Good Health News - June 2015

STRAWBERRY LEMON SMOOTHIE RECIPEEvery kid loves cold smoothies during the hot summer months; however, when we buy them fromrestaurants or other fast food chains, they can be packed with sugar and other processed sweeteners.For a healthier alternative, try making your own smoothies at home using fresh fruits and veggies!They’re delicious and you know exactly what’s going into them. Here’s a great recipe to start out with:Ingredients:• A few handfuls of beet greens• 1 cup strawberries (or other berries of yourchoice), frozen• 1 lemon, squeezed• 2 bananas, sliced and frozen• water• 1 tablespoon of raw honey (optional)Instructions:1. Blend the beet greens and some water in your blender firstto get a smooth consistency. Then add the berries, bananas,honey, lemon juice and blend together until smooth. The originalrecipe is from the Raw on $10 A Day (Or Less!) blog.Health Benefits:Beet Greens: Beet greens are packed with protein,phosphorous, zinc, fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, copper,manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium,and iron just to name a few! These veggies are great formaintaining healthy bones, protecting cognitive functioningof the brain, strengthening the immune system, andmay even reduce your risk for cancer and heart disease.Lemons: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helpsmaintain a healthy immune system and can be usedto treat fever and cold symptoms. Lemons help keepthe eyes healthy, aids in digestion, strengthens bloodvessels, and much more. Because of its strong antibacterialproperties, lemons may help fight off deadlydiseases such as malaria, cholera, typhoid, etc.Bananas: Not only are bananas sweet and deliciousdue to it being rich in natural sugars, but they are alsoeasily digestible. When you’re suffering from intestinalissues such as vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea,bananas will provide you with calories and replenishyou with necessary nutrients, such as potassium,without being too heavy on your digestive system.l5