Bashful's Blushing Berry Beet Smoothie

It’s difficult to pick a favorite from the Seven Dwarfs. Each one is endearing in his own way. Bashful is absolutely darling, especially when he blushes. He might be my favorite. Just about anything makes him blush, but especially when Snow White gives him a little kiss on the cheek. This berry beet smoothie is inspired by Bashful’s rosy cheeks. It’s made with red berries, an apple, and diced beets. It’s refreshing and tangy, with a slight sweetness from the beets, apple, and coconut water. And the color is quite stunning!

This berry beet smoothie is great for breakfast – the color alone makes it really fun for kids. But it’s also a great afternoon slurp-able snack. If you’re not a fan of coconut water, swap it out for 100% unsweetened apple juice. Not a beet fan? No worries – the flavor is very mild.

Bashful’s Blushing Berry Beet Smoothie

This stunning magenta smoothie is full of bright berry flavor with a mild hint of beets. Naturally sweetened from addition of coconut water and apple.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

1 apple, cored and cut into quarters

1/4 cup diced beets

1 cup coconut water or 100% apple juice (unsweetened)

1 cup ice, if needed

a little agave nectar, to sweeten (optional)

Instructions:

Place berries, apple, and beets in blender jar. Add the coconut water or apple juice. Blend until smooth. Add ice as needed to make it extra cold or thicker, if fresh berries were used. Add a little agave, if needed, to sweeten.

Green Juicing and the Benefits of Fresh Green Juices

Green juicing is a process that creates a concentrated nutrient-rich juice from fruits and vegetables that is low in sugar and high in chlorophyll content.

The initial concept of consuming green juice started way back in the 1930's by health enthusiasts like Norman Walker, Dr. Kirschner, Dr. Max Gerson, Jay Kordich and many others who were the first to use the benefits of juicing as therapeutic treatment for many chronic illnesses. 

Some of these early pioneers used ample amounts of greens in their juicing recipes and Ann Wigmore, founder of the Hippocrates Health Institute, was one of the first to discover the healing properties of wheatgrass juice, which she used medicinally with great success in her holistic health care practice.

Today, green juice is quickly becoming a staple morning drink among health conscious people all over the world as many are transforming their health by consuming the nutritious green liquid from dark leafy greens and noticing a positive influence on overall mood and energy levels.

These benefits can be attributed to its alkalizing effect on the body, in addition to its ability to neutralize toxins as well as supply an immediate transfusion of absorbable chlorophyll-rich phytonutrients to the cells and bloodstream.

Green juice therapy is used in many modern day fasting retreat centers to promote the detoxification process and is taken medicinally to facilitate a natural state of cellular healing when consumed exclusively for a period of time. 

Green juice is specifically fresh, raw, living organic juice made with green leafy vegetables and non-sweet fruits pressed through a juicer.  This is a procedure that separates the fiber portion from the liquid in the vegetables.

Essentially, you are super concentrating all the nutrients into a juice extract that can be extremely nourishing to the body and packed with enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. 

Juicing the liquid out of raw fruits and vegetables delivers more nutrients in one condensed glass of juice, so you don't have to eat pounds and pounds of produce.  Also, by eliminating the bulk fibrous material, you give the digestive system a rest and provide an influx of nutrition that is easily assimilated.

For some of you this might sound somewhat unappealing at first, especially if you are unaccustomed to drinking fresh juices and are not particularly fond of the taste of green vegetables like kale, parsley, collard or spinach.

We encourage you to give it a try, however, as your taste buds will most likely adjust to the flavor once you experience the uplifting side-effects.  Initially, you can add some sweet fruits to make your juice more palatable and then eventually reduce the amount of sugar content over time.

Fresh Green Juice Benefits Over Bottle Juices

Green juice is a natural mineral and vitamin supplement that can be a powerful influence to a malnourished system.  It is best to avoid bottled green juices that have often been pasteurized to increase their shelf life.  This means that they have undergone heat processing that kills all living enzymes and most all of the health benefits.

Your juice should be fresh, "raw" and filled with life-force, structured water content, probiotic microbes, enzymes and oxygen.  This is the best possible juice for providing restorative components that will help to enhance mental outlook, increase immune health, improve bone strength, achieve natural body weight and nourish the heart.

Green Juicing Ingredient Options

Green juicing ingredients can cover a wide array of leafy green vegetables.  The most common types include kale, collard, cilantro, bok choy, parsley, lettuce, beet greens, green cabbage, swiss chard, sprouts, arugula, dill weed, mint and spinach.  Sometimes you can also find more unique leafy green selections at farmers markets and some health food stores, such as dandelion greens, watercress, purslane or any of the Asian greens like mizuna. 

In addition, many wild edible greens can also be gathered at certain times of the year, predominantly in the spring and fall seasons. These are highly nutritious foods that can usually be harvested in large quantities for pounds of juice material.  Some of these may include miners lettuce, chickweed, watercress, mallow, horsetail shoots, nettle leaf and many others depending on the climates zones in which you live.

For those of you who like to sprout you can also add in sunflower greens, broccoli sprouts, pea shoots, fenugreek sprouts or any of the microgreen varieties to your juicing blends.

Most juices are comprised of about 2-5 different types of dark leafys.  Two other commonly used ingredients in green juicing recipes are the water-rich vegetables celery and cucumber.  Occasionally green apples are used for flavor and pectin content, but "true green juice" contains very low amounts of fruit or vegetable sugars.  Other veggie, spice and citrus combinations may also include fennel bulb, ripe bell pepper, ginger, turmeric, lemon or lime.

Caution for Those with Hypothyroidism

For people with an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, some health authorities believe it is best to avoid large quantities of cruciferous vegetables like kale, collard greens, bok choy, broccoli sprouts and watercress.  It has been shown that these greens contain enzymes and goitrogens that interfere with the formation of thyroid hormones in such cases.  A high intake of crucifers through juicing greens can inhibit the uptake of iodine into the thyroid hormone and should be largely avoided by those with a hypothyroid condition. (Source)

Since most leafy greens fall into this category, under such circumstances we recommend making your juice base from cucumber and celery and then mixing in micro-algaes like spirulina, chlorella or blue-green algae, along with any of the lettuces and sprouts like sunflower.  Some wild green selections are also safe to use such as miners lettuce or mallow leaf.

It is important to keep in mind that cruciferous greens are highly nutritious for those with normal thyroid hormone levels and are additionally excellent for those with hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) to help block the over-production of hormones.

Many of the benefits of juicing cruciferous leafy greens can be attributed to their high amounts of antioxidants like carotenoids and chlorophyll as well as other constituents like omega fatty acids, indoles and sulfur containing isothiocyanates.  These compounds offer cancer chemopreventive effects and also help to reduce inflammation, a key factor in cardiovascular disease.

Basic Green Goodness Juice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 celery stalks
• 1/2 cucumber
• 5 big pieces of lacinato or dino kale
• handful of parsley
• piece of fennel bulb or stalk
• handful of spinach leaves
• 1/8C spring water

Press veggies through your favorite juicer and run 1/8C spring water at the end to extract rest of juicing liquid. Pour into a glass. Serves one.
We tend to drink about a quart of juice at one time, in this case you would need to double the above recipe.

How to Make Green Juice With A Blender or NutriBullet

This a quick and easy method for those of you without a juicer.
Blending the ingredients does oxidize the plant material a bit more than the Green Star juicer, but is it still considerably nutritious.   You basically fill the blender to the top, turn it on and it literally takes seconds to puree your veggies with a good blender.

This is our preferred technique to use when traveling.
Our top favorite blender is the Vitamix for home use, but we like the size and efficiency of the Blendtec blender for travel excursions.  The NutriBullet is also a handy traveling device perfect for making a small amount of juice for one person.
The Blendtec blender is about 1/3 the size of a Vitamix blender and is also a bit easier to clean.

Tools You Will Need

• Blendtec blender or other high speed blender
• chopping board
• knife
• greens and veggies
• filtered water
• nut milk bag
• big bowl

Making Your Green Juice

1. Chop your veggies of choice like: cucumber, celery, parsley, romaine lettuce, kale, etc.
2. Place into blender.
3. Blend and completely puree the vegetables.
4. Add a little water if necessary to blend smooth.
5. Pour liquid through a nut milk bag into a bowl.
6. Squeeze out liquid with hands. (Kids love to do this part!)
7. At the end, squeeze the rest by making it long and narrow.
8. Keep pressing and twisting it out.
9. Pour the juice in your bowl into a glass.

You should have dry pulp at the end and lots of beautiful green juice!
The photo to the right is the pulp fiber left over after almost a quart of juice!  We only added about 1/4 of a cup of water, so it shows you how much liquid there is in raw vegetables!
Try some of our other juicing recipes or for "pink juicing" see our beet juice recipe!

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21 Best Home Remedy to stop Heavy periods of excessive Menstruation Bleeding

A collection of 21 Best Home Remedies and natural cures to Stop Heavy Periods or Excessive Menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia).

Over 20% of women over age 40 have at one time or the other faced excessive menstrual bleeding or Menorrhagia.

menstrualbleeding for Definition: Menorrhagia is defined as excessively heavy or prolonged uterine bleeding with clots but with or without menstrual cramps which can be caused by medical problems or hormone imbalances.

Symptoms: If you require to change sanitary protection more than every one or two hours, or if you are having a period spanning more than seven days, it’s likely a case of abnormal menstrual bleeding. If excessive bleeding continues, it can result in significant outcomes like anemia, fatigue, decreased strength, depressive mood and cervical cancer in worst cases.

Causes: Heavy bleeding during periods is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, especially witnessed for women before menopause (aged 40-50 years). Other causes of heavy periods include stress, dieting excessive weight loss or gain, thyroid disorders, fibroids, uterine abnormalities, infection in the pelvic area, presence of benign uterine tumors such as non-cancerous thickening of the endometrium (internal lining of uterus), polyps, fibroids, infection, and endometriosis.

21 Best Home Remedy to stop Heavy periods of excessive Menstruation Bleeding

Menorrhagia can be controlled with home remedies and natural treatments. Some of the best home remedies for heavy bleeding during menstrual periods are listed below:

Ginger: An infusion prepared by pounding and boiling ginger in water for a few minutes provides relief and helps stop menstrual flow. The infusion can be sweetened with sugar or honey to make it more palliative. The infusion can be taken up to thrice daily after meals.

Cinnamon: A tea prepared by steeping one cinnamon stick in a cup of boiling water is very effective home remedy for stopping heavy periods. Alternatively 3 drops of tincture of cinnamon bark can be taken internally, twice a day to stop heavy menstrual bleeding during periods.

Mustard seeds Take 40 grams of dried mustard seeds and grind to fine powder. Take 2 grams of mustard seed powder with milk twice a day before or during menstrual cycle to arrest excessive bleeding. This is an effective home remedy for heavy periods.

Coriander seed: Boil 20 grams of coriander seed in 200 ml (two cups) of water. When the water is reduced to one quarter its original volume, allow it to cool before taking it internally. This decoction is one of the best home remedies to stop heavy periods and excessive bleeding during the monthly cycle.

Thyme tea: Tea prepared by steeping 1 tablespoon thyme leaves in a cups of boiling water for around 10 minutes is very effective in arresting excessive menstrual bleeding during heavy periods. Thyme tea mixed with ice cube can also be used as a cold compress on the abdomen to arrest heavy menstruation.

Banana Flower: Eating cooked banana flower with a cup of curd increases progesterone and helps control excessive menstrual bleeding. This is an effective natural remedy for heavy menstrual bleeding.

Indian Spikenard: Indian spikenard is a very effective natural remedy for heavy periods. Indian spikenard has been used since ages for treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Licorice: Remove the peel and grind to fine powder. Take 3 grams of this powder with water drained rice, three times daily for 4-5 days. Licorice is very beneficial in arresting excessive bleeding periods.

Sacred Fig. Juice prepared from extract of tender and fresh leaves of sacred fig is effective in stopping heavy periods. Sacred fig juice taken twice a day during the menstrual cycle is an effective treatment for excessive menstrual bleeding..

Omega -3: Consumption of animal products, fish oils and flaxseed oil which are rich in omega-3 are effective in reducing excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Bamboo leaf: Bamboo leaves and nodes are an excellent home cure for menstrual problems. A decoction made of a some bamboo leaves can be taken twice daily for treating menstrual problems. A decoction made of bamboo nodes is also a useful for menstrual problems. This helps in regulating the menstrual cycle.

Wood apple leaf: Freshly ground leaves of wood apple tree mixed with warm water is an effective natural cure for heavy periods. The fruit, Wood apple is also effective in stopping excessive bleeding during menstrual cycle.

Rough chaff: An infusion prepared by soaking 20 grams of rough chaff in 300 ml of water is effective in stopping heavy bleeding during menstrual periods. This tea can be taken up to two times a day to cure excessive bleeding during menstruation

Magnesium rich food: Researches have shown that deficiency of magnesium is a very common factor that results in profuse menstrual bleeding. Food rich in magnesium like sesame seeds, water melon seeds, oat, cocoa, pumpkin, squash must be included in the diet. Magnesium helps in stopping menstrual bleeding.

Caveat: Consuming large amount magnesium causes diarrhea and hence a moderate intake is advised.

Iron-rich food: Food rich in iron content like potatoes, pumpkin seeds, clams, molasses are helpful and effective treatment for stopping heavy bleeding during menstruation.

Mango bark: A mixture prepared by adding 10 ml of liquid extract of mango bark in 130 ml of water is effective in arresting excessive periods. Take one teaspoon of this preparation every hour. Juice of fresh mango bark is an effective natural cure for heavy menstrual bleeding.

Tenner’s cassia: Tenner’s cassia helps in regulating the menstruation cycle and the flowers and flower buds are useful in controlling excessive flow during the menstruation.

Jujube Tea: Tea prepared by boiling 20 grams of Jujube leaf with red dates helps cure functional deficiency of blood and is very effective in stopping excessive menstrual bleeding.

Hawthorn flowers decoction: A decoction prepared by mixing 30 grams Hawthorn, 15 grams saffron in water is very effective oriental treatment for menstrual problems like abdominal pain, discharge of blood clots, and arresting excessive menstrual bleeding. The decoction is to be served when it is hot.

Diet: Diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals like magnesium , iron and calcium .The diet should contain lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, green vegetables.

Menstrual Pain: When should you consult a doctor?

If bleeding continues for 7 or more days, during each menstrual cycle, despite the home remedies you try, consider consulting a gynecologist. Its time to consult a doctor:

If excessive bleeding is seen in all consecutive periods

If menstruation lasts for more than seven days

If you notice any abnormal vaginal discharge

Its you pass thick blood clots for more than one day.

If excessive bleeding is accompanied by diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

If excessive bleeding is accompanied or preceded by fever

If you are anemic

7 Health Benefits of Cucumbers:

7 Health Benefits of Cucumbers:

1. HYDRATES! Cucumbers help eliminate toxins and replenishes the body with a water content of 96%.

2. Refuels. Vitamin A, C, K, iron, calcium, and potassium, which all contribute to energy and glowing skin.

3. Alkalizes. Cucumbers return your body to its natural alkaline state, which means less disease.

4. Stress Reduction. The aroma from boiling cucumbers and water will calm you down from the inside out.

5. Cures Hangovers. Eat a few cucumbers before bed to replenish your body with sugar, B vitamins, and electrolytes and reduce the intensity of your hangover.

6. Strengthens Joints. The silica in cucumbers helps to strengthen the connective tissues around muscles and joints.

7. Weight Loss Aid. The high-water content and low calorie content makes cucumbers an effective way to flush out toxins and aid digestion.

Top 10 Superfoods to Reduce Belly Fat

Belly fat, also known as visceral fat that accumulates around the midsection, is a major concern for many. Not only does belly fat make your figure unattractive, it also increases your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease.

Many people try dieting to lose belly fat, but this is not the optimal solution. The ideal way to get rid of belly fat is to choose your foods wisely and do some physical exercise daily.

Knowing what to include in your diet is half the job, the other half is doing exercises daily that suit your body type. Certain foods actually help reduce stubborn belly fat and will get you well on your 

way to enjoying a slimmer physique.

Top 10 Superfoods to Reduce Belly Fat

Home » Superfoods » Top 10 Superfoods to Reduce Belly Fat

Belly fat, also known as visceral fat that accumulates around the midsection, is a major concern for many. Not only does belly fat make your figure unattractive, it also increases your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease.

Many people try dieting to lose belly fat, but this is not the optimal solution. The ideal way to get rid of belly fat is to choose your foods wisely and do some physical exercise daily.

Knowing what to include in your diet is half the job, the other half is doing exercises daily that suit your body type. Certain foods actually help reduce stubborn belly fat and will get you well on your way to enjoying a slimmer physique.

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Here are the top 10 superfoods to reduce belly fat.

foods to reduce belly fat

1. Almonds

Almonds contain a good amount of healthy fats — polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Both fats help prevent you from overeating. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has proven that eating almonds suppresses hunger. They also help fight against heart disease.

High in magnesium, almonds are a key component for muscle building, and having more muscle will help you burn more belly fat.

In addition, the high fiber content in almonds will keep you feeling full for a longer time. Because almonds contain few calories, they will not contribute to belly fat. So, always keep roasted almonds handy and enjoy them as a snack or in salads or other dishes.

2. Watermelon

The American Dietetic Association declares watermelon as a perfect food to reduce belly fat. Watermelon contains 91 percent water and hence acts like a natural diuretic. It will help you feel full longer and aid in the reduction of water in the body.

This juicy fruit is also rich in vitamins B1, B6 and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. It contains very little calories and is also cholesterol-free.

An interesting study done at the University of Kentucky revealed that drinking two glasses of watermelon juice every day for eight weeks reduces body weight (especially the fat around the belly) without altering muscle mass. Regular consumption of watermelon also lowers the risks associated with coronary artery plaque accumulation and heart disease.

3. Beans

Regular consumption of different types of beans helps reduce body fat, develop muscles and improve the digestion process. Beans also help you feel full for a longer time, thus keeping you from overeating.

This happens as beans are an excellent source of soluble fiber. This fiber especially targets belly fat, helping to break it down so the fat can be eliminated from the body. Plus, the protein in beans provides energy to your body. You can easily include beans in your daily meals by adding them to salads, soups or side dishes.

4. Celery

To get a flat tummy, fill your plate with green leafy vegetables like celery. Celery is extremely low in calories, full of fiber, and contains calcium and vitamin C that aid in weight loss.

You can drink half a glass of celery juice before eating your lunch or dinner to help cleanse your system. You can also add celery to salad or soup. An additional benefit of celery is that it contains apigenin, a natural compound that reduces the risk of ovarian cancer in women.

5. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are an extremely refreshing and low-calorie food. 100 grams of cucumber contains approximately 96 percent water and only about 45 calories. They are packed with minerals, dietary fibers and vitamins.

Eating a plate of cucumber salad daily is an effective and healthy way to cleanse your body of harmful toxins released by the digestive system and lose weight. As an added benefit, eating cucumbers daily can give you radiant, glowing skin because they are rich in vitamins B and C.

6. Tomatoes

One large tomato has just 33 calories. It contains a compound known as 9-oxo-ODA that helps reduce lipids in the blood, which in turn helps control belly fat. This compound also fights chronic diseases associated with obesity.

Plus, the powerful antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes offers plenty of additional health benefits like reducing wrinkles, fighting cancer and reducing cholesterol levels. Tomatoes are an excellent source of nutrients like iron and potassium and are rich in vitamins A and C. So, to enjoy a healthy body, include tomatoes (in both raw and cooked form) in your daily diet.