Smoothies can provide an easy, fun and delicious way to consume more whole vegetables and fruits. Unlike juicing, the benefit of eating fiber is retained in these smoothie recipes. Have fun improvising with texture by using frozen fruits vs. fresh fruit, ice vs. water and juice, along with your favorite fruits and vegetables.
Directions
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender, adding the liquids first.
- Blend until very smooth.
℞ M.D. Notes
- Apples contain a wide variety of phytonutrients, many of which have been found to have strong antioxidant activity, an example being the flavonoids (quercetin and naringin).
- Apples have quite a bit of soluble fiber and are a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C.
- Kale's health benefits are linked to its very high concentrations of two antioxidant groups: flavonoids and carotenoids.
- Scientists have identified over 40 different flavonoids in kale (quercetin and kaempferol are among those in the highest concentration). These flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which are believed to help counter chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Among the carotenoids, lutein and beta-carotene are found in very high concentration in kale.
- Parsley is a very rich source of the antioxidant vitamin C.
