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1/01/2012

Simple Green Meal Smoothie


Simple Green Meal Smoothie
  • 2 cups of raw organic kale 
  • 2 cups of raw organic spinach 
  • 1 frozen organic banana 
  • 3 organic apples (core removed - peel on) 
  • 1 tbsp organic flax seeds 
  • 2 tbsp organic coconut oil 
  • 1 cup of filtered or distilled water 
Makes 40 oz.







Put all of the ingredients in your blender and blend until its smooth and creamy.

This smoothie is loaded with antioxidants, omega 3’s, fiber and B vitamins. Banana’s and Apples are the only two fruits that you can mix with vegetables that does not diminish the B Vitamins in the vegetables. 

While the smoothie is thick in texture, the taste is smooth, cool, light and airy with a hint of apple. You don’t taste the greens at all, but your body will feel the nourishment from them.  

TIPS: 
(1) If you feel you need a little pick me up, more protein or if you want it more “milk shake~ish” substitute the water for coconut milk or almond milk. 
(2) If you want it slushy feel free to add ice. Or do as I do and freeze your ingredients! That’s right, I even freeze my greens. When I buy them, I clean them immediately, chop them, bag them and freeze them. This way, they are smoothie ready and I don’t need to add ice. Please Note: I never freeze apples. 
(3) If you want it sweeter, add more apple or raw organic honey.

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Detailed Nutrition Benefits 

Kale: Kale is a superstar in the arena of carotenoids and flavonoids, two powerful antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. The key flavonoids kaempferol and quercitin (not to dismiss the 45 other distinctive flavonoids in kale) have also been shown to specifically fight against the formation of cancerous cells. With the addition of high doses of well-known antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and manganese, kale is certainly a smart choice in the battle against cellular oxidation. Last but certainly not least the isothiocyanates (ITC) from glucosinolates found in kale aid in both phases I and II of the body’s detoxification process. The high sulfur content of kale has further been shown essential for phase II of detoxification. 

Spinach: This leafy green is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber, and copper. Plus, it’s a good source of selenium, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Banana: Banana’s are loaded with potassium, a mineral that helps within the protein synthesis and constructing of muscle groups. A diet plan loaded in potassium is believed to trim down the menace of stroke and hypertension. They are also full of Vitamin B6, which aids inside the manufacturing of antibodies inside the immune method individually from red blood development, protein metabolic process and operating with the central nervous program. Bananas also have magnesium, which assists in recovering from exhaustion. Together with B12 and potassium, they support the entire body to enhance from your signs and symptoms associated towards the taking from nicotine. Vitamins C is in bananas also and it assists to safeguard the human body versus infections and remedy them too. This vitamin also delivers proof vital inside the synthesis with the connective tissue, assimilation of iron as well as the formation with the blood. Last, but not least banana’s contain Fructoogliosaccharides (FOS), which acts as foods for your “good bacteria” or perhaps a prebiotic inside the digestive method. 

Apples: Apples are rich in antioxidant phyto-nutrients, flavonoids and polyphenols. The total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100 g apple fruit is 5900 TE. The important flavonoids in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. Apples are also good in tartaric acid that gives tart flavor to them. These compounds help body protect from deleterious effects of free radicals. In addition, apple fruit is a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). Together these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism as well as in various synthetic functions inside the body. Apple also contains small amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus counters the bad influences of sodium. 

Flax Seeds: Flaxseeds are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and an excellent source of all important omega-3 essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and arachidonic acids. Regular intake of small portions of flax seeds in the diet help to lower total as well as LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increase HDL or “good cholesterol” levels in the blood. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet that is rich in dietary fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile. 

Coconut Oil: For years it was a common misconception that this oil was not good for you and was even bad for the heart. However, studies have shown that people who have switched to coconut oil have had less occurrences of heart disease. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats (don't let that scare you, because unlike most oils, coconut oil does not sit in your system, it quickly moves out taking bad fat with it.) Nevertheless, coconut oil contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Additional benefits include weight loss, controlling diabetes, curing kidney and gall bladder issues, treating pancreatic issues, providing easy digestion, healing stomach issues, and boosting immunity. It's even good for the teeth, as it has a good amount of calcium. 

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