Cha-cha-cha-Chia!

For variety, I've been adding chia seed to my green smoothies lately. It's been a very interesting learning experience. I thought I'd share a few things about the chia seed with you:

Here's a little info I found from the Green Smoothie Girl.

"Chia seed has 7 times as much iron as spinach.  At 18%, it has more protein than beef, and its amino acids comprise a complete protein.  It slows conversion of sugars in the bloodstream, so it’s great to eat with a high-sugar meal.  (I mean like potatoes or fruit–hopefully y’all have abandoned or are at least minimizing refined sugars.)

Its mucilaginous properties mean it absorbs toxins, and it’s fantastic for weight loss.  I don’t like to eat after dinner, so if my dinner was light and I get really hungry later, what I do is eat a large spoonful of chia seed and chase it with a big glass of water.  It absorbs 10 times its own weight in fluids, so it fills you up when you are hungry with hardly any calories.

It tastes mild –- like nothing, really.  You can sprinkle it in cereal, or put it in a smoothie–but it will dramatically thicken your smoothie.  For that matter, it’s a great thickener!  Put 1 tsp. chia seed in 3 Tbsp. water, and you’ve got yourself an egg replacement.

It’s packed with those rare Omega fatty acids that your body cannot manufacture and must receive from foods–in perfect proportions.  And it stores for a very long time! I highly recommend it."

More nutrition info.

Pesky Warts!

I've had a little but pesky wart growing in the middle of my forehead for about a year. I was going to have it burned off at the dermatologist but I decided to try an herbal expert first. She told me about a little bottle in her store that other customers had used for wart removal. She didn't know much about it, but told me it had helped a little boy whose hands were covered in warts. I tried it ... and it worked! I have absolutely NO SIGN of the wart .. perfect, pink skin in about two weeks. I don't know a ton about this compound but I thought I'd put it on my blog anyway. My daughter is using the herb now to get rid of some warts forming on her feet. She's a dancer and it's been painful for her. I'll let you know if it works for her too.

It's called 

L-Methionine

Here's some general info but you can google to find out more:

L-methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that is soluble in water. It is a powerful antioxidant, assists in the breakdown of fats, and helps inactivate free radicals. It is an essential amino acid ... read more

High levels of methionine can be found in sesame seeds, brazil nuts, fish, meats, and some other plant seeds. Most fruits and vegetables contain very little of it; however, some have significant amounts, such as spinach, potatoes, and boiled corn. Most legumes, though high in protein, are also low in methionine... read more

I did find one warning. Improper conversion of methionine can lead to atherosclerosis; a condition of the heart. So keep that in mind.

Kangen Water

I've been drinking Kangen Water for about a year now. I think its one of the greatest things you can do for your body. You'll have to do a little research to find it in your area. Some health food stores have it. Hydrotherapists often carry it. Independent owners can be found as well as it gets more popular. You can even buy the machines, but they're very expensive. I buy mine for $3 per gallon from the Herb Shop in Orem, UT. Deb Dowdle

Kangen Water 

The human body needs both acids and alkalis to properly process foods, make repairs and generally remain in good working order. Ingesting too many acidic foods and beverages, most notably carbonated soft drinks, can lower the body's natural pH levels to dangerously acidic levels. By consuming alkaline or ionized waters such as Kangen water, a person could restore his or her body's proper pH level and perhaps even become more alkaline.

Kangen water and other ionized or alkaline water products are also said to have smaller molecules, which means they are more readily absorbed by the body. Ordinary tap water or unprocessed bottled waters have larger water molecules which tend to pass through the body without reaching individual cells. Without proper re-hydration, these cells can suffer from a form of cellular dehydration and either die too soon or fail to function efficiently. Kangen water is believed to have the ability to rehydrate these cells before they essentially dry out.

The benefits of Kangen water are numerous:

• Promotes healthy weight loss.
• Boost body's immunity against disease.
• Increases absorption of important vitamins and minerals

Even when you take your first delicious sip of Kangen water, you'll immediately notice the difference, and you'll wonder how you ever drank anything else! Kangen means "return to origin," and that's exactly what this water does! It helps the body fight and remedy conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• High Blood Pressure
• Hot Flashes
• Joint Pain
• Migraines
• Prostate Problems

By using Kangen water on a regular basis, you can return your body back to its original healthy balanced state. 

Clear Skin and Green Smoothies

I found these recipes on the Green Smoothie Blog. I'm always looking for new ways to do my green smoothies. Try these and let me know what you think.

Skin Food Recipe

· One handful kale
· One cup pineapple
· One banana (frozen is great, please peel before freezing)
· One cup coconut water

After Workout Orange Smoothie

• 2 oranges or tangerines
• 1-2 stalks of celery
• 1 small or 1/2 large cucumber peeled
• Handful spinach, chard or other greens
• Couple of broccoli florets
• 2 cups water, or to desired consistency
• Ice (optional)

Blueberry Smash Recipe

• 100g baby English spinach
• 3 small bananas
• 300g blueberries
• raw honey
• splash vanilla extract
  

Sugar Buster Smoothie

• 1 ounce Aloe Vera Juice (or 2 tablespoons fresh gel from leaf)
• 1 cup Purified Water or Unsweetened Nut Milk
• 1 Avocado
• 3 diced Jerusalem Artichokes
• 1 Cucumber
• 1 Nopal pad, diced
• 2 tablespoons cup Ground Flax or Hemp Seeds
• 2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon Coriander

Lemon Aid Ginger Smoothie

• 3 tablespoons – ½ cup Lemon or Lime Juice (add more if you like extra pucker power)
• 1 cup Unsweetened Hemp Milk
• 1 Avocado
• ½ teaspoon Fresh Ginger Root (¼ teaspoon dried)
• 1 Sweet Orange Pepper, diced
• 1 Sweet Red Pepper, diced
• 1 handful Fenugreek Sprouts
• 1 Nopal Pad, diced
• Stevia to taste

Mega-Green Smoothie

• ¼ cup Spirulina Powder
• 1 handful Fenugreek Sprouts
• 1 Avocado
• 1 oz Aloe Vera Juice (or 2 tablespoons fresh gel from leaf)
• 1 cup Purified Water
• 4 Jerusalem Artichoke Bulbs, diced
• 2 Nopal pads, diced
• 1 Cucumber
• 
  

• 

Recipe for Introducing Green Smoothies to Toddlers

• One bunch kale
• One cup red grapes
• One frozen banana
• One medjool date
• One cup water

Banana - Chocolate - Cashew - Green Smoothie! So good!

Give your daily smoothie routine a new twist with this dessert-like green smoothie recipe! 

This morning, we wanted to try a new green smoothie and I came up with this amazing  one .... tastes like more of a desert than a meal!

Fruit

2 frozen bananas

I pear

Greens

1/2 leaf chard

1 leaf dandelion

1 leaf kale

1/2 avocado

Protein

1/2 cup soaked raw cashews

Liquids

1 cup almond milk

1 cup soy milk

1 cup filtered water

MIX IN BLENDER ON HIGH UNTIL SMOOTH

Add Powders

2 T chocolate nutrition powder (your favorite)

2 T whey powder (your favorite)

1 t flax powder

1 cup ice

MIX AGAIN IN BLENDER UNTIL SMOOTH -- WILL BE THICK LIKE A MILK SHAKE. Add more liquid if you want it thinner. Serves 3-4 people.

My little Cody (4 years old) drank a full cup of this smoothie for breakfast this morning ... and then wanted MORE! My husband thought he was getting a milk shake (green of course) for breakfast and was very clear that he was fine with the idea. He took more for a snack later. 

A great nutrition success for Mom ... and the whole family!

Raw Recipe

"Whipped Cream" 

to be used for dipping fruits or for fruit salads:

I've been looking for a good raw cream for fruit. No, I haven't tried it yet but I plan too and will let you know what I think. It surely looks good ... 

1 young coconut, water and meat

1 C. raw cashews

½ C. agave or honey

1 t. vanilla

¼- ½ t. almond extract

Open top of young coconut, strain out water and reserve 1 C.

Scoop out meat and blend well with 1 C. of reserved coconut water.

Add rest of ingredients and blend well. Let set over night so it will thicken naturally. Particularly good over a bowl of mixed berries.  Also great to dip sliced apples.

Why should I try adding hemp seeds to my green smoothie?

by Deb Dowdle

Hemp seed has been consumed by mankind (and animals) for centuries. Indeed, whole populations have survived off hemp seed in times of famine. 

Hemp has 3 unique nutritional factors. 

1) It has an ideal balance of Omega 3 and 6 for sustainable human health.

2) It has a full amino acid spectrum meaning it provides complete protein.

3) It contains a massive trace mineral content - truly one of nature's superfoods.

Consumption of hemp oil and hemp seed is ideal for people with low essential fatty acid intake, and also perfect for athletes. 

For more information click here or google HEMP.

Easy Raw Dessert - Pecan Spice Delight Cookies

I found this great site for raw recipes and advice. I think you'll like it.

by: Jolynn Collins

kristensraw.blogspot.com

Kristin

Easy Raw Dessert - Pecan Spice Delight Cookies

1 1/2 cups pecans (soaked and dehydrated if possible)

1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded dried coconut

1 tablespoon (or more!) Navitas Naturals lucuma powder

Pinch Himalayan crystal salt

1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup raison

10 dates, pitted

Process all the ingredients, expect for the raisons and dates, in a food processor, fitted with the "S" blade, until coarsely ground. Add the raisins and dates and continue processessing until the mixture begins to stick together when pressed between your fingers. Roll and form into desired shapes and sizes.

Green Smoothies Testimonial

No Veggies for me!!!

By Kevy Houser

I just wanted to say a few words about the green smoothies so I'll just tell you that I have a husband who won't touch fruits and vegetables, and a 15 month old baby who hates food altogether!! So I have been blending green smoothies for all of us and we have had great success ......... both my husband and baby love them!! I would have never thought a baby who won't eat anything but her bottle full of milk would consider these green ugly looking drinks but she drinks them until she is out of breath! My husband won't quit asking for them and he leaves for work at 4:00 early morning so he isn't able to get one in before work but he has tried to get me to make them for him anyway.

Thanks green smoothies!

God's Pharmacy

GOD'S PHARMACY

by, Tammy Frandsen

It has been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish ... All before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. these are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners ...

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!

God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced carrot looks like a human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye ... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Sweet potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olive assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

Avocados, eggplant and pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

A walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other citrus fruits look just like the mammory glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of the lymph in and out of the breasts.

A tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

MY HAPPY COLON

By Deb Dowdle

In my experience with improving my own health, the most effective thing I have done to date is to get intense hydrotherapy and homeopathic consultation. It has changed my life for the better. I started my healing process in October of 2008 after failed attempts in the medical industry. I did have a tumor removed which was helpful. But as far as healing goes, I was left on my own to figure it out. And figure it out I did! Now, February 2009, I am doing great. I avoided a second surgery and rigorous drug therapy by doing a full detox program and moving to a strict diet. It has improved my life dramatically. Believe me, it was not easy. IT IS HARD to change a person's habits of many years. But the alternative is so much worse. It's funny how we finally do what we know we should when our health -- or life -- is at stake.   

I am placing some text from Elizabeth King's website below. She is the hydrotherapist I have been working with. Quite a few of my friends have also worked with her and they've had wonderful results as well. They'll all agree that it's not easy. But I challenge you to find one person who hasn't found great benefit in the process.

FAQ about Hydrotherapy

The Colon Cleanse

The person on a typical Western Diet holds 8 meals of undigested food and waste material in the colon. Many people are under the impression that they only need to have one bowel movement a week or less. Bowel disease, constipation, colon cancer, and stomach pain are all disorders that are leading to what is called the "Silent Killer in America." What people don't realize is that a toxic body shows itself in many other ways too. Everything from back pain, hemorrhoids, and ulcers to skin conditions, diarrhea, bad breath and sinus congestion.

Colon health and colon problems are the most overlooked health problems in today's society. Due to the poor diet in America, 200  million people suffer from constipation and do not have the required two to three bowel movements daily. The average person, by the time they are 30 years old, in America, has been 10 to 15 pounds of hard compacted fecal matter in their bowel. Often times much of this matter is over 10 years old.

This is a toxic body.

There is a natural solution to a body full of stored toxins. Colon Hydrotherapy cleanses the colon by breaking down toxic material and removing it. The liver, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, lungs, lymph, blood and skin are also cleansed. The results are immediate and healing can begin.

CONTACT

The Colon Cleanse

Cleansing, Healing & Nutrition

14777 South Chandlerpoint Way

Draper, Utah 84020

801-495-9407

Consultation

My Raw Pregnancy

By: Caramie Baker

My first pregnancy at 7 months along

I have been eating 90-95% raw for the last few years and I have absolutely loved the food, not only for its flavor, but for the amazing health benefits as well. I feel so much more alive and energetic. My husband and I decided we wanted to try for our second child in December of 08 and I made a decision to start eating 100% raw to fully benefit the baby and myself. So far this pregnancy tops my last one - no exceptions.

My first pregnancy was in 2005 and I ate like every other person I know. Steak, chicken, fast food, pastas, or whatever hot food I could find out of the box, along with whatever sugar I could find (I loved candy). By the third week of being pregnant I started throwing up in the mornings and by the sixth week I was throwing up 3-10 times a day -- no exaggeration. I started my pregnancy out at 155 pounds and by the end I weighed 125. I had lost 30 pounds that I didn't have to loose in the first place. I always looked pale and deathly ill. I spent four months doing nothing but laying in bed and occasionally doing my homework for college online on my laptop in bed. I had to completely stop working for the first four months until I just couldn't take it anymore and I went to work sick and all. My morning sickness never gave up like most peoples and I was throwing up even the night before my baby was born. I had even gone to the doctor and got one of the most potent nausea drugs (Zolfran) and while it helped at times the nausea continued. I remember laying in the hospital bed after my baby was born and almost cried because I was eating mashed potatoes (the hospital's ... yuck) and the nausea was gone. My poor husband had to sit there for nine months and watch and do nothing but pray that I was going to be okay. I honestly thought I would not go through another pregnancy again.

Over three years later I have decided to go at it again. After doing so much research on raw and vegan pregnancies I realized that so much of my nausea was from the foods I ate. It can be avoided. I ate completely raw up until I was six months along at which I had no signs of nausea and could function completely normal. And then I decided to experiment. I gave in to cooked foods and ate several healthy meals that were cooked. Within 24 hours I threw up for the first time. For that whole week I had eaten no sugar and ate things such as soups, mashed potatoes, bread. Although I have only thrown up three times, I felt nauseated several times throughout the day. As for me, I am convinced that raw is the way for me. I am happy that I felt a little nauseated as it is your bodies way of saying your baby is healthy and I am trying to protect it. This week I have been pushing myself to eat raw again, although it has been hard when it's easy to crave those warm carb foods. I already notice a difference and am excited to see the health benefits it will bring to my baby. Although I still have a ways to go, I look forward to keeping you up to date on the benefits of eating raw/vegan while being pregnant.

 

Give Jicama a Try!

by Jolynn Collins

What is Jicama?

Also known as the Mexican potato, jicama is a large root vegetable resembling a turnip. It has a thin brown skin and white flesh that is similar to the radish. Three-quarters of a cup of sliced jicama has 41 calories and supplies 175 milligrams of potassium and meets 33 percent of the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C. Jicama has anticoagulant properties that were first reported as a result of the substitution of jicama for water chestnuts in a Chinese recipe. Jicama should be peeled and sliced; it has a sweet, nutty, crunchy flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. Try it in stir-fry dishes. Or you can use it in place of potatoes - it is less starchy and has fewer calories. It's texture is similar to that of water chestnuts.

Jicama Nutrients

Key nutrients in jicama include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, folate, and fiber.

Here are some links to enjoy

What is Jicama?

Bunny Fries

Luci's Crackers

Maria's Jicama and Orange Salad

Marinated Raw Asparagus

A Yummy and Simple Raw Recipe

By: Caramie Baker

A recipe that I have fallen in love with is to take raw green beans or asparagus (or any other kind of veggie similar) and pour this sauce onto it. It completely changes the taste of raw.

3 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves

2 tbsp tamari sauce (or braggs liquid aminos, basically a raw soy sauce)

1/4 tsp chili powder (to your taste)

Mix together and pour over veggies. Yum!

The Cure - Book Recommendation

Book Recommendation

By: Dinah Jackson

Inside this remarkable book, Dr. Timothy Brantley writes that most health problems are not caused by genetics or germs but by the standard American diet. Rather than eat foods the way they were created, we all too often pollute our bodies with refined, packaged products. When we feel ill, we take drugs to temporarily mask the symptoms. Dr. Brantley wants to change how you view and manage your health -- while showing you how you can revitalize it.

Read more

Progesterone Cream

My Journey to Health

By Sally Gross

I am happy to share my story. If I can help just one person avoid or heal for hormone imbalance, I will have done some good in the world.

In 1993 after having our last child, we decided to have my tubes tied as a form of permanent birth control. This meant my body wouldn't have the egg go through the fallopian tube and be fertilized.

Little did I know that our bodies need this cycle to make progesterone (300 mg a month). Our bodies use this hormone for every cell in our bodies supporting everything from mental well being to our digestive system to our libido. 

My symptoms were as follows:

I experienced chronic strep and bladder infections.

Yeast infections plagued me.

My iron count fell to 15 when it should have been 35-40.

I suffered severe fatigue and depression.

I had constipation and terrible gas attacks.

I was hospitalized with acute pancreatitus and had many attacks thereafter.

I as told by my doctor that I was a borderline diabetic.

My gallbladder was having problems.

I felt nauseated if I ate or if I didn't eat. Nothing appealed to me as far as food wasconcerned except high carbohydrates and sugars. I craved them.

I as in constant pain which wore me out. I had fibromyaligia. It hurt to be touched and I experienced a traveling pain. I had developed skin and sinus allergies.

I started having headaches, and disturbed sleep patterns. At times I was exhausted but couldn't sleep.

I took anti-depressants which really didn't help. They took the edge off but left me foggy feeling and with a low sex drive.

When I went in for a pap smear they found precancerous cells.

When ovulating I would experience terrible pain. At one of my yearly check-ups the doctor found  cysts on each of my ovaries.

My lymph glands were constantly tender and swollen.

I often had open sores in my mouth.

My eyes stung all the time.

I started having irregular menstrual flow with heavy clotting and cramps.

I had pre-menopause bone lose.

I was exhausted and had to sleep a great deal.

I developed facial hair.

My hair began to thin.

I experienced hot flashes.

I had unexplained weight gain.

I would bruise easily and heal slowly.

I had severe mood swings.

I went through ten years of hell. Nobody knew what to do with me. The doctors said there wasn't anything organically wrong with me. In the end, after spending a small fortune, they sent me to a psychiatrist. Nothing worked.

I prayed and pleaded to know what I could do. I wanted to live, not just survive. I wanted to be involved and enjoy my family. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

There is so much to my story, but I will cut to the quick. I read Dr. John R. Lee's books: What your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause and What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. I learned all about hormones and what they do and why we need them. It changed my life! I now have my life back and do the things necessary to be healthy. 

If you have any questions, I would be honored to share what I am doing to help in any way I can. 

You can contact me at sallygross@yahoo.com

Green Smoothies

Green Smoothies ... Yummm!

I'm unfolding for you a great secret ... the secret of how to get life-giving greens and fruits into your diet (like 15 servings in one meal!) to give your body the nutrients to heal and preserve for a life of THRIVING, not just surviving.

It's the green smoothie ... and it's become my ADDICTION!!! My husband and I have one every morning. The kids have them when they have time. Our littlest has one if it has lots of "beanna" in it because he likes it sweet (who doesn't?).

Here's all you need to know to start making smoothies for yourself and your family. I'm going to tell you what vegetables and fruits go into them and then give you some of their healing properties.

here goes ... buckle up. It's going to be a fun ride!

Start with your dark greens (the healthiness thing on earth that can be put in your body -- trust me). You want at least three varieties. I'm going to list the ones I use most, but there surely are more to pick from.

ORGANIC spinach and/or green lettuce.

Spinach

A nutritional bonanza! This mild leaf wonder protects against cancer (especially lung) by preventing the body's cells from undergoing mutation. It decreases risk of cataracts, protects nerve cells, and helps prevent diabetes. It even helps prevent birth defects and heart disease. For those of you who need help coping with life, it has B2 (riboflavin).  It has calcium and magnesium which builds bones and teeth and lowers blood pressure.

Green Lettuce

All variety of looseleaf lettuces contain antioxidants ... more cancer help. This mild leaf is high in fiber which helps with the colon (yeah) and helps prevent rectal cancer. That's all I need to hear!

ORGANIC dandelion greens and cilantro

Dandelion Greens

This bitter green is bitter for a reason. Bitter herbs are good for the liver, which help the body detox ... getting rid of all those horrible binges on the bad stuff. They help fight cancer, boost immunity, thwart the aging process, build bones, teeth and blood. They help your body protect against heart disease. Ancient herbalists used dandelion greens as a liver tonic. It stimulates the production of bile, enabling the liver to do its job. It also helps the gallbladder. I only use about three leaves per batch because they're bitter. But they're powerful little guys and should be used! I eat the leaves but you can do what you want. The whole weed is edible.

Cilantro

This sweet but pungent leaf helps relieve problems with indigestion, gas, and diarrhea.  It contains gobs of nutrients like, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, Vit C, Vit B6-B2-B3, Vit A, Vit E, folate, fiber ... trust me, its good for you. 

ORGANIC Chard and Collard Greens

When using chard, collards, beet greens or any other large leaf, tear the leaf from the stalk and only use the leaf.

Chard

A member of the beet family... anyone related to beets has got to be healthy. This mild green is a good source of folate (that's the B vitamins that help fight lung cancer). Chard improves digestion, boosts energy levels, and corrects calcium deficiencies. It's also a diuretic and a laxative (weeeeeee).

Collards

This large leaf improves the function of the  glands and the nervous, respiratory, skeletal, and urinary systems. Girls ... it protects against estrogen related cancers, slows tumor growth, and may also prevent the metastasis of breast cancer. It protects against lung, colon and prostate cancers. It reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration. This wonder leaf can protect against osteoporosis and strokes as well as minimize the neurological damage resulting from a stroke.

My personal favorite -- so it gets its own picture. I use kale every day. I'm showing two varieties above.

ORGANIC Kale

Kale

This thick leaf, with almost no taste, is the best known cancer-fighting vegetable on the PLANET! It's the richest of all the leafy greens in carotenoids. It helps regulate estrogen and ward off breast, bowel, bladder, prostate, and lung cancers. It protects against heart disease and regulates blood pressure. It has gobs of calcium that the body can absorb better than milk or other vehicles. And ... it's contains more calcium than milk (ounce for ounce). So it helps with all the icky possible bone problems too! Heat can destroy a lot of the healing properties of Kale. But if you cook it, the chlorophyl properties aren't affected. So you can eat it both cooked and raw. 

I add these every once in a while to shake things up. You can add all kinds of herbs and roots that you like. If you use ginger, only use about a 1/2 inch and cut off the outer skin.

ORGANIC Ginger and Mint

Ginger

This root has a strong, spicy, sweet flavor. It's the most widely used medicinal herb on the planet. It's been proven to help with nausea, morning sickness, upset stomach, indigestion, vomiting, motion sickness, and cramps. It can help with the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ginger can destroy bacteria, including Salmonella, which causes food poisoning. Ginger helps lower blood pressure, reduce fever, prevents internal blood clots, reduces cholesterol, aids circulation, and eases asthma symptoms. I told you it was cool!

Mint

The flavor of mint is sweet and cooling (you all knew that). It eases insomnia, upset stomachs and nervous tension. It helps the body break down fat by stimulating bile flow. It has been shown to increase the number of phagocytes, cells that are capable of destroying pathogens, bacteria, and cancer cells.

That's the end of the vegetables. You can use all kinds though. Try ...

Beet Greens

Cucumber

Avocado (makes it very creamy)

Celery

Green Beans

etc, etc, etc,

Now it's time to add the fruit, the yummiest part of your smoothie. I recommend using at least two fruits. I usually use about four but you can experiment and come up with what you like. I'm showing the ones I use most, but go for what you like. Just use organic if you can!

ORGANIC dates, bananas and mangos

Pitted Dates

I like sweet ... and dates give me a great amount of nutty sweet goodness. They also have a laxative effect and are linked to lower rates of cancers, especially pancreatic. Dates can be stored in the refrigerator for up to eight months, so go get a bunch. Keep them air tight because they absorb the odors around them. 

CAUTION ... if you have been prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) AVOID EATING DATES because it can create a life-threatening rise in blood pressure.

Bananas

Bananas can provide nutrients vital to people with alcoholism, hypertension, hemorrhoids, heart disorders, high cholesterol, ulcers, diarrhea, potassium deficiency, high blood pressure, edema, and intestinal disturbances. Bananas are good for the nerves, muscles, liver, and kidneys, and they feed the good bacteria in the colon. They also help to lesson pain, aid sleep, and enhance immune function. I like them frozen, so get a bunch and don't worry if they go ripe. Just throw them in the freezer.

Mangos

These beautiful, tropical little sweeties are tasty but difficult to peel. Just peel the outer skin and then cut off chunks of fruit around the pit. It's worth the work. Mangoes aid poor circulation. They help reduce inflammation, digestive problems, fever and pain. It's one of the top sources for beta-carotene and has a very high Vit C content.

ORGANIC pears, kiwi, pineapple and apple

Pears

These sweet little beauties are my favorite ... probably because they contain a lot of natural sugars. They are useful in treating inflammation of mucous membranes, colitis, chronic gallbladder disorders, arthritis and gout. They can be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure, controlling blood cholesterol levels, and increasing urine acidity. They are good for the lungs and stomach. They are a great laxative as well. The fiber ... thus the laxative ... can help cut down on the number of cancerous colon polyps. 

Kiwi

This fruit is pretty tart, so pare it with other sweeter fruits. It contains pectin, a soluble fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol levels. Kiwi is also useful in controlling high blood pressure. One large kiwi has only 46 calories and supplies more than twice the recommended daily dose of Vit C - more than on orange. It has Vit K and potassium as well.

Pineapple

I'm all about the fresh pineapple. Do the work to cut the little critter up and it will be so much tastier ... and better for you. This fruit helps to cleanse the body, aid digestion, purify  and thin the blood, prevent blood clots, increase circulation, aid menses, and regulate the glands. It is useful in the treatment of obesity, cancer, inflammation, influenza, common cold, sore throat, edema, allergies, bronchitis, pain, diabetes, rheumatic disorders, tendonitis, respiratory ailments, heart disease, high blood pressure, muscle disorders, arthritis, and liver and kidney ailments. Whew!

Apples

One apple has about 3.6 grams of fiber ... very cool. This amount of fiber is enough to contribute substantially to colon health if eaten daily (Happy Colon!) ... "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" may have something to it! Apples are a good treatment for chronic enteritis, prostate problems, intestinal infections, inflammation of the colon, goiter, gout, diarrhea, arthritis, herpes, and acid stomach. Apples can detoxify metals in the body and protect against heart disease. They clean the bladder, protect against radiation exposure, lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure, maintain circulatory and intestinal health, and stabilize blood sugar. 

That's enough for the fruits. But there are tons more to choose from.

All types of berries

Peaches

Apricots

Melons

Citrus

Grapes

etc, etc, etc,

ADDITIVES

Many people stop here. You just put the fruits and vegetables in a blender, add water, blend long enough for it to be completely smooth and then enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. I like to add a few more healing properties for my particular needs. You can try these or just stop here. It's up to you. 

Aloe Vera Juice, Omega 3-6-9 Fatty Acids, Mangosteen Juice

Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

Aloe has been found to "turn on" the immune system by activating macrophages. It provides enzymes, vitamins, and minerals the immune system needs to function properly. It has been proven to support healing in the intestines and colon as well.

Omega 3-6-9 Oils (fatty acids)

I use a 3-6-9 blend, but you can use any source you want. Here's a mini-breakdown.

Omega 3 - promotes brain and eye development, is good for arthritis, helps to prevent abnormal heart rhythms, improves immune function, and reduces blood clotting. It's found in pumpkinseed, flaxseed, canola, soybean and walnut oils.

Omega 6 - The essential omega-6 fatty acid linoleic lowers total blood cholesterol levels as well as levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol. 

Omega 9 - This oil is not an essential fatty acid, because humans can produce limited amounts. It is found in almost all natural fats. Large concentration are found in avocados, macadamia nuts, apricot seeds, almonds, and olive oil. It helps to prevent cancer and boosts the immune system.

Mangosteen Juice

This asian fruit is one of the most powerful antioxidants you can find. The rind is where most of the antioxidants are found. The rind, fruit and pulp are mixed together to create a healing juice, better tasting and more absorbable (kind of expensive though). I'm just learning about this fruit, so just google it to get more info if you're interested.

I love these three additives and use them all the time.

Milled flax, coconut juice and a nutrition powder

Organic Cold Milled Flax

This powder makes the smoothies thicker and give me more energy over time. Flaxseed needs to be ground for absorption, but get it cold milled so heat doesn't break down the nutrients. You can also grind it yourself. I use a little coffee grinder. They are a great source of omega-3 linolenic acid - the essential fatty acid American's are most deficient in. Flaxseeds are effective as a laxative and as a soothing agent in inflammatory respiratory problems. They contain protein, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, Vit C, Vit B3, folate and Vit E.

Coconut Juice

The coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But I use it mostly because I LOVE the taste. 

Nutrition Powder

First of all, this is NOT a protein powder. It's a nutrition powder that delivers essential amino acids, phytosterols, vitamin E complex, a broad complex of vitamin B and the 120 naturally-occurring antioxidants - including gamma-oryzanol. It's a meal replacement. I recommend that you only use this addidtive if you're planning to use your smoothie as a full meal ... which I do. It's not cheap. I'm sure you can find other powders in health food stores. But if you want to look into the Rice-n-Shine, here's the website: www.ITVventures.com.

NOW FOR THE WATER!

The water is a very important part of your smoothie. Don't use tap water ... chlorine and all kind of other junk can be found in tap water. Don't pollute your pure and beautiful smoothie! Use a purified or Ph-balanced water. I use Kangan water. It's a bit of a pain to go pick it up at a health food store, but it's by far the best water you can put in your body ... full of antioxidants without the acids your body doesn't need. If you want to learn about Kangan water, google it. You'll find a wealth of informtion.

CAUTION ... don't take time-released drugs with Kangan water.

That's about it!

If you're serious about your health and getting your veggie/fruit doses in, DO THE SMOOTHIES. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel. And the weight starts coming off to-boot! My husband drinks them for breakfast and lunch. I drink them for breakfast and sometimes dinner. My 4-year-old drinks them for breakfast (yes, we have to do a count-the-sips game to get it all down), and my teens are drinking them more now as they get over the green color. It's worth the effort to provide your family their nutrition!

Send me comments if you have questions. 

For more smoothie ideas, google GREEN SMOOTHIE or to go Youtube for millions of other people who share my addiction. Happy Smoothies ... and HAPPY COLON!