Nitrate-rich foods such as beetroot are incredibly important for building nitric oxide, a key compound for increasing blood flow to the skin, vagina and pelvic organs, which optimises cardiovascular health, mental clarity, healing and recovery from injury. This Red Velvet Smoothie is a refreshing option for a light summer morning breakfast.

INGREDIENTS

5–6 wedges of cold, roasted beetroot
a handful of frozen raspberries
2 tbsp cacao powder
400ml unsweetened nut milk
1 tsp mushroom powder – I use Lion’s Mane
1 tbsp collagen peptides
1 tbsp maca powder

TO SERVE – Seeds and crushed nuts of choice

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a blender and combine until smooth. Finish with some seeds and crushed nuts of choice on top (pecans work well!).

Extracted from Hungry Woman by Pauline Cox (Ebury Press, £27) Photography by Luke Albert