Green tea leaves? Raw cranberries? Carrot juice? Wheat grass? These may not sound like your everyday breakfast choices. Alone these flavors may seem a bit unpalatable, however when combined with other ingredients a delicious and healthful drink packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is the result. A smoothie is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies with all the nutrients your heart desires (literally!). The body absorbs nutrients in liquid form better than pills. It's also fast for those who are on the run and don't have time for a healthy breakfast, and you can keep the leftovers in the fridge for an afternoon pick me up. There are a few things to take into consideration when preparing your own smoothies to get optimum health benefits. 1) Many smoothie chains use sherbet, which doesn't have the same benefits as yogurt. Yogurt with sugar added lessens the productivity of the natural occurring probiotics it contains. Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in the digestive track and help breakdown food and remove toxins. Many people eat yogurt for digestive health, but don't realize the added sugar is canceling out the beneficial bacteria. Yeasts and negative bacteria love sugar so avoid feeding them as much as possible! 2) Many "fruit drinks" or "fruit cocktails" contain little to no fruit. Read the ingredients and make sure that your pomegranate juice is actually made from pomegranates, etc. 3) Most fruits are naturally sweet, therefore little to no sugar needs to be added. For those with a sweet tooth try natural sweeteners such as xylitol or stevia, which contain a 3rd less carbohydrates than sugar and actually help fight cavities. If you don't like these try raw sugar or honey. Here are a few examples of healthy smoothies, each containing at least one source of antioxidants, which are known to prevent cancer. Ingredients can be mixed and matched to fit your palate! Don't forget the ice!
Rasberry Bonanza
1-cup plain yogurt
banana
2 bags green tea (open tea bags and add tea to mixture)
cup raspberries
1-teaspoon xylitol, stevia, or raw sugar
Splash of pomegranate juice
Mix all ingredients in a blender for 1 minute and enjoy!
Bananas have been called the perfect food, over a million monkeys can't be wrong! A very special benefit of bananas is they increase production of the "feel good" chemicals in the brain, acting as a natural anti-depressant. They are also a great source of potassium, and vitamins B6 and C. Green tea leaves can be eaten whole and are a great source of antioxidants! In this mix you hardly notice that they are there! The raspberries and pomegranate juice add more antioxidants as well as manganese.
Red White and Blueberry
1-cup plain yogurt
banana
1-cup fresh blueberries
cup fresh cranberries
Splash of cranberry juice
1-teaspoon xylitol, stevia, or raw sugar
This mixture adds the benefits of cranberries, which are excellent for the kidneys and urinary tract. The less sugar consumed, the better the benefits here as well. Blueberries also add extra antioxidant value and help with vision and clear thinking. This mix will have you feeling good all over!
Veggie Head
cup plain yogurt
1-cup carrot juice
2 tea bags green tea
1 oz. wheat grass juice
Splash tomato juice
Sprinkle sea salt and pepper
This mix is for those who aren't so big on fruit. Some people have trouble digesting fruit or just don't like the taste. Carrot juice is a fantabulous source of vitamin A and will keep your eyes fresh! It contains too many vitamins to list! Wheat grass has high levels of chlorophyll, which sends oxygen to the brain and body. It is also fun and easy to grow indoors! Tomato juice helps prevent numerous types of cancer! Try and find low sodium tomato juice without added ingredients. Fresh garlic may be added to give it a zing with even more health benefits!
These are just a few of hundreds of smoothie combination possibilities! Any fruit or vegetable can be used. Also try coconut milk or unrefined coconut oil, apple cider vinegar or whey protein. The possibilities are endless! Salud!