For breakfast, an afternoon snack or a drink "on the go," smoothies are the perfect food to help give oneself nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, water and phytonutrients in a fabulous drink bursting with flavor.
By using a blender to make green smoothies (aka fruit and vegetable drinks), one can reap the health benefits of retaining the fiber vegetables and fruits have to offer.
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in the blender, adding the liquid ingredients first.
- Blend until smooth.
- If too sweet, add a bit more lime. If not sweet enough, add a bit more honey.
- Create extra thickness by using frozen strawberries or adding an extra cube of ice.
℞ M.D. Notes
- Kale's health benefits are linked to its very high concentrations of the two antioxidant groups, flavonoids and carotenoids.
- Scientists have identified over 40 different flavonoids in kale (quercetin and kaempferol are among the flavonoids in kale having the highest concentration). These flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits which are believed to help avoid chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Within the carotenoids, lutein and beta-carotene have a very high concentration in kale.
- Strawberries have a high concentration of vitamin C and are a good source of fiber. They have particularly high levels of polyphenol antioxidants. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition offers an overview of experimental, clinical and epidemiological effects polyphenols have on health.
- This smoothie may help to replenish nutrients and fluids lost when undergoing chemotherapy.
Good forNeed fluids
