Detox Kale Super Greens Smoothie
I love kale, I love spinach...I love everything in this smoothie! I just feel healthy when I drink it! It is not for the sugary fruit smoothie lovers, this is a serious veggie smoothie that is loaded with immune boosting nutrients and phytochemicals. It really should be called the "Anti - Smoothie". It's packed with powerful antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It's loaded with fiber and has the added benefit of helping to regulate blood sugar. It’s a great way to feed your body a ton of nutritious building blocks with a single drink.
Here is the low down on what makes the ingredients in this Detox Super Green Smoothie so beneficial for your body:
Kale is a powerhouse! It aids the body’s cells with the process of detoxification, and it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It contains strong cancer fighting antioxidants and it is packed with mega-doses of vitamins K, A and C.
Spinach has flavonoids and carotenoids which provide major anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as antioxidant support. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, and manganese and zinc.
Pears are loaded with non-solvable fiber which helps protect against colon cancer. They are a good source of a variety of minerals, such as copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and B complex vitamins.
Avocados are an excellent source of mono-unsaturated fats, the kind of fat that helps regulate cholesterol levels and helps your body absorb fat soluble nutrients, like vitamins A,D,E, and K. They are a good source of dietary fiber and have great antioxidant strength. Avocados also have high concentrations of tannins, which have ant-ulcer and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cucumbers are an excellent source of potassium, and with the low sodium content, they act as a mild diuretic, and they are helpful with lowering blood pressure.
Broccoli has ton of phytonutrients that help fight against colon, urinary, pancreatic, breast and prostate cancers. It is a rich source of vitamin C which helps boost the immune system, and is packed with other vitamins and nutrients, even Omega-3 fatty acids. Overall, broccoli is a great antioxidant.
The citric acid in lemons help aid digestion and has a variety of photochemicals that boast anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune boosting properties. The types of flavonoids found in lemons help protect against lung and oral cancers.
Parsley is more than just a garnish on your plate, it has two very unusual components that provide unique health benefits. It contains volatile oils and flavonoids that are powerful antioxidant properties and helps fight degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Cayenne is a exceptionally powerful antioxidant. Cayenne boasts many other health benefits; it helps reduce acidity in the body, aids digestion, boosts the immune system, and has detoxifying properties. It also aids with circulation, can help lower cholesterol, and prevent heart disease.
Ginger has long been used to remedy a host of ailments, from digestive issues and nausea, to pain control. It has anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the digestive system, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Green tea lowers the risk of a wide range of diseases, from cancer to coronary artery disease, and osteoporosis to periodontal disease. It’s a powerful antioxidant and it also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Detox Kale Super Greens Smoothie
Ingredients:
Generous handful of Kale
Generous handful of Spinach
1/2 Pear
1/2 Cup Broccoli
1/2 of a Cucumber
1/4 of an Avocado
1/4 Cup Parsley
1 inch Piece of Fresh Ginger, peeled
1 Lemon, juice
Dash of Cayenne
Filtered Water or Green or White Tea*
Coarsely chop all ingredients. Add juice from lemon to the blender, along with a cup of water or tea, dash of cayenne, ginger, parsley, avocado, cucumber, broccoli, pear, spinach and kale. Blend, continuing to add water, tea, or ice until desired consistency.
*If tea is desired: Make a large cup of tea before you begin preparing the vegetables, once you are ready to blend the ingredients, add ice to cool the tea down before adding to the smoothie. I like to use plain green tea or cucumber white tea.
Servings 2, Calories 106, Fat 3.8g (sat fat 0.5g) Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 50mg, Potassium 680mg, Total Carbs 18, Dietary Fiber 8g, Sugars 5g, Protein 4g, Vitamin A 323%, Vitamin B-6 16%, Vitamin C 151%
