We often miss the value of these vitamins. Adding them to your smoothie can make them easier to remember.
Smoothies are a great way to boost your nutritional intake. By using fresh or frozen whole fruit the benefits of the fruit are maintained in the smoothie. If juice is all that’s available to work with the pure unsweetened with pulp are the best to use. Adding a boost or two to your smoothie moves it to a very functional beverage – adding a scoop or two of protein allows it to become a meal replacement.
Vitamin E
is known to lower risk of coronary heart disease in men [1], decreased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in advanced age, suggesting that vitamin E may help prevent cognitive deterioration in elderly people [2], decrease the risk of developing cancer – research is finding evidence that vitamin E may protect against prostate and colorectal cancer, improves glucose control and protects blood vessels and nerves from free-radical damage, and may even reverse damage to nerves caused by diabetes and protect against diabetic cataracts and atherosclerosis. [3] Vitamin E may reduce risk of motor neurone disease - Long-term use of vitamin E supplements may be associated with a reduced risk of the motor neurone disease ALS, according to new research. Vitamin E supplements may reduce lung disease risk: Cornell study - Daily supplementation with vitamin E may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by about 10 per cent in women over 45, says a study from Cornell University.
Omega3′s
decrese the risk of developing cancer – reducing tumor development in breast and prostate cancer, reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis [4], Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake Linked With Reduced Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Women [5], reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain and other rheumatoid problems, as well as certain skin ailments. Some research has even shown that omega-3s can boost the immune system and help protect us from an array of illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease.
Life’s Drive-Thrus
It’s sometimes hard to remember to stop and take those vitamin pills. Especially when we don’t see immediate results or any results. The studies above prove that over the long term boosting our nutrition does indeed have benefits. A healthy lifestyle choosing whole foods versus processed foods aides in these long term benefits. Realistically we know not every day of our life do we make the “right” choices. Functional Smoothies and Frappes are a great way to boost those vitamins and minerals when life hands us drive thrus.
Omega3 and Vitamin E
Antioxidants Revenge
1 ripe medium banana
¼ fresh or frozen blueberries
¼ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
½ cup orange juice
5 ice cubes or ½ cup crushed ice
Toss all ingredients in a blender and drink or eat with a spoon.
1. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 328:1450-1456 May 20, 1993
2. Science Daily High Blood Levels of Vitamin E Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s, Swedish Study Finds http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100707102439.htm
3. Vitamin E Reduces Risk of Diabetic and Cardiovascular Complications Tuesday, April 5, 2011 by Dr. Julian Whitaker
http://blog.drwhitaker.com/blog/your-definitive-guide-to-wellness-medicine/vitamin-e-reduces-risk-of-diabetic-and-cardiovascular-complications
4. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm#ixzz1kbfjMCZi
5. ScienceDaily (Mar. 14, 2011)
Thanks so much for these great ideas for using smoothies to get the right vitamins. I am also looking for help in finding a natural cure for prostate problems which my man suffers from. Are there any vitamins that may help with prostate issues?
It’s obviously best to speak to your doctor. I’m not a physician.
That said I’d suggest increasing fiber. Pineapple and apple are two great fruits for almost every one and every challenge. I would add a boost of Smoothie Essentials Multivitamin Blend and Smoothie Essentials Energy Blend. http://www.doctoryourself.com/prostate.html
Try this smoothie adding soy milk in place some of the coconut.
Tropical Pina Colada Smoothie
But I must admit I do love the smell of coconut so if you make this smoothie, I would suggest really getting the coconut milk and not using regular milk. It will make all the difference. This is a great breakfast smoothie with plenty of vitamins and protein to get your day started right and make you feel as if you are on vacation in some tropical paradise. I also think substituting the apple for mango is a nice twist. Comment below if you try this tropical smoothie.
http://www.smoothieweb.com/tropical-pina-colada-smoothie/
I’m not a huge fan of pina colada, although I love the song.
Ingredients:
1/2 pineapple
1 apple
3 Tbs coconut milk
1 banana
1 orange
Blend and serve. If you want to get fancy add a Cocktail drink Umbrella and garnish with pineapple and banana.
Or this one replacing the pineapple juice with soy and adding in pineapple fruit.
Mondo Mango Smoothie
http://www.smoothieweb.com/mondo-mango-smoothie/
I love a good, ripe mango and adding it to a smoothie with sherbet ice cream is delicious. Forget about the the nutrients in mango as well as the fiber, you’ll want this for the great taste. One of my favorite smoothie recipes with mango.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 cup orange sherbet
1 banana
2 cups mango, sliced
2 cups ice
1 teaspoon lime juice