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| High Energy Green Smoothie |
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups of kale
- 1/4 cup figs
- 1 tbsp agave
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 cups watermelon rind
- 3 inches (around) of filet'd aloe vera plant
- 1 tbsp spirulina
- 1 tbsp acai powder
- 1 cup of water
Makes (about) 40 oz
Put all of the ingredients into the Vitamix Blender and blend.
This tastes surprising sweet. You'd think because of the dark green color it would be bitter and strong, because kale alone is pungeantly strong. However, between the banana (which you don't taste) and the watermelon, its really quite sweet. Adding watermelon to any juice or smoothie automatically sweetens it like crazy. This surprised the heck out of me. I always add a little watermelon rind into my juices or smoothies, because that too has nutrients. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
This tastes surprising sweet. You'd think because of the dark green color it would be bitter and strong, because kale alone is pungeantly strong. However, between the banana (which you don't taste) and the watermelon, its really quite sweet. Adding watermelon to any juice or smoothie automatically sweetens it like crazy. This surprised the heck out of me. I always add a little watermelon rind into my juices or smoothies, because that too has nutrients. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
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Some Health Benefits
Some Health Benefits
KALE: like other members of the brassica family, contains health-promoting phytochemicals, sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol that are appears to protect against prostate and colon cancers. Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol has been found to be an effective immune modulator, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent through its action of potentiating "Interferon-Gamma" receptors. Borecole is very rich source of beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These flavonoids have strong anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. Because beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, it is also rich in Vitamin A. Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, is selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Thus, it helps prevent retinal detachment and offers protection against "age related macular degeneration disease" (ARMD) in the elderly. Vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for vision. Foods rich in this vitamin offer protection against lung and oral cavity cancers. It is one of the excellent vegetable sources for vitamin-K. Vitamin K has potential role bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet helps limiting neuronal damage in the brain; thus, has established role in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. 100 g of fresh leaves contain 120 mg or 200% of daily-recommended levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals. This leafy vegetable is notably good in many B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, vit.B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc that are essential for substrate metabolism in the body. It is also rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, 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. Iron is required for cellular oxidation and red blood cell formation. Kale provides rich nutrition ingredients that offer protection from vitamin A deficiency, osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases and, colon and prostate cancers.
FIGS:
Dried figs are excellent source of minerals,
vitamins and anti-oxidants. In fact dried fruits are concentrated
sources of energy. Fresh figs, especially black mission, are good
in poly-phenolic flavonoid
anti-oxidants such as carotenes,
lutein, tannins, chlorgenic
acid...etc.
In addition, fresh fruits contain adequate
levels of some of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, E, and K.
Altogether these phyto-chemical compounds in
fig fruit help scavenge harmful oxygen derived free radicals from
the
body and thereby protect us from cancers, diabetes, degenerative
diseases and infections. Also research studies suggest that chlorogenic
acid in these berries help lower blood sugar levels and
control
blood glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus (Adult onset)
condition. Fresh as well as dried figs contain good
levels of
B-complex
group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic
acid. These vitamins function as co-factors for metabolism of
carbohydrates, proteins and
fats. Dried figs are excellent sources
minerals like calcium,
copper, potassium, manganese, iron,
selenium and zinc. Potassium
in an important component of cell and body fluids
that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is required
in the production of red
blood cells.
Iron is required for red blood cell formation as well for cellular
oxidation.
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.
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.
WATERMELON: If you've seen my video on watermelon, then you know I have a lot to say about this fruit.
It's rich in electrolytes and
water content, melons are
nature’s gift to beat tropical summer thirst. Watermelons are very low in calories and
fats yet very rich source of numerous health promoting phyto-nutrients
and anti-oxidants
that are essential for optimum health. Watermelon is an excellent
source of Vitamin-A,
which is a powerful natural anti-oxidant. It
is essential for vision and immunity. Vitamin-A is also required for
maintaining healthy
mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in
vitamin-A is known to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. It is also rich in
anti-oxidant
flavonoids like
lycopene,
beta-carotene,
lutein, zeaxanthin and
cryptoxanthin.
These antioxidants are found to be protective against
colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
Phyto-chemicals present in watermelon like Lycopene and
carotenoids
have the ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body
from oxygen free radicals. Studies have also shown that lycopene protects
skin damage from UV rays and from prostate cancer. Watermelon fruit is a good source
of
potassium; Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids
that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus offers
protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases. It also contains
good
amount of vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), vitamin-C
and manganese. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body
develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful
oxygen free radicals. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for
the antioxidant enzyme superoxide
dismutase.
ALOE VERA: Aloe vera is a common houseplant that is known for its nutritional
properties and soothing of the skin. The aloe vera benefits range from
soothing skin to helping internal problems. Aloe vera that comes
directly from the plant can be used or the substance can be processed
into other types of aloe vera products. Sometimes aloe vera is used as
an additive in other products due to its beneficial factors. The aloe vera benefits come from many of its ingredients. Aloe vera contains all the vitamins,
except D, that people need on a daily basis. It also contains enzymes,
minerals, anti-microbial, amino acids and sugars that are all beneficial
to the human body. All of these ingredients in aloe vera are why it is
used to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, cleanse and sooth the body. The main benefits of aloe vera are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and
restoration. Other on going studies suggest that it is also beneficial
to the heart and can destroy strong bacteria. Long time known aloe vera benefits mostly have resulted from aloe vera used externally. Aloe soothes and
helps support the natural repair of skin that has been damaged. Many
cosmetics contain aloe because of its moisturizing benefits. However, aloe vera
can also be made into a juice where it is used to aid in digestion, ease
muscular conditions and allergies. The general aloe vera benefits are varied. Aloe Vera can benefit a
person both externally and internally. The studies and research into the
many beneficial properties of aloe vera are on going and more uses for
this plant are sure to be found. This power packed plant provides so
many essential minerals, vitamins and substances that the human body
needs and its ability to support the body has long been known to those
who practice home remedies.
SPIRULINA: Spirulina is the common name given to a family of blue-green algae produced by a class of cyano-bacteria called “Arthospira”.
It is abundant in both fresh and sea water. Spirulina benefits come mostly nowadays as a
type of dietary supplement that comes from a type of microscopic alga,
which is shaped like a spiral coil. Spirulina is cultivated from all
around the world and is used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole
food available in tablet, flake and powder form. One of the most important
of all spirulina benefits is that it has an unusually high amount of
protein, which is an almost complete protein that contains 18 of the 22
amino acids the body needs. It is of a
superior quality when compared to plant protein. It is also rich with
several different types of essential fatty acid, and contains Vitamin
B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. It is
also a source of such minerals as potassium, calcium, chromium, copper,
iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium (selenium benefits), sodium, and zinc. The most important and popular spirulina health benefit that comes
with regular supplementation is undoubtedly weight loss. Spirulina
weight loss has become quite a popular diet food; it is natural, it has
all the major vitamins, amino acids and nutrients required by the human
body and it has a very high protein content (60-70% of its body weight
is pure protein). It is also free of carbohydrates and sugar. As a
result, it acts as a potent appetite suppressant reducing body weight
over time. Of course, if you are using spirulina weight loss as a magic
pill remedy it will not work by itself but it should help you in
diminishing your hunger while eating a completely natural food. It has also been shown to help correct anemia for undernourished
children, it also be effective against melanosis and keratosis caused by
chronic arsenic poisoning. Spirulina is also found to protect against hay fever, reduce
inflammation caused by arthritis. Also, another one of the spirulina
benefits is that it is a rare source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) which
is otherwise only present in mother’s milk. This particular amino acid
helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It
also improves cardiovascular health in general. Spirulina is known to help contain the effects of type 2 diabetes.
Regular Spirulina supplementation is known to lower blood sugar levels.
It also improves the antioxidant potential in people, which decreases
muscle breakdown and exhaustion after exercising and improves overall
health. However despite all these benefits their are a few (mostly
minor) spirulina side effects you might want to learn more about in my other post. However, the only real side effect you probably have to worry about is that spirulina also contains an amino
acid called, phenylalanine, which should be avoided by people with
phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder, which prevents the body from
metabolizing this particular amino acid, making it to build up in the
brain causing damage. And although very rare it may sometimes contain a
type of toxin called microcystins, which can cause liver diseases,
including cancer. Unfortunately, as of yet no standard exists to regulate its safety,
however as mentioned it is an extremely rare toxin, so as long as
properly tested there is no need for an alarm. As you can see theirs
definitely a lot of benefits linked to spirulina so it might be a
supplement you want to add to your diet when looking for the best multivitamin that can compliment your eating habits!
ACAI: The acai berry has very good
levels of
anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins that have health benefiting and
disease preventing properties. Unlike other berries and
fruits, acai has high caloric values and fats. 100 g of berries provide
about 80-250 cal depending up on the preparation and serving methods.
In fact, fresh acai berries have been the staple nutritious diet
of
native Amazonians for centuries. There is no research evidence that the
use of these berries will help you lose weight, however, research
studies do show that eating these berries will provide high levels of
energy. Acai berry contains many polyphenolic
anthocyanin
compounds like resveratrol,
cyanidin-3-galactoside, ferulic acid,
delphinidin, petunidin as well as astringent
pro-anthocyanidin tannins
like epicatechin,
protocatechuic acid and ellagic acid. Scientific
studies on these compounds suggests that these compounds have been
claimed to act as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer functions
by virtue of their anti-free radical fighting actions In addition
tannins are known to have anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and
anti-hemorrhagic properties. Preliminary research studies suggest that
ellagic
acid in acai has anti-proliferative properties due to its
ability of directly inhibiting the DNA binding of certain carcinogens,
including nitrosamines toxins in the food. Acai berry is also rich in
medium chain fatty
acids like oleic acid
(omega-9) and linoleic
acid (omega-6).
These compounds help reduce LDL-cholesterol level and raise good
HDL-cholesterol levels in the body as well as help prevent heart
disease. In addition, they help prevent skin dryness by maintaining
adequate moisture in the skin. Acai pulp has good levels of dietary
fiber.
Good fiber in the diet helps remove cholesterol in the stools. ORAC
value
(oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of acai berry is thought to be at
mid-level range for fruits, higher than that of oranges but less than
pomegranate. USDA so far not validated exact ORAC value of acai. Acai
berries contain good
amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron, and
magnesium. Potassium is 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. They are rich in
B-complex vitamins and vitamin-K. Contain very good amounts
of niacin, vitamin B-6 and riboflavin. These vitamins are
function as co-factors and help body in the metabolism of
carbohydrates, proteins, and
fats.
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Related Posts:
Basic Green Meal Smoothie
Green Island Dream
Mustard Orange Juice Smoothie
Green Island Dream
Mustard Orange Juice Smoothie
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