Aloe Vera Smoothie

I originally had an aloe vera smoothie video here that demonstrated a recipe using (wild?) aloe vera and suggesting that a leaf of potted aloe vera, peeled, could be used instead.  The recipe in the video used citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime), berries (goji) and mango, but there are quite a few variations that you can follow. 

 Today I am using 1 C. frozen blueberries, an apple (minus the core), and the aloe vera with about 4 cups of water in my Vitamix.  The benefits are listed below-- I'm using it for some breathing issues that I have for which a small study has shown some possible benefits (asthma) but it is a general all-round healthful green.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

*immune regulator: helps to restore the body to balance after illness
*soothes and heals eczema and burns
*healing to ulcers in the digestive tract
*contains protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and is naturally rich in Vitamin C, amino acids, enzymes, germanium (a mineral that may help with cardiac disorders)
*is laxative and an excellent cleanse. However, if you experience any cramping or diarrhea, stop use.

*Contraindications: Do not use aloe vera if you are taking the following medications: oral corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone-- this misuse of aloe vera may lead to developing a potassium deficiency and experiencing of other toxic effects from the medication.  Please check with a pharmacist or your doctor re your own medications not listed above.

Smoothie of the Week: Blueberry Coconut-Chia Shake

When I wrote this blog, we were doing a 28-day cleanse with the Raw Food Rehab community and I had been enjoying using (and adapting) recipes from Penni Shelton's book, Raw Food Cleanse: Restore Health and Lose Weight by Eating Delicious, All Natural Foods--Instead of Starving Yourself. Today's recipe is an adaptation (the ice cubes are frozen blueberries for one thing) of  the Chia Coconut Custard Shake in the book.

  Generally, though, I just stick to Penni's recipes (i.e., don't adapt them) because they are so delicious.  She is a raw chef.  And, while we're talking about Penni, I'd like to point out that Raw Food Rehab was voted on "The Best of Raw" as the Best Raw Community at the time (April 2011).  I highly recommend joining a health-nutty community get-together like this for one of the many "challenges" you can find online.

  See your trusted health provider in advance and let them know about what you are considering, though, just to make sure you don't hook up with a group that is doing something really off-the-wall unhealthy (like 30 Days of Unlimited Wine Tasting, for example hahah).

This smoothie is soooo sweet and delectable.  Please note that using the chia seed gel (the chia seeds MUST be soaked for at least 15 minutes in one cup of filtered water-- thoroughly stirring 2-3X to encourage the gel process) lowers the glycemic rating of this sweet treat way down-- you might even feel like you are cheating, it's so sweety-pie sweet and tasty.

Add the following to your blender: 

• 2 Young Coconuts Meat and Water (or coconut water from the store)
• 2 T. Chia Seed Gel
• 1/2 C. Frozen Berries (I used blueberries)
• 1/4 C. Raw Honey (I actually used "Royal Jelly"--mmmm)
• 2 T. Vanilla Extract
• Pinch (however you define that) of: Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Celtic Sea Salt

Blend until smooth and creamy and e.n.j.o.y.

This smoothie information is for you-- it's my bias-- so please see your own health care professional before making any health-related decisions. If you found anything useful, intriguing, or have questions, I would really appreciate your feedback... please use the comment box below.To your better and better health, ~Cynthia