A great tasting, refreshing smoothie is something I crave during the summer months! The blend of fruits and vegetables are not only tasty treats, but can also do wonders for the body! All you need for your smoothie are fresh fruits and vegetables, water, a little sweetener, and a blender and you are ready to start!
It is a quick, and perfect idea for breakfast, snacks, or just for a refreshing drink!
According to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD, when vegetables and fruits are blended, more nutrients become available for absorption. When chewing fruits and vegetables, fewer nutrients are available because the plant cells are not completely broken down, as they would be with blending.
Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie:
1/2 grapefruit (peeled)
2-4 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 banana (fresh or frozen-I usually peel and cut bananas in half before they get too ripe and freeze them)
1/4cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
5-6 baby carrots
1 handful of chopped Kale
1-1 1/2 tablespoons of a low glycemic sweetener of your choice
2 tablespoons of protein powder, or your favorite add- ins
1 cup of water
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. It makes 1 large glass of natural goodness:) A regular blender works perfectly for blending the ingredients!
Health Benefits
Grapefruit: Provides immune system support and promotes cardiovascular health. Reduces inflammatory problems and cholesterol.
Strawberries: Protects cell structure, heart- protective, anti- cancer and anti- inflammatory fruit all in 1!
Banana: Potassium power fruit that helps to maintain normal blood pressure; just 1 banana a day is all you need to maintain a normal blood pressure. Also promotes bone health and also helps to prevent heart disease.
Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants that destroy free radicals that lead to aging and possibly cancer. Blueberries are also a great source for brain protection.
Carrots: Great source of antioxidants, and pro- vitamin A. Protects against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Also is a great source for lung protection. Promotes good vision, night vision in particular. Also aids in blood sugar regulation.
Kale: Great for optimum overall health. Helps to optimize cell detoxification and cleansing ability. Contains pro- vitamin A and promotes lung health. Also helps to prevent caners.
Hope you enjoy!
Blog entry by Anna Tucker, Midgett Realty Intern, Hatteras Village Office
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment