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| Strawberry Pizazz |
INGREDIENTS
- 1 handful of frozen organic strawberries
- 1 whole lemon (peel cut off)
- 1 tbsp of raw organic honey /or/ raw blue agave
- 1-2 cups of water
Makes (about) 22 oz.
Put everything in your Vitamix blender and blend into a juicy smoothie perfection!
I love this smoothie! Aside from its simplicity, its great to have in the afternoon to help cool you off...and excellent to serve to impromptu guests.
I love this smoothie! Aside from its simplicity, its great to have in the afternoon to help cool you off...and excellent to serve to impromptu guests.
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Some Health Benefits
STRAWBERRIES: The strawberry is rich
source of many health promoting phyto-nutrients, minerals and vitamins
that are essential for optimum health. Strawberries have
significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called
anthocyanins
and ellagic acid.
Scientific studies show that consumption
of straw berries may have potential health benefits against cancer,
aging, inflammation and neurological diseases. Fresh berries are an
excellent
source of vitamin-C
(about 98% of RDI), which is also a powerful
natural antioxidant. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body
develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation and
scavenge harmful free radicals. The fruit is rich in
B-complex
group of vitamins. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6,
niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are
acting as co-factors help body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and
fats. Strawberries contain
vitamin
A, vitamin E and many health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic
antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene in small
amounts. 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. They contain good
amount
of minerals like potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and
iodine. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids
that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used
by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide
dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red
blood cells.
Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Fluoride is a component
of bones and teeth and is important for prevention of dental caries.
LEMON: The lemon is one powerful little fruit!
Aside from the fact that its a great tool for fat burning and weight
loss, It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol,
but is rich in dietary fiber (7.36% of RDA). Its acidic taste is due to citric acid. Citric
acid is present in up to 8% of its juice. Citric acid is a natural
preservative, aids digestion. Studies found that citric acid help
dissolve kidney stones. Lemons, like other citrus fruits, are
excellent source of ascorbic
acid (provides about 88% of DRI). Ascorbic
acid or vitamin-C is a powerful water soluble
natural
anti-oxidant. This vitamin is helpful in preventing scurvy. Besides,
consumption
of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body develop resistance against
infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free
radicals from the blood. Lemons like oranges contain a variety of
phytochemicals. Hesperetin
and naringenin are
flavonoid glycosides
commonly found in citrus fruits. Naringenin is found to have a
bio-active effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical
scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator. This
substance has also been shown to reduce oxidant injury to DNA in the
cells in-vitro studies. They also contain small level of vitamin A,
and other flavonoid anti-oxidants such as α and B-carotenes,
beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known
to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required for maintaining
healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision.
Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps body to protect
from lung and oral cavity cancers. They also a good
source of B-complex
vitamins such as pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, and folates. These
vitamins are
essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to
replenish. They contain healthy amount
of minerals like iron, copper, potassium, and calcium.
Potassium in an important
component of cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood
pressure.
RAW ORGANIC HONEY: While
honey is sweet, the vitamins
present in honey are B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and
certain amino acids. The minerals found in honey include calcium, copper, iron,
magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. On top of all of
this “raw organic” honey is an alkaline-forming food, this type of honey
contains ingredients similar to those found in fruits, which become alkaline in
the digestive system. Because it
contains antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, it doesn't ferment in the
stomach and it can be used to counteract acid indigestion. Raw honey is also
anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Last but not least, it contains a
mineral called selenium, which is necessary for the
proper support of immune system health. It is a vital mineral antioxidant
found in the tissues of your body and assists in supporting an optimal balance
of cardio-protective benefits as well.
RAW BLUE AGAVE: According to Dr Ray Sahelian, bestselling author of, Mind Boosters and The Stevia Cookbook, there are several hundred species of the agave plant. Agave has been cultivated for centuries, first by the Native American population and then in Europe, when agave plants were brought back by the Spaniards and Portugese in the 17th century. Agave contains saponins and fructans. According to Dr. Sahelian, saponins, which are found on quinoa and many plant roots, including ginseng, have anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting properties, including antimicrobial capability. In fact, the Aztecs used agave syrup to treat wounds because of its antibacterial properties. Inulin is a type of fructan or fiber that has many health benefits. Studies suggest that inulin can be effective in weight loss because of its low impact on blood sugar (that's right! this is a great sugar substitute for those with diabetes) and its ability to increase satiety and decrease appetite. Inulin is also associated with lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and increasing the absorption of nutrients, such as isoflavones, calcium and magnesium. In addition, Dr Sahelian says fructans are not destroyed in the stomach and may be a delivery system for drugs to treat colon diseases such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.
RAW BLUE AGAVE: According to Dr Ray Sahelian, bestselling author of, Mind Boosters and The Stevia Cookbook, there are several hundred species of the agave plant. Agave has been cultivated for centuries, first by the Native American population and then in Europe, when agave plants were brought back by the Spaniards and Portugese in the 17th century. Agave contains saponins and fructans. According to Dr. Sahelian, saponins, which are found on quinoa and many plant roots, including ginseng, have anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting properties, including antimicrobial capability. In fact, the Aztecs used agave syrup to treat wounds because of its antibacterial properties. Inulin is a type of fructan or fiber that has many health benefits. Studies suggest that inulin can be effective in weight loss because of its low impact on blood sugar (that's right! this is a great sugar substitute for those with diabetes) and its ability to increase satiety and decrease appetite. Inulin is also associated with lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and increasing the absorption of nutrients, such as isoflavones, calcium and magnesium. In addition, Dr Sahelian says fructans are not destroyed in the stomach and may be a delivery system for drugs to treat colon diseases such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.
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Piña No-Colada Smoothie
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