food for immune system

A RECIPE to die for!  I call it the Pineapple Mint Refresher. Why, because one sip of this ice cold drink and you'll feel the fresh mint rush.  During a really hot summer in Jerusalem, we walked into the Aroma cafe where coffee is their specialty.  Since I have never like the taste of coffee, not even mocha, my eyes searched for an alternative and spotted a green drink.  It turned out to be a combination of lemon juice with mint and ice cubes pulverized in a blender.  Think they may have added some honey as a sweetener.  It was out of this world delicious!  For the rest of the days we were there, I order a glass full.  When I returned home in the states, I decided that since I wasn't sure of the exact lemon recipe, I would make my own using 100% pineapple juice.  It was sensational! Ever since, I have made one everyday for my afternoon pick-me-up. 

The key that makes this cooling drink a stand out is the use of a blender to grind fresh mint leaves in a 100% fruit juice along with some ice cubes.  My proportions are 1 cup of 100% pineapple juice (not from a can), 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves and a handful of ice cubes.  That's it!

For this photo, I realized I had run out of pineapple juice so I pulverized fresh pineapple with water.  Then added the mint leaves and ice.  The more mint leaves you use, the greener it is… here the green has yet to settle.  The more mint leaves your use, the fresher the uplifting taste! 

Now I will admit that after I took this photo, I noticed I had a couple of strawberries and blueberries in the fridge.  So, I threw them into the blender and now I have a purple/pink mint drink.  There is hardly a fresh fruit that can't be enhanced by fresh mint.  Try it!

Where do you buy fresh mint?  You can find it in a grocery store in packets or as a plant.  Since it grows like a weed, I recommend buying a plant of two, put them into larger pots either directly into the ground or on your balcony.  Now this drink becomes really inexpensive.

By the way, refreshing has a double meaning here.  Mint and pineapple are both full of nutrients, antioxidants and even anti-inflammatory properties. Serve it to you whole family this summer.  Once you have made this – just takes minutes – I'll best you also will be hooked – that's a good thing!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

GBOMBS are the essential foods you should eat for a strong immune system, says Dr. Joel Fuhrman.  Greens, Berries, Onions Mushrooms, Beans and Seeds.  Those who include these foods in their daily diet will be the ones with a disease fighting constitution.  (That include the cancer beast.)  Please, start serving your family GBOMBS daily now, young and old.  You be the smart ones and beat the odds. Here's how: Berries in smoothies, green mixed salads, saute onions and mushrooms with your entrees, include beans in your rice, chili, and other side dishes, snack on seeds.  Or, cook them all together as seen in this photo. There are so many ways to eat all of these foods.  Enjoy them and enjoy good health.  Turn your doctor a stranger seldom seen.

For more great information, listen to Dr. Fuhrman's interview: CLICK HERE

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Would you like to have a case of Turkey Meat Balls by Shelton's Poultry delivered to your door? Enter to win. www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes

Asparagus are full of nutrients that feed your brain, blood, bones, heart, lungs, mouth/teeth, muscles, and skin!  For 2000 years they have been valued for their medicinal and epicurean offerings.  Their rich collection of phyto-nutrients that include Vitamin C, manganese, selenium, glutathione, B vitamins, inulin and fiber make them excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant providing food.  Look for thin firm stalks and steam or grill them.  Serve with lemon and butter, or a with a little cheese on top.  Introduce them to kids a spear head at a time. 

… for the health of your family,
ellen

No Kidding.  During today's podcast interview, Joel Fuhrman, M.D. explains why everything you eat/drink and digest during those years of rapid growth shapes the health of your DNA and so much more. And, he shares nutrient-packed fun recipes that work for his kids and their friends.  This is a passionate, helpful, and must listen to conversation. Click Here . Or, go to www.iTunes.com, Podcast, Better Food Choices, April 6, 2012 interview. Please listen,

… for the health of your family and you,
ellen

Enter to Win this week's Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes" a case of Greek-Style LowFat Plain Yogurt by Cabot Creamery Cooperative.  www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.

"I like the cashew flavor and really love the way it feels on my tongue." (Kid Kritics quote).  Cashew butter offers a delicious alternative to other nut and seed butters.  It happens to be powered with minerals: zinc, selenium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium.  Plus you can count on it to supply you with protein, antioxidants and phyto-chemicals. Bottom line: it feeds your brain, nerves, heart, hair, nails, skin, bones and immune system. This is another food where a little goes a long way. Since it keeps well in the refrigerator, you use a little at a time, over time.  When your kids needs a nutrient-packed snack, use cashew butter as a dip for carrots, celery and apple slices.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Win a whole case of Greek-Style LowFat Plain Yogurt by Cabot of Vermont.  Think of all the smoothies, dips, sauces, fruit yogurts you will be able to make with it.  Don't forget it freezes well – put some in ice cube trays for future frozen yogurt summer treats.  To enter, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes. Enter more than once to up your odds.