocrine system to function optimally, and provides amazing hormonal support.

Apples on the other hand are AMAZING for you. They are high in fibre, antioxidants and flavonoids. The old saying "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away" is so true. They are known to help prevent cancer, lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, clean your teeth, supports a healthy immune system, and detoxifies your liver (the powerhouse of your bod).

The dietary fibre found in apples is also great for optimal digestion and elimination, which in turn helps with balancing your hormones. A little known fact - there are hormones released from your digestive system! A healthy digestive tract = happy, healthy hormone production. And a happy, healthy you.

Finally, I'm going to mention cinnamon. This is such an awesome spice - it is the epitomy of fall for me. But, it also has some pretty rad benefits for our wellness. It's full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, assists in balancing blood sugar, good for heart health, may prevent cancer, is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal (cinnamon essential oil packs a punch for all sorts of nasties) - so basically it's a super spice. And delicious.

So, go and make it for yourself. Give it a try & let me know what you think.

Love and green juice, or love and hot apple cider,

Jedrah xo