i have never been a fan of putting apples in smoothies-they just don't break down the way most fruits do. (same with carrots.) so, upon opening my shiny new NINJA blender, i threw in 2 apples, 2 clementines, some oj and a banana. the result was sublime. there were still some bits of apple about the size you think of as in applesauce..but not many, and none as big as typical oj pulp. i was pleasantly surprised.
i am often overcome by the crazy intricate creations all around us. when i was taking anatomy and physiology, along with health and nutrition...it was ridiculous to see how perfectly we have been provided for. nearly every ailment can be aided by enjoying a fruit, vegetable, or other plant/nut/seed that contains whatever it is your body is lacking.
for example, my spur of the moment smoothie-there is a wealth of health benefits in that 30 oz pitcher..i'm just going to keep my fruit praise to the banana for now, or i'll be here writing all night. bananas are full of vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium..as well as fiber.
B6 deficiencies can cause insomnia, irritability, and fatigue, eating just half a banana can help to boost your energy, and supposedly, your mood.
Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and also helps to reduce any muscle cramping you may have after the spur-of-the-moment jog you enjoyed after that boost in energy you got from the banana.
Vitamin C is probably the most common vitamin you think of when healthy supplements come to mind. It is widely known for its ability to help strengthen the immune system, but C also helps to detoxify our bodies, and promotes cellular healing, removes heavy metals, destroys "bad" bacteria and viruses, and much more. One of it's most important and overlooked jobs is to aid in the body's absorption of iron, which is essential in proper oxygenation...oxygen is important. heheh. low iron absorption/anemia can cause fatigue, anxiety, irritability, sleepiness, tinnitus(ringing in the ears), constipation, heart palpitations, mouth ulcers, depression, hair loss, and more. no wonder Vitamin C is such a popular guy.. and i haven't even mentioned scurvy!! :)
Magnesium aids in body temperature regulation, detoxification, and helps to form healthy bones and teeth, by assisting in the absorption of calcium. Magnesium is also beneficial to many women's health issues, and works together with B6 to aid in the prevention of insomnia, constipation, high blood pressure, migraines, kidney stones, gallstones, and more. Magnesium is believed to prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and may treat diabetes and depression. !!
it seems like beans aren't the only magical fruit out there. :)
"He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth..." ps 104:14-16
today i am thankful for fruit.
and this is what makes me smile:
