There’s no denying that for some time now, we have been justifying our hectic lives and pressures by the halos of our material accomplishments and achievements.
Fortunately, I dare say, we are coming to our senses leading to a consensus that health and happiness are the halos that we need to seek instead. Mental and physical health is definitely gaining popularity. Well, the rat race may never end, but thankfully, we have paused to reassess what foods and fitness regimes bring to the table. There’s hope then.
Detox and weight loss diets are fast becoming the most sought-after commodities in this society that is suddenly aspiring of health. But alas! Each diet traipses in with its own claims of health and vigour, beauty and brilliance till the naked truth hits us with a painful bang – most of the diets leave us hungry, hangry and haggard!
Enter raw green SMOOTHIES…
So, are they a hype or are they really health-in-a-bottle?
Let’s get down to see what raw green smoothies really are and what are the payoffs.
Raw Green Smoothies, are fruit and vegetable purees with a choice of liquid blended together.
I like to call RGS a plant-powered diet attachment to any diet you decide to follow. It’s truly a convenient and versatile way to add nutrient-dense foods to our otherwise pallid diet foods. It’s a powerhouse of natural vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants.
Definitely health-in-a-bottle, don’t you think?
So how is a smoothie different from our plain old juice?
Let’s see,
Juice:
- Fast-access energy
- Healthy hydration
- Taste-bud friendly
Smoothie:
- More ingredients
- Liquid salad
- Curbs craving
- Keeps satiated for longer
- Can be used as a meal replacement to lose weight
The Verdict:
The battle between smoothies and juice has been a long ongoing affair but we can safely assume that a de-fibred juice full of vitamins may not hold up to the benefits of a smoothie full of the same vitamins “plus” the fibre of not only one but many fruits and vegetables in just one glass.
What more does RGS do for our body?
A well-made RGS can shower our starved body with multiple boons at a time. It cleanses and detoxes the various overworked organs. Cellular repair of the body is a huge benefit. It improves digestion and boosts overall immunity. It aids in treating depression and increases mental clarity. Lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes can be easily managed with the correct concoction of raw greens. How many of us have dealt with painful stress headaches and migraines – an unpleasant byproduct of our unhealthy lifestyles? Well, the good news is that such symptoms can be treated with just a couple of shots or glasses of this healing liquid. Over and above, weight loss, glowing skin and healthy hair are the added benefits that come along from daily consumption of these beauties. RGSs can be used as a meal replacement or can be a diet in itself for shorter periods of time if done consciously and with care.
It’s truly an elixir!
What entails a lip-smacking serving of a perfect RGS?
A serving of this heavenly quencher needs approximately fruit 60% (1-1/2 cups,) greens 40% (1 cup) and liquid 1 cup, can be plain water or coconut water. Coconut milk also goes beautifully with smoothies made with bananas and strawberries. If you are a fan of seeds you can get adventurous with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and chia seeds. If using chia seeds you should remember to soak them in a cup of water and use the gel after half an hour to make the smoothie. Basically, Raw Green Smoothie making can be extremely versatile as liquids, fruits and vegetables can all be interchanged and experimented with to give you an appetizing, flavourful and healthy punch.
Some produce which works great for RGS specifically made to manage blood pressure include bananas, apples, citrus fruits, spinach, beet, cucumber and ginger.
Diabetics can safely consume RGS made from carrots, spinach and celery, citrus fruits and watermelon.
A regular cold can be managed with pineapple, apples, beetroot, carrot, ginger and turmeric.
Indigestion can be alleviated with beetroots, carrots, lemon and mint.
How to store Raw Green Smoothie for later use?
RGS can be easily stored in a glass bottle with a tight lid. Do expect little discolouration but that’s common as oxidation takes place during the intermittent time. It does not mean that the smoothie has any less benefits if consumed in the stipulated time. They have a potent life of approximately 48 hours under refrigeration after which it is perishable, thanks to the lack of any toxic preservatives. So, go ahead and make a bottle to leave in the refrigerator and carry it to work as a liquid snack. Cheers!
What is the best time to sip on these powerhouse potions?
Well, RGS can be had as a breakfast, snack or meal replacement through the day as per your convenience. But an absolute no-no would be late evenings as raw vegetables are harder to digest at the end of the day. It follows the thumb rule of salads for lunch and soups for dinner. Raw greens are the most wonderful treat we can give our bodies if taken properly with care.
Now, pull up your sleeves and venture into Raw Green Smoothies with our simple recipes
Immunity-building Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
1-1/2 cups pineapple
1/2-inch ginger root
1 cup water
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until it is smooth. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Detox Red Smoothie
Ingredients:
3/4 cup beetroot
3/4 cup carrot
1 cup apple
1/2-inch ginger root
1/2 lemon
1 cup water
Place all the ingredients except the lemon in the blender and blend until it is smooth. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Take it out in a glass and squeeze the lemon on top.
Natural Glow Red Smoothie
Ingredients:
3/4 cup carrot
1/2 cup beetroot
1/2 cup cucumber
1 handful of coriander leaves and stems
1/2-inch ginger root
1/2-inch fresh turmeric (a pinch of turmeric powder can be used instead)
1/2 lemon
Place all the ingredients except the lemon in the blender and blend until it is smooth. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Take it out in a glass and squeeze the lemon on top.
Anti-ageing Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cucumber
1/2 cup spinach
1 cup green apple
1 handful of parsley
1/2-inch ginger root
1 cup coconut water or plain water
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until it is smooth. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
So, if you ready to take your health in your own hands then do try out our recipes. Let us together do our bit to make this world a healthier place, one smoothie at a time!
Wish smoothie sailing to you too!