Friday 1 April 2016

Its all about the Base

Here are some two the greatest base liquids for smoothies. There are many that you can use but I have tried both of these and they have become my favourites.



GREEN TEA

Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than black tea is (apparently) due to the processing. Black tea is processed in a way that allows for fermentation whereas green tea’s processing avoids the fermentation process. As a result, green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols the substances that give green tea its many benefits.

  1. Weight Loss. Green tea increases the metabolism. Green tea works to improve fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.
  2. Diabetes. Green tea helps regulate glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar. This can prevent high insulin spikes and resulting fat storage.
  3. Heart Disease. Scientists think, green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, helping keep them stay relaxed and better able to withstand changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against the formation of clots.
  4. Cancer....Widely thought to kill cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them.
  5. Cholesterol. Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
  6. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is said to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.
  7. Tooth Decay. Studies suggests that the chemical antioxidant “catechin” in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause major dental conditions
  8. Blood Pressure. Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
  9. Depression. Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and be a great benefit to tea drinkers.
  10. Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial. Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents known for treating everything from influenza to cancer and other diseases.
  11. Skincare. Green tea can apparently also help with wrinkles and the signs of aging, Great news for people of our age.
Green tea is a great liquid base for any smoothie

Simple Green Tea Smoothie

Serves 2
Ingredients

2 cups spinach
1 cup green tea, brewed
1 1/2 cups green grapes
1 banana, frozen
1 cup mango


Directions

Freeze your banana overnight (slice and store in a freezer-safe bag or mason ja). Blend all the ingredients together in a high speed blender until smooth and enjoy.

Coconut Water
Photo By Crisco 1492 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24629169


Coconut water is the ultimate thirst quencher and offers a tasty alternative to water. This pure liquid is packed with nutrients that yield an array of health benefits. 
The eight benefits that explain why it has become so popular:

1. Aids in Weight-loss Efforts.

The fat content in coconut water is extremely low, so generous quantities can be consumed without the fear of immediately packing on the pounds. It also suppresses the appetite and makes you feel full because of its rich nature.

2. Picture-Perfect Skin.

For those with acne or other blemishes on the surface of the skin, topical application of coconut water can go a great distance as it has the ability to clear up and subsequently tone the skin. It also moisturizes the skin from within if ingested orally and eliminates large amounts of oil. This explains why products such as facial creams, shampoos, conditioners and lotions that contain traces of coconut extract are more effective.

3. The Ultimate Hangover Remedy.

Next time you overdo it and drink more than your belly can handle, consume coconut water to settle your stomach. It will also replace those essential electrolytes that exit the body if you experience bouts of frequent urination and vomiting.

4. Facilitates Digestion.

If you constantly encounter difficulty during the digestion process, coconut water may provide a source of relief. Because of its high concentration of fibre, it aids in the prevention of indigestion and reduces the occurrence of acid reflux.



5. Boosts Hydration.

The ingredients in coconut water are way more effective at hydrating the human body than those of sports and energy drinks. During rigorous exercise or extended periods of physical activity, the human body loses mineral-rich fluids. However, coconut water serves as an excellent replacement medium with 294 mg of potassium and 5 mg of natural sugar per glass, unlike your favorite sports drink that only contains half of the potassium content and five times the amount of processed sugar. In addition, the sodium count is only 25 mg, which is relatively low compared to the 41 and 20 mg found in sports drinks and energy drinks respectively.

6. Reduces Blood Pressure.

In many instances, a disproportionate level of electrolytes can result in high blood pressure. Because coconut water contains an adequate supply of each, it can be used as a balancing mechanism. In some instances, it is recommended that coconut water be consumed at the start of each day to foster the balance of these electrolytes.

7. Rich in Nutrients.

Unlike any other beverage on the market, coconut water contains five essential electrolytes that are present in the human body. These include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. Because of its unique composition, coconut water can be enjoyed by individuals with varying medical conditions.

8. Compatible with Human Blood.

Since it is isotonic to human plasma, coconut water can be used in extreme emergencies to quickly rehydrate the human body if administered intravenously. It is not uncommon for the drink to be used in poorer, third-world countries to save human lives.

Coconut Water Smoothie

ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
  • 1 cup coconut sorbet
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 cup coconut water
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh shaved coconut
  • A few handfuls coconut water ice cubes*
  • *Cook's Note: Pour extra coconut water into an ice tray and freeze until solid.


Directions
Place the pineapple, coconut sorbet, yogurt, coconut water, coconut milk, and shaved coconut in a blender and mix on high for at least 1 minute. If thinner consistency is desired, add more coconut water, yogurt or more coconut milk. Serve in a coconut, if desired.


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