LIFE IN A GLASS

“Life in a glass” is having all the necessary dietary requirements in one cup. Or what we call these days, ‘eating the rainbow‘. Smoothies are thick, cold beverages made from pureed raw fruit and sometimes vegetables in a blender. Smoothies can be blended with other ingredients such as water, ice, fruit juice, sweeteners (e.g., honey, sugar, and syrup), dairy products (e.g., milk, yoghurt), nuts, and chocolate. A smoothie containing dairy products can be likened to a milkshake, milkshakes contain less fruit and often contain ice cream or frozen yoghurt.

The health value of a smoothie depends on its ingredients and proportions. Smoothies include large or multiple servings of fruits and vegetables, which are recommended in a healthy diet. However, too many sweet fruits and/or too much fruit juice can lead to too much sugar. However, adding ingredients such as sugar and other sweeteners may reduce the health value.
Smoothies include dietary fibre (e.g., pulp, fruit skin, and seeds); the fibre is what makes smoothies more healthful than fruit juice, which is now considered unhealthy due to the preservatives added. We also have “green smoothies,” which include vegetables and are taken by people who take massive care of their health.

The smoothie above is a Pineapple, Ginger and Watermelon Smoothie made by blending chunks of pineapple, ginger and watermelon.

Health Benefits of These Fruits

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WATERMELON

Watermelon has a high water content; it is 92% water. This gives you hydration and helps you feel full. The combination of water and fibre means you’re eating a good volume of food without consuming a lot of calories. Watermelon is one of the lowest in calories, with only 46 calories per cup.
Watermelon contains a lot of nutrients as well, including the following: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamins B1, B5, and B6, and carotenoids, (including beta-carotene and lycopene). It has citrulline, an important amino acid, antioxidants, Carotenoids, Lycopene, and Cucurbitacin E

• Watermelon also helps n combating cancer.
• Watermelon seeds to the proper maintenance and functioning of the heart.
• Anti-inflammatory antioxidants are found in watermelon. It may help delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Watermelon may help keep eyes healthy and protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Watermelon may reduce muscle soreness.
• Two vitamins in watermelon A and C are important for skin and hair health. Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and your hair strong. Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin since it helps create and repair skin cells. It stops the skin from looking dry and flaky. It also prevents sunburn.
• Watermelon contains lots of water and a small amount of fibre helpful for promoting normal bowel movement.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER

Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.
It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.

• Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea.
• Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.
• Another study found that a combination of ginger, mastic, cinnamon and sesame oil, can reduce pain and stiffness
• Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• It appears to speed up the emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.
• Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period.
• There is some evidence, in both animals and humans, that ginger can lead to significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.
• Ginger contains a substance called 6-gingerol, which may have protective effects against cancer. However, this needs to be studied a lot more.
• Studies suggest that ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain. It can also improve brain function in elderly women.
• Gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections.
• In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria.
• It is very effective against the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Read Also: TOP 10 NIGERIAN STREET FOODS

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE

Pineapples are sweet, convenient, and easy to incorporate into your diet. They are very affordable and available. Pineapples are also incredibly versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways. You can enjoy them on their own or in smoothies, salads, or homemade pizzas. Pineapples are delicious, accessible, and easy to add to the diet.
Pineapples are delicious, low in calories, and loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.
Their nutrients and compounds have been linked to impressive health benefits, including
improved digestion,

• lower risk of cancer,
• improved immunity,
• relief of arthritis symptoms and
• improved recovery after surgery and strenuous exercise.

To experience their health benefits, try incorporating pineapples into your diet.

Fight cancer with a glass. make your own cup of smoothie. try out new recipes. join the conversation on the blog or on our Facebook page

You could also add a drop of honey to sweeten things up…

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