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1/25/2012

Robust Tomato Smoothie Soup


Robust Tomato Smoothie Soup
INGREDIENTS
  • 1lb brown tomatoes
  • 3-4 carrots
  • 3 celery stalks
  • 1 avocado
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 3 large garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp celtic sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
Makes (about) 50 oz 

Put everything in your Vitamix blender and blend into a juicy smoothie soupy perfection! I let my blender run, while I was tidying up the kitchen and it warmed this smoothie up and made it even more soup like for me. So great on this cold snowy winter night.

This tastes like the best tomato soup ever. Seriously, I'm not just saying it because I made it. I'm saying it, because it really is that good. Campbells Soup ain't got nothing on me! I debated on 1/2 the onion or a whole one and was glad I opted on half. It blended in just splendidly and wasn't over powering. Neither was the amount of garlic. So play around with your onion and garlic, depending on the size of each you use, you may need more or less. I also contemplated adding an actual avocado or avocado oil...I opted on the avocado. I'm glad I did. It made it thicker and creamier while implementing the omega's that we all need and love so much. This soup smoothie definitely will get repeated.

TIPS:
(1) Leave the Vitamix blender running and it will warm you soup smoothie up. You'll forget your eating raw!
(2) If you want your soup less spicy start slowly sprinkling in the cayenne. I tend to be heavy handed and love cayenne, but I realize everyone doesn't love it, as I do. So start with sprinkles from your 1/2 tsp measure spoon and use to your liking.

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Some Health Benefits 

Carrots: Did you know the carrot is a root vegetable? It's sweet and succulent taste is  rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber. They are exceptionally rich source of carotenes and vitamin-A. 100 g fresh carrot contain 8285 mcg of beta-carotene and 16706 IU of vitamin A. Studies have found that flavonoid compounds in carrots help protect from skin, lung and oral cavity cancers. Carotenes are converted in to vitamin A in the liver. Beta-carotene is the major carotene that is present in these roots. Beta carotene is one of the powerful natural anti-oxidant helps protect body from harmful fee radical injury.  In addition, it also has all the functions of vitamin A such as vision, reproduction (sperm production), maintenance of epithelial integrity, growth and development. Carrots are rich in poly-acetylene anti-oxidant falcarinol. Research study conducted by scientists at University of Newcastle on laboratory animals has found that falcarinol in carrots may help fight against cancers by destroying pre-cancerous cells in the tumors. Fresh roots are also good in vitamin C; provide about 9% of RDA. Vitamin C is water soluble anti-oxidant. It helps body maintain healthy connective tissue, teeth and gum. Its anti-oxidant property helps body protect from diseases and cancers by scavenging harmful free radicals. This root vegetable is especially contain good amounts of many B-complex group of vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc that acts as co-factors to enzymes during substrate metabolism in the body. It also has healthy levels of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, manganese and phosphorus. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. 

Tomatoes: The antioxidants present in tomatoes are scientifically found to be protective against cancers including colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic tumors. Lycopene, a flavonoid antioxidant, is the unique phytochemical present in the tomatoes. Red varieties are especially concentrated in this antioxidant. Together with carotenoids, it has the ability to protect cells and other structures in the body from harmful oxygen free radicals. Studies have shown that lycopene prevents skin damage from ultra-violet (UV) rays and offers protection from skin cancer. Zeaxanthin is another flavonoid compuond present abundantly in this vegetable. Zeaxanthin helps protect eyes from "age related macular disease" (ARMD) in the elderly persons by filtering harmful ultra-violet rays. The vegetable contains very good levels of vitamin A, and flvonoid anti-oxidants such as beta-carotenes, xanthins and lutein. Altogether, these pigment compounds are found to have antioxidant properties and are take part in vision, maintain healthy mucus membranes and skin, and bone health. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids is known to help protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. In addition, they are also good source of antioxidant vitamin-C (provide 21% of recommended daily levels per 100 g); consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals. Fresh tomato is very rich in potassium. 100 g contain 237 mg of potassium and just 5 mg of sodium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure caused by sodium. They contain moderate amounts of many vital B-complex vitamins such as folates, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin as well some essential minerals like iron, calcium, manganese and other trace elements.

Celery: Celery leaves are rich source of flavonoid antioxidants such as zeaxanthin, lutein and beta- carotene, which have anti-oxidant, cancer protective, and immune-boosting functions. It is also good source of vitamin-A. Vitamin-A and beta-carotene are natural flavonoid antioxidants. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin, and for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids helps body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. The herb is also rich in many vital vitamins including folic acid (provides 9% of RDA), riboflavin, niacin and vitamin-C, which are essential for optimum metabolism. Fresh celery is an excellent source of vitamin-K, provides about 25% of DRI. Vitamin-K help increase bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It also has established role in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain. The herb is very good source of minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.  Its leaves and seeds contain many essential volatile oils that include terpenes, mostly limonene (75 to 80%), and the sesquiterpenes like β-selinene (10%) and humulene; but its characteristic fragrance is due to chemical compounds known as phthalides (butylphthalid and its dihydro derivate sedanenolid) in them. Essential oil obtained from extraction of celery plant has been used in soothing remedies for nervousness, osteoarthritis, and gouty-arthritis conditions. In addition, its seeds, and root has diuretic (removes excess water from body through urine), galactogogue (help breast milk secretion), stimulant, and tonic properties. 

Avocado: Did you know...even though an avocado is a “fat” fruit, it is useful in losing weight? Thanks to the monounsaturated fats, which avocado contains, it helps you get your stomach “full” much quicker, and reduces the temptation of eating sweets. Much more, avocado prevents deficiency disease caused by vitamins or minerals, which are more often seen in diets. It also provides nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also act as a "nutrient booster" by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit. Not to mention this little fruit is loaded with omega 3's. Avocados also bear a lot of the carotenoid lutein than whatsoever additional usually devoured yield; and, Xanthophyl, which protects against macular decadence and cataracts, two crippling age-related eye diseases. Research further shows that some chemical compounds in avocados are capable to search for pre-cancerous and malign oral cancer cells and destruct them without harming good cells. 

Onion: Onions are a very good source of vitamin C, B6, biotin, chromium, calcium and dietary fiber. In addition, onions contain good amounts of folic acid and vitamin B1 and K. Like garlic, onions also have the enzyme alliinase, which is released when an onion is cut or crushed and it causes your eyes to water. They also contain flavonoids, which are pigments that give vegetables their colour. These compounds act as antioxidants, have a direct antitumor effect and have immune-enhancing properties. The onion is the richest dietary source of quercitin, a potent antioxidant (also in shallots, yellow and red onions only but not in white onions), which is specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer. Quercitin in onions also thins the blood, lowers cholesterol, raises good-type HDL cholesterol (preferred dose: half a raw onion a day), wards off blood clots, fight asthma, chronic bronchitis, hay fever, diabetes, atherosclerosis and infections. It's also an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, thought to have diverse anti-cancer powers. Quercitin is also a sedative. So far, there is no better food source of quercitin than onion skins. Onions contain a variety of organic sulphur compounds that provide health benefits. Sulphur-containing amino acids are found as the proteins in onions as well as garlic and eggs. These specific amino acids are called methionine and cystine and, amongst other things, they are very good at detoxifying your body from heavy metals. In fact, they are able to latch on to mercury, cadmium and lead and escort them out of the body. Vitamin C, also contained in onions, is excellent at detoxifying the body and is effective in removing lead, arsenic and cadmium. So increasing consumption of onions can help the body to get rid of these harmful metals. To help keep your blood free of clots, and make the most of the health benefits of onions, eat them both raw and cooked. Prescribing onions for heart patients is hardly routine among cardiologists. But Harvard's Dr. Victor Gurewich, advises all his patients with coronary heart disease to eat onions daily. One way the antioxidants in onions can protect you against cancer is by reducing the DNA damage in cells caused by free radicals, studies reveal. All onions and onion relatives (garlic, leeks, chives and scallions, or spring onions) are rich in organosulfur compounds shown to help prevent cancer in lab animals. In fact, an onion extract was found to destroy tumor cells in test tubes and to arrest tumor growth when tumor cells were implanted in rats. The onion extract was shown to be unusually nontoxic, since a dose as high as forty times that of the dose required to kill the tumor cells had no adverse effect on the host. In addition, shallots have been shown to exhibit significant activity against leukemia in mice. Onions have also been shown to have a significant blood sugar-lowering action, even comparable to some prescription drugs. The active compound that seems to be responsible for lowering glucose works by competing with insulin for breakdown sites in the liver, thereby increasing the life span of insulin. Onions have historically been used to treat asthma, too. Its action in asthma is due to its ability to inhibit the production of compounds that cause the bronchial muscle to spasm and to relax bronchial muscle. Onions have potent antibacterial activity, destroying many disease-causing pathogens, including E. coli and salmonella. 

Garlic: Strong flavored, garlic cloves contain many noteworthy minerals, vitamins, anti-oxidants, and phyto-nutrients that have proven health benefits. Its bulbs contain organic thio-sulfinites such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and allyl propyl disulfide that can form allicin by enzymatic reaction, which is activated by disruption of bulb (like crushing, cutting etc). Laboratory studies show that allicin reduces cholesterol production by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase enzyme in the liver cells. Allicin also decreases blood vessel stiffness by release of nitric oxide (NO); thereby bring reduction in the total blood pressure. It also blocks platelet clot formation and has fibrinolytic action in the blood vessels, which helps decrease the overall risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) and stroke. Research studies also found that consumption of garlic is associated with possible decrease in the incidence of stomach cancer. Allicin and other essential volatile compounds in the garlic also found to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities. Garlic is an excellent source of minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. The bulbs are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium. Selenium is a heart-healthy mineral, and is an important cofactor for anti-oxidant enzymes in the body. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. It contains many flavonoid anti-oxidants like carotene beta, zea-xanthin, and vitamins like vitamin-C. Vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.  

Celtic sea salt: Salt is used to help bring out flavor in food, but did you know that it actually has a nutritional purpose that our bodies need? Sea salt naturally helps you to build up a strong immune system so that you can fight off the cold virus, the fever and flu, allergies and other autoimmune disorders. Sea salt is alkalizing to the body, as it has not been exposed to high heat and stripped of its minerals, nor does it have any harmful man-made ingredients added to it. Thus it can help you to prevent and reverse high levels of acids in the body, which in turn eliminates the risks for serious and life-threatening diseases. Believe it or not, but sea salt can also help you in weight loss. It helps the body to create digestive juices so that the foods you eat are digested faster, and it helps to prevent buildup in the digestive tract, which eventually can lead to constipation and weight gain. Sea salt is effective in reducing inflammation in the respiratory system. Thus the production of phlegm is slowed down so that you can breathe easier again. Some say that sprinkling sea salt on the tongue after drinking a glass of water is just as effective as using an inhaler. But the great thing about sea salt is that it has no side effects when taken in moderation. When salt is taken with water it can help to reduce high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and help to regulate an irregular heart beat. Thus sea salt can help to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. Sea salt can help to reduce the need for insulin by helping to maintain proper sugar levels in the body. Thus the salt is an essential part of the diet if you are diabetic, or at risk for the disease. Just over 1/4 of the amount of salt that is in the body is stored in the bones, where it helps to keep them strong. When the body lacks salt and water it begins to draw the sodium from the bones, which then eventually can lead to osteoporosis. Thus by drinking plenty of water and consuming salt in moderation you can prevent osteoporosis. Potassium is essential for helping the muscles to function properly. Sea salt not only contains small amounts of potassium, but it also helps the body to absorb it better from other foods. Thus it is effective in helping to prevent muscle pains, spasms and cramps. Sea salt also has shown to be effective in treating various types of depression. The salt helps to preserve two essential hormones in the body that help you to better deal with stress. These hormones are serotonin and melatonin, which help you to feel good, and relax and sleep better at night. Didn't know that using a pure natural salt could do all of that, huh?

Curry and Turmeric: Turmeric, the primary ingredient in curry, is responsible for many of the dish’s health benefits. The most prolific may be its effect on those who suffer from arthritis or otherwise sore and inflamed joints. Turmeric may reduce swelling and ease the pain associated with inflammation of the joints. This claim has been tested conclusively on rats. Another benefit of the turmeric in curry is a reduced risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. This is because of curcumin within the turmeric; curcumin can identify plaques in the brain called amyloid plaques. In excess, amyloid plaques can interfere with the brain’s wiring and cause memory to degrade over time. If you ingest enough curcumin on a regular basis, the curcumin will bind to the plaque and keep it from reproducing. Turmeric has been found to reduce the risk of developing prostate, breast, skin and colorectal cancer, possibly because of its antioxidant properties. It may also at least reduce the speed at which these cancers progress. However, ingesting curry alone will not erase your risk for cancer. Other ingredients in curry, such as chili pepper and even curcumin, are beneficial in boosting your body’s immunity and healing properties. This is because they’re rich in vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B6, and they boost the infection-fighting cells. Ingredients in curry such as asafoetida, allspice, anise, cardamom and black pepper may be helpful in easing digestion problems. Indigestion, constipation, loss of appetite, stomachaches and even hemorrhoids may improve after ingesting the dish on a regular basis. While a diet of only curry won’t keep the pounds off on its own, it’s actually a well-balanced way to get a variety of vegetables and proteins that may help you burn fat cells. Black pepper is the dish’s ingredient that’s best able to break down fat cells. A number of ingredients in this dish are purported to help ease the frequency of an asthma sufferer’s symptoms. Asafoetida and curcumin alike can help regulate symptoms of mild asthma. Many ingredients in the dish, such as turmeric and cinnamon, are rich in antioxidants, which can help improve the appearance of your skin and help prevent the negative cosmetic effects of long-term exposure to pollutants or smoke. The curcumin can also improve the appearance of your hair and nails by providing necessary proteins. 

Parsley: The herb contains no cholesterol; but is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber which helps control blood cholesterol levels, prevents constipation, protects body from free radicals mediated injury and from cancers. Parsley contains many health benefiting essential volatile oils that include myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. The essential oil, Eugenol, present in this herb has been in therapeutic use in dentistry as a local anesthetic and anti-septic agent for teeth and gum diseases. Eugenol has also been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, however, further detailed studies required to establish its role. Parsley is rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin; and has been rated as one of the plant source with highest anti-oxidant activities. The herb is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium. Iron is essential for heme production inside red blood cells. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. It is also rich in many antioxidant vitamins including vitamin-A, beta-carotene, vitamin-C, vitamin-E, zea-xanthin, lutein, and cryptoxanthins. The herb is also an excellent source of vitamin-K and folates. Zea-xanthin helps prevent age related macular degeneration (ARMD) in the retina of the eye in the old age population through its anti-oxidant and ultra-violet light filtering functions. Fresh herb leaves are also rich in many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), riboflavin (vitamin B-2), niacin (vitamin B-3), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential during carbohydrates, fat and protein metabolism by acting as co-enzymes. It is probably the richest of the entire herb source for vitamin K. Vitamin K has been found to have potential role in bone health by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bones. It has also established role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain. 

Oregano: Oregano contains impressive list of plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. The herb parts contain no cholesterol; but are rich source of dietary fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol levels. Oregano contains many health benefiting essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene. The leaves and flowering stems of the plant are strongly anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, cholagogue (help gall bladder secretion), diaphoretic (sweat production), expectorant, stimulant, and mildly tonic properties. Its decoction is taken by mouth for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upsets and painful menstruation. Thymol is also been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal activities. The herb is rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants (vitamin A, carotenes, lutein, zea-xanthin and cryptoxanthin) and has been rated as one of the plant source with highest anti-oxidant activities. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process. The active principles in the herb may increase the motility of the gastro-intestinal tract as well as increase the digestion power by increasing gastro-intestinal secretions. This exotic herb is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure caused by high sodium. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron helps prevent anemia. Magnesium, and calcium are important minerals for bone metabolism. Fresh herb is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin, vitamin-C. Vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals. 

Cayenne: Cayenne contains health a benefiting alkaloid compound called: capsaicin, which is a strong spicy pungent character. Early laboratory studies on experimental mammals suggest that capsaicin has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties. When used judiciously it is also found to reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels in obese individuals. Fresh cayenne peppers, red or green, are rich source of vitamin-C. Vitamin-C is a potent water soluble antioxidant. It is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body. Cayenne chili peppers are probably the richest spicy source of vitamin A. In addition this prized spice is also home for anti-oxidant flavonoids such as carotenes, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. Together, these antioxidant substances in capsicum helps to protect body from injurious effects of free radicals generated during stress, diseases conditions. The spice contains very high levels of essential minerals. The spice if even consumed in small quantities regularly would provide sufficient levels of iron, copper, zinc, potassium, manganese, magnesium and selenium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Selenium is anti-oxidant mineral. 100 g of cayenne peppers provides 2014 mg or 47% of daily required amount of potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte inside the cells and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure and counter the effects of sodium. Cayenne is also good in B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish. B-complex vitamins facilitate cellular metabolism through various enzymatic functions.

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