Banana Date Smoothie

• ¼ cup soaked almonds  (soaked overnight)
• 1 frozen banana
• 4 dates (soaked)

Soak ¼ cup of raw almonds in water overnight.  Skin the almonds by simply popping them out of their skins.  Split the dates, remove the pits, and soak for at least an hour.  Peel the frozen banana.  Throw out the water (or use it on your compost or garden).

Cover almonds with filtered/purified water in a blender and blend until smooth.  Looking for some of our top-selling blenders at decent prices? Check out the link! Now, continue: add banana and dates and blend.

Click here for the nutritional benefits and other recipes for bananas.

Click here for the health benefits of almonds and almond milk.

Digestive Benefits of Date

The versatile date

The date is an action-packed fruit when it comes to nutrition, and it’s a beneficial addition to any diet. Dates are considered the royalty of sweets for their ability to balance the body’s energy and blood sugar levels.  They are high in fiber and enhance the functioning of the entire digestive system.  Basic digestive benefits of the date include:

• A Natural Laxative: if you’re suffering from constipation, then dates are sweetest way to bust a smooth move.  Soak the dates for 12 hours in water, then consume the soaked dates first thing in the morning. The dietary fiber of dates adds plenty of other health benefits alone.
• Intestinal Disorders: that discomfort can be alleviated through continuous intake of dates over time. The content of ‘nicotinic’ in dates helps keep in check pathological organisms in the digestive tract and promote the rise of friendly bacteria.
• Prevents Diarrhea: the potassium levels in dates helps maintain the water balance in the digestive tract.

Other Nutritional Benefits of Date

• Tannins: dates contain tannins. Tannins have anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic properties.
• Vitamin A: dates have Vitamin A, which is an antioxidant and essential for vision. They say eating a date a day will help with overall vision and help prevent macular degeneration.
• Antioxidants: they also have some antioxidant flavonoids – lutein, and zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene – which protect the body from oxygen free radicals. Dates protect against cancers that attack the colon, prostate, breast, endometrials, lungs, and pancreas.
• Minerals: dates are rich in calcium (good for the bones and teeth), manganese (vital for energy production), copper (for red blood cell production), and magnesium (for bone growth).
• Iron: dates are a fantastic source of iron, contributing about 11% of the recommended daily value.  Like copper, iron is an essential ingredient for the production of red blood cells.
• Vitamin B: dates are rich in the B-complex group of vitamins.  The dates B-vitamin wealth helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Selection and Storage of Date

Choose dates are that are organic and well-processed and packed.  The sticky surface of dates can pick up a lot of impurities, so care should be taken in the selection.  Wash the dates thoroughly before consuming or using in recipes.  Store dates in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is primarily known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is so good a combating inflammation, it’s been suggested as a replacement to pharmaceuticals, without the side effects.  Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin, which is what gives turmeric its notable color.

But Turmeric is a giant when it comes to health:

• An antiseptic and antibacterial agent you can use to disinfect cuts and burns.
• Naturally detoxifies the liver.  Regular use combined with a liver cleanse will keep this vital organ at peak condition
• A treatment for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.  Turmeric has been shown to reduce swelling, stiffness, and enabled arthritic suffers to move and walk longer.
• Can be used regularly after athletic endeavors to keep the muscles supple and the joints lubricated.
• Used as a treatment for depression by Chinese medicine.
• Has a deep research history in the treatment of cancer from either stopping tumor formation or destroy cancer cells. The research includes data on breast, prostate, pancreatic, and childhood leukemia.
• Is thought to protect against the advent and/or progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing the plaque build-up from the brain.
• May reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Used in Chinese and Indian medicine to also treat jaundice, chest pain, bruises, toothache, hemorrhage, bloody urine, flatulence, and menstrual issues.

Turmeric can be taken in raw, powder, pill, or tincture form.  It’s typically used either raw or as a powder when cooking.  As a general supplement, you can take turmeric as a pill or tincture.

Contraindications: If you have gallstones or a bile obstructions or are pregnant, please consult your health practitioner before using turmeric.

Nutritional Breakdown of Turmeric

A 2 teaspoon serving of turmeric contains only 16 calories, and:

• 18% of the daily value of manganese. Here’s some great recipes for getting your daily dose of manganese!
• 10.4% of the daily value of iron
• 4% of the daily value of Vitamin B6
• 3.3% of the daily value of potassium

Sun Milk

• ¼ cup turmeric powder
• ½ cup purified water
• 1 cup of almond milk (need to learn how to make almond milk?)
• 1 tsp almond oil
• Honey or agave nectar to taste.

In a small saucepan, mix the turmeric and water until it boils.  Reduce heat, stirring constantly, until a paste forms.  The paste is good for up to 40 days stored in an air tight container that’s placed in the refrigerator.

After making the paste, blend together 1 cup of almond or other nut milk with 1 tsp of almond oil, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric paste.  Add honey or agave nectar to taste.

Raw option: add turmeric to nut milk or raw milk and serve cold.

A Little History

Turmeric has a long history in its native Indonesia and India where it has been used for over 5,000 years.  While used as a textile dye and in cooking, turmeric is hailed as primary member of ancient pharmacopeias and used in both Indian (Ayurvedia) and Chinese medicines.

Introduced to Europe as early as the 13^th century, Turmeric was largely ignored by the West until recent research about its amazing medicinal properties gained public awareness. Turmeric has been called ‘Indian saffron’ due to its deep yellow-orange color.

Selection and Storage

Because Turmeric is an Eastern spice, check local ethnic markets to see what varieties of turmeric are available.  They may have the raw rhizome or a wider selection of turmeric. The color of turmeric differs per variety, so it’s not an indicator of freshness.

For the full benefits of turmeric, choose raw or powdered turmeric rather than a curry powder mix.  There is typically little turmeric in curry mixes.

Store the turmeric powder in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, and dry place.  Fresh turmeric should be stored in the refrigerator.

Flushing the liver seasonally is great for overall health.  The liver is one of the hardest working organs in our body.  It helps maintain and support bodily functions.  It handles all sorts of toxins assisting our body’s natural cleansing mechanism.  And if something else stops functioning, the liver is known to step to the fore and fill in.

The Liver Flush Smoothie

• ¼ tsp whole cloves
• 3-5 sprigs of parsley
• 2 oranges or tangerines, peeled
• ½ lemon, peeled
• ¼ cup filtered water
• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled.
• ½ grapefruit, peeled
• 1-2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled
• 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

Start with the water and then add ingredients one at a time to optimize the blend.  Add the oil last.  If the smoothie is too thick, add more water.  Drink first thing in the morning.  If you are sensitive to oranges, use 2 grapefruits.  Do the liver flush for three days once a season.  For optimum results, surround your liver flush days with an all vegetarian and whole grain (such as quinoa) diet to facilitate cleansing.  One of the most important ingredients in the liver flush is the parsley:

The Power of Parsley

Parsley is a well-loved herb.  Native to the Mediterranean, parsley has been well cultivated throughout the world.  Parsley is easy to grow and once established in your garden will return year after year.

Parsley is more than a pretty garnish.  Parsley has a huge presence among other herbs in term of nutrition and health. Parsley adds positive nutritional impact when used in small amounts. Parsley is a blood builder and a kidney cleanser.  Parsley eliminates toxins from the body, and therefore it’s the perfect addition to a liver cleanse.

More Reasons to Love Parsley:

Cancer Fighter: parsley has an organic compound called ‘myristicin’ that inhibits tumor formation and helps fight against oxidized molecules (i.e. it’s an antioxidant).  Myristicin can also neutralize carcinogens found in cigarette smoke.  Myristicin’s tumor fighting front is typically the lungs.

Antioxidant Power: parsley contains luteolin whose job it is to search out and destroy free radicals. Luteolin also helps the body metabolize carbohydrates. Parsley contains a nice quantity of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, both of which provide antioxidant support.

Anti-Inflammatory Action: the aforementioned luteolin and Vitamin C also helps to reduce inflammation. When regularly consumed, these two nutrients combat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Immune Booster: Vitamin C and Vitamin A are immune boosters.  Vitamin C accelerates the body’s ability to repair itself.  Vitamin A fortifies mucous membranes, the lining of the eyes, and the respiratory tract.  Vitamin A also directly feeds our white blood cells, our frontline fighters against infection.

Heart Health: parsley has folate (vitamin B9) which converts the amino acid and homocysteine into harmless molecules. When homocysteine levels are too high, the blood vessels of the body become threatened.  Ward off heart disease with the regular inclusion of parsley in your diet.

Bone Building: Just a two tablespoons serving of parsley provides over 153% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin K.  Vitamin K helps to synthesis osteocalcin which builds our bones.  Vitamin K also prohibits the build-up of calcium deposits assisting us in the fight against atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart disease.  Finally, vitamin K assists in the creation of a healthy nervous system by providing support for the maintenance of the myelin sheath that covers our nerves.

Add parsley to any juice or smoothie recipe to enhance the nutrition.  Eat parsley daily as part of your healthcare regime.  Your body will thank you.

What do you use parsley for? Add a comment, become a friend!

Cucumbers are related to the watermelon, pumpkin, zucchini, and other types of squash.  There are a number of varieties of cucumbers providing a lot of flavorful juicing options.  From slicing to lemon to pickling cukes, the cucumber is a versatile veggie.

Cucumbers are exceptionally full of water and low in calories.  A one cup serving has only 13 calories and provides needed hydration.  Cucumbers are a great addition to a cleanse or weight-loss practice.

Beauty is Skin Deep

The flesh of the cucumber contains ascorbic acid a.k.a Vitamin C and caffeic acid, both which soothe skin irritation and reduces swelling. So when you’ve seen or experienced a cucumber slice on your eyes, the point is to reduce swelling (bags) under the eyes.

The cucumber also contains silica which promotes healthy connective tissue such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.  Silica combined with the high water content provides hydration for healthy, glowing skin.

You can also apply cucumber juice to sunburns.  The healthful properties will assist in reducing inflammation.  Therefore the phrase, “cool as a cucumber” indeed holds true.

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Wheatgrass juice is gaining importance among juicers and healthy lifestylers for its abundant health benefits. Nicknamed “Liquid Sunshine,” wheatgrass juice carries the moniker because of its abundant chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that photosynthesizes the sun’s energy.

As indicated in its name, wheatgrass is an immature version of the wheat plant. Wheatgrass is best harvested early when it’s tender to make the best use of its nutrients and minerals.

Wheatgrass Nutrition

The liquid sunshine portion of wheatgrass is that 70% of its nutrient value is chlorophyll. The chlorophyll provides energy and alkalizing benefits.

Wheatgrass is now termed a ‘superfood’ and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Wheatgrass contains Vitamin B complex, C, E, and K and calcium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, prosperous, potassium, sulphur, and zinc. Wheatgrass also shines brightly with 17 complete amino acids and around 80 enzymes.

Benefits of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is best consumed as juice. One to two ounces a day added to your favorite smoothie or juice will give you a power boost of energy and nutrition. A short list of benefits include:

• Alkalizing: wheatgrass contains alkalizing minerals that promote the cleansing of tissues and maintaining the blood’s alkaline pH
• Anti-Fungal: wheatgrass can relieve the itching and burning caused by athlete’s foot.  Soak your feet in distilled water and two ounces of wheat juice.
• Anti-Yeast: Wheatgrass is anti-bacterial and therefore creates an unpleasant environment for both bacteria and yeast.  Regular consumption prevents new growth of both.
• Blood Building: the high concentration of iron in wheatgrass helps to regenerate red blood cells while supplying oxygen to the body.
• Blood Sugar: Wheatgrass helps regulate blood sugar making its addition a benefit for those suffering from diabetes.
• Breath and Body: wheat juice moves the lymphatic and gastro-intestinal systems.  It supports the reduction or elimination of bad breath and body odor.
• Control Cravings: high in nutrition, wheatgrass reduces cravings.  The inclusion of wheatgrass in your diet may help you lose weight.
• Digestion: Wheatgrass cleans out the intestines and colon providing a healthier environment for digestion.
• Immunosupport: wheatgrasses high vitamin and mineral content gives an energetic injection to your immune system.

How to Prepare and Consume Wheatgrass

In its grass form, this superfood is indigestible for humans. Juicing is the most convenient ways to access this plant’s power. The juice tastes ‘green,’ but it’s also naturally sweet. Wheatgrass can only be juiced with a gear juicer or a wheatgrass juicer – check out the Lexen wheatgrass juicer, our featured machine. It comes with a 30-day risk-free trial!

Superfoods are just that - super. The super powers of wheatgrass can jumpstart the detoxification process.  It’s recommended to start with a .5 oz to 1 oz a day, and you can then increase the amount the wheatgrass juice in your diet as it feels right.

If you have a wheat allergy, you can still consume wheatgrass juice, but start slow. Take only one teaspoon per day to build up your tolerance. While wheatgrass juice does not contain gluten, it’s still best to be on the safe side.  If you feel an allergic reaction to the juice, discontinue use.

Kale is an all around awesome green food. It removes toxins from the body and has been shown to detoxify at the genetic level, too.  Kale’s high vitamin resource naturally supports the immune system. Kale’s other nutritive properties assists in the prevention of constipation, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure. If you wish to maintain your weight or are on a weight-loss program, Kale is a beneficial addition to your food program. Kale reduces the risk of five types of cancer, including bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate.

Nutritional breakdown of the evergreen Kale

Kale is a knock your socks off WOW when it comes to being good for the body. Green, lean, and mean, Kale is a good source of copper, calcium, manganese, and potassium. It’s also dense in Vitamin A, C, B6, K, and lutein. Kale is high on nutrition and low on calories, with one cup containing only 33 calories.

Kales biggest claim to fame is its massive amount of Vitamin K, providing over 1,000% of the daily value. Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting. It protects your bones from fracture and prevents bone density loss, especially important for post-menopausal women. Kale also prevents calcification of your arteries.

Vitamin A in Kale is over 192% of the daily value. Vitamin A is useful for protecting your eyes and vision. Followed next by over 88% of the daily value is Vitamin C, which is of course one of the best immune boosting vitamins. Kale also sports fiber, manganese, copper, calcium and more on it’s list of body-boosting mineral power-ups. Eating Kale 3-4 times a week raw, juiced, or cooked will power-pack your system with nutrition.

All of these nutrients add up to an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory cocktail that is great for the body.

Choose Organic Kale – Here’s Why

Kale is one of the vegetables most affected by pesticides, so it’s a best practice to choose organic kale when shopping. If organic Kale is unavailable, thoroughly wash the Kale before cooking and eating it. An alternative to buying non-organic Kale is to grow it yourself in your own organic garden. Kale grows easily in the ground, raised beds, or pots, and the plant will thrive in cooler climes.

The Green Machine – A JuicyJosh Original

• 1 head of romaine
• 1 bunch of organic kale
• 1 apple of any variety, quartered
• ginger root (1-2” slice)
• 1 lemon (peeled)

Juice the romaine and kale and then add the apple, ginger, and lemon. Add more ginger or lemon to taste.

Post your comments – what are your favorite Kale recipes, juiced or cooked?

Pears are a yummy package of juicy sweetness with their soft yet grainy texture and flesh that is easy to sink your teeth into. Eating a pear is like butter. And with only 100 calories per serving, nutritionally dense pears are much more satisfying than butter.

As a member of the rose family, it’s no surprise that pears come in colors! From yellow, green, brown, and red, pears come in a full palette of fruit. As pretty as the pear is, it’s the names that lend the exotic from the well-known bosc, anjou, barlett, and comice, to the lesser known passe, crassane, packham, and conference pulling ahead into the public awareness. Pears were called a “gift from the Gods” by Homer in his epic The Odyssey, and indeed their nutritional benefits are a gift.

Pear Nutrition and Known Benefits

Pears provide a good source of Vitamin C, packing over 11% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C is valued as an antioxidant and promotes a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is a good choice every time to promote optimum health.

The “gift” in the pear is the important nutrient: copper. Copper directly supports an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD) that eliminates superoxide free radicals. SOD is important for keeping our cell membranes healthy from the daily radical production found in a normal metabolism. Pears provide over 9% of the daily value for copper. A low-intake of copper daily also promotes colon health and the prevention of colon cancer.

The combination of Vitamin C and Copper make pears the ultimate negotiator in the disarmament of free radicals.

The pear also provides over 9% of the daily value of Vitamin K. Vitamin K used in blood clotting and assists in synthesizing liver protein which controls the clotting. Vitamin K can also be found in the intestines, helping to convert glucose into glycogen which is then stored in the liver. Vitamin K is thought to decrease the severity of osteoporosis and inhibit bone loss.

Lemon-Lime Pear Treat

• 1 lemon (peeled)
• 1 lime (peeled)
• 2 ripe pears of any variety or a combination of varieties

Juice all the fruits together and enjoy!

A Brief History of the Pear

Pears are known to have been cultivated in western Asia for over 3,000 years. Yet some researchers believe that the pear was eaten by Stone Age humans. Pears have long been a food staple for humans, known to be available in the court of Louis XIV and brought to the Americas by early colonists. Missionaries are said to have spread the perfection of the pear as they moved west.

The Perfection of Selection

Once ripe, pears are extremely perishable. So choose pears at the grocer that are still firm, yet not overly hard. It is likely that unripe pears will be your only choice and will require a couple of days to ripen. The skin should be smooth and may have brown-speckled patches – these are good pears to choose.

Avoid pears with soft spots that sport punctures. Leave the pears at room temperature to ripen and when the skin indents to gentle pressure, they are ready to be used. If you wish to hurry the ripening process along, place the pears in a paper bag at room temperature.

Preparation of the Sacred Pear

Wash pears under cool water and pat dry. Juice the whole pear (cut into juicer chute-size pieces), skin and all. The skin contains important fiber and nutrients.

Storing the Pear

Once ripe, put pears in the refrigerator and they will stay edible for several days. Avoid putting pears in plastic bags or restricted spaces, as they need room to breathe. Keep pears away from strong smelling foods such as onions as pears absorb odor.

Honeydew melons are known to be the ‘sweetest’ of all the melons. But when it comes to nutrition and health benefits, Dr. Honey Dew is in the house and honeydews are “sa-weet!”

Honey is Dewing Nutrition

Honeydew is a fantastic source Vitamin C providing over 53% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C is vital in generation of collagen which promotes healthy and glowing skin. Vitamin C also protects your cells from free radicals that can damage cellular structure and DNA. That damage can lead to heart disease and cancer.

Honeydew is also kickin’ it when it comes to potassium, providing about 11% of the daily value. Potassium is a salt that balances the fluid and electrolyte levels in the body. Ever felt a bit peaked after being in the hot sun? Eating something high in potassium will get you back in to top shape. Potassium is used in every cell, tissue, and organ in the body.

The sweetness of honeydew continues with 8% of the daily value of folic acid, a beneficial B vitamin. Folic Acid is vital in fetal health and an important nutrient for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

And last but not least, honeydew is low in calorie at only 61 calories per 1 cup serving with enough fiber to maintain blood sugar levels. And because honeydew is about 90% water, it’s a great way to cleanse the body and boost the metabolism. Honeydew, along with other melons such as watermelon and cantaloupe are great for managing weight and health.

Dr. Honey Dew’s Melon Madness

• ¼ cantaloupe (rind and seeds removed)
• ¼ honeydew (rind and seeds removed)
• ¼ watermelon (rind removed)
• Lemon or lime (optional)
• Ice (optional)

Cut into juicer-shute sized pieces and juice. Add lemon or lime and ice for a summer afternoon cooler or drink at room temperature to balance your bodies temperature and electrolytes.

Click here to learn more about the cantaloupe.

Click here to find out about watermelon health benefits.

Choosing a Honeydew

Nutritionally, honeydews are at their best when ripe. However, honeydews have a small window of ripeness and are extremely perishable.

Choose a honeydew that you will eat almost immediately when ripe. It will be a creamy yellow color and the skin will feel a bit waxy. The melon will be firm with only a small amount of softness near the stem. A honeydew weighing in between 4-6 pounds is ideal. If you shake the melon, the seeds will rattle if the melon is exceedingly juicy. Avoid a melon that has dark spots, green skin, or one that feels too firm.

Preparation and Storage

Like cantaloupe, honeydews should be washed prior to cutting. This will remove any bacteria on the rind that could be transferred to the flesh. Remove all the seeds and strings and the rind.

Whole honeydews can be kept on your kitchen counter away from direct sunlight or extreme heat for 2-4 days or until ripe. The ripe yet whole honeydew is good in the fridge for up to 5 days. If cut, the melon is good for about 3 days as long as it is kept in a covered container.

If juicing had an industry standard, beet juice would be in the running. A standard in my juicing diet for both cleansing and blood building the benefits of beet juice include:

• Purify and build the blood
• Improve circulation
• Cleanse the liver, kidneys, and bladder
• Cleanse the intestines
• Combats high blood pressure, anemia, menstrual problems and cancer

Calypso Beet Juice Recipe

Typically, I add a lemon juice to my favorite beet juice recipe. Yet one day, faced only with limes in my fruit basket, I threw two into the mix and was pleasantly surprised at the taste. Lime juice added an island flare reminiscent of Miami Beach and the Bahamas. It made this desert dweller feel as if I was at the beach renewing my belief that adding a lime to just about anything makes life better (and made me want to dance around a bit).

• 3-6 carrots
• 1 medium beet
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger (or to taste)
• 1-2 limes (to taste)

Juice the carrots, beets and ginger, then add the limes one at a time. Taste the juice in between each lime to get the island flavor that suits your taste buds.

Carrots, Ginger, and Lime Oh My!

• Carrots are a prime source for beta-carotene, which turns into Vitamin A, important for promoting healthy eyes, supporting the immune system, and is keeping your liver in shape. Carrots are a juicing staple because of their fabulousness.
• Ginger is soothing for the digestion and combats motion sickness, all while adding a sharp, spicy taste. You can’t go wrong with a bit o’ ginga’.
• Lime is high in Vitamin C and also supports the digestion. Limes are yummy.

Beet Basics

Cleansing Agent: Beet juice is a strong purifier and ideal for alkalizing your system. Beets contain a nutrient called betalains which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification power. The full benefits of betalains are best found in raw beets/raw beet juice. The combination of antioxidants is unique to beets giving them a place of status among raw vegetables.

Vitamins and Minerals: Beets contain high amounts of folate (folic acid), manganese, Vitamin C, and potassium, making them a welcome addition to any diet. They are also rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous and to a lesser extent iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Origins: The cultivation of the beet is over 4,000 years old. From the ancient Babylonians to the early Greek and Romans, and forward even into the Renaissance, the beet and beet leaves have a long and stately history as a medicinal root. Beets are cultivated worldwide in Africa, Europe, Asian, and India (and of course North America). Mythology holds that the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, partook of beets to retain her beauty. Folklore suggests that if a man and woman eat of the same beet, they will fall in love.

Cautions: It is better to dilute beet juice with other juices. You may experience a coloring of the urine after drinking beet juice, a phenomenon called ‘beeturia,’ or a coloring of the stool. Drinking straight beet juice is not recommended.

So, now that we’ve covered the basic of beets, how do you take your beet juice? Share your comments below!

Watermelon is the quintessential summer fruit. An apt name, watermelon is just that – mostly water (about 92%), making it an excellent choice for summer hydration. Watermelon helps us to balance electrolytes and keep the body’s salts in order during hot summer days. Red grapes are also highly concentrated in water and add a yummy and fruity flavor to almost any recipe. Combining the two fruits offers a power pack of nutrition complimented by flavor that’s out of this world.

Watermelon’s Vitamin Wow and Lycopene

Watermelon is a great source of vitality with Vitamins A, B6, and C. One cup of watermelon provides 10% of the recommend daily value of Vitamin A, which assists in eye health; 25% of Vitamin C, which is an all around immune booster; and 10% of B6, which is needed to convert protein to energy and keep the brain healthy.

While Tomatoes have long been touted as “the” fruit to get the power antioxidant lycopene (most well known as a cancer preventative), the unassuming watermelon packs a concentrated amount of this powerful nutrient. In fact, watermelon has more lycopene than any fresh fruit or vegetable.

Red Grapes and Heart Health

Red Grapes and their crunchy texture bursting with that sweet yet tart flavor makes it an easy go-to fruit between meals, and a great addition to summer salads. The grape nutritional claim to fame is in its concentrated levels of manganese which promotes a healthy cardiovascular system. Grapes provide antioxidants and nitric oxide which reduces the “bad” form of cholesterol LDL (which only becomes bad if it is ‘oxidized’, hence the need for antioxidants). The benefits of red grapes towards blood and heart health can be found here.

In the Pink Cleanse

• 1 wedge of watermelon
• ½ lb red grapes
• Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Juice the watermelon rind and all (choose an organic melon if using the rind) with the grapes for a rehydrating refresher on a hot summer day to refresh and replenish. You can also use this recipe to cleanse your digestive track after that summer BBQ party!

Watermelon Basil Lemonade (or Limeade)

• 4 cups boiling water
• ¼ cup basil
• 3 cups watermelon flesh, pureed
• 1 cup fresh lemon or lime juice
• Honey or agave nectar sweetener

Place the basil in a large container that will fit in your refrigerator. Bruise the basil with a wooden spoon and pour the boiling water over it. Let it cool for 5 minutes and then add the sweetener so that the mixture dissolves without destroying the nutrition (honey should never be added to anything over 100 degrees). Puree the watermelon in a blender, juice the lemons and add to the basil, water, and sweetener mixture. Chill for at least 3 hours. Serve with slices of lemon and watermelon. Serves 6. Note: this drink is great for mixing with Japanese Saki for a summer Saki-tini.

This summer keep cool, stay hydrated, and keep it fresh!