Smoothies for Cancer Prevention

Smoothies for Cancer Prevention

The Benefits
Smoothies provide a quick and easy way to combine nutritious, immune-boosting, cancer-preventing, energizing ingredients together, where the synergy between these foods is even more effective combined than when each one is consumed separately. Different from purchasing ready-made smoothies and smoothies at the store, freshly made smoothies provide an optimal way to preserve the abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices without the effects of storage or shelf-life limiting their health potential. A cool, milkshake-like smoothie can be a healthy treat at the end of long day, while at the same time re-fueling your body with energy and vitality. So go ahead, be creative, find the foods you love and build a smoothie that you and your family will enjoy on your road to optimal health and longevity.

Tips
There are few things that you can do in advance to make the smoothie-making process easier. First, freeze berries while they are in season. It’s sometimes hard to find juicy berries in the winter that have that rich color on the inside when you cut one in half. Or, if you happen to go berry picking (which I would highly advise), you can freeze and save half of what you pick for the winter months. The best way to freeze berries is to place them individually on a large cookie sheet, in a single layer. Place in the freezer for 6 to 12 hours and then in a zip-lock baggie. Store in your freezer until needed.

Another good tip is to freeze bananas. When you add frozen bananas to a smoothie, the consistency becomes thick and creamy. Peel the banana first and cut into thirds or quarters. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 6 to 12 hours. Place the frozen pieces of banana in zip-lock baggie and keep in freezer until time to use.

When it comes to either peeling apples or other fruits and vegetables, keep in mind that many of the nutrients are found in the skin. If you’re able to leave the skin intact, do so. However, make certain to thoroughly clean with a vegetable brush.

Another tip is to make fruit coulis that can be drizzled over smoothies, milkshakes or ice cream. Coulis are simple to make--just blend the fruit in a food processor or blender until it is runny and smooth.

Keeping it Simple
Simple, fresh ingredients are my personal favorites. And likewise, simple combinations are often the tastiest and most enjoyable. Here is a recipe for a smoothie that you can try for a quick breakfast or pick-me-up during the day:

Vanilla Breakfast Smoothie

1 cup nonfat yogurt
1 cup nonfat milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice cubes
Preparation: Purée yogurt, milk, dates, and vanilla in blender until smooth. Add ice cubes and puree until mixture is thick and smooth. Divide between 2 glasses and serve.

You can substitute ingredients depending on what you like; the base of vanilla and milk (you can substitute soy milk) will go with just about any fruit that you may add.

Try adding blueberries or raspberries for anti-inflammatory benefits and fiber or add frozen banana pieces for energy and potassium or try mango or papaya for a healthy dose of beta-carotene.