Go Green with Bananas

by Avanthika
(Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India)

The banana tree being a tropical plant is found widely across the world.

The banana fruit, flower, banana stem and raw banana are consumed either raw or in a cooked form. The benefits that we get from a single plant source are really amazing!

In India, the juice from the stem of the banana when consumed regularly, in an empty stomach for a period of time is believed to cure kidney stones. It also serves as a natural diuretic and helps to get rid of the toxins in our body.

This juice is so refreshing that when taken along with a proper diet and exercise regimen, aids in weight loss. There is no need to add sugar or salt to the juice but if needed a little honey can be added depending on one’s taste.

So any takers who are willing to give their taste buds a variety with a health benefit should give this juice a try!

Smoothie Juice - Going Really Green

by Vanessa
(Tarzana, CA)

Being a big fan of smoothie juice, I decided to try leafy greens in the juicer. I'm always looking for ways to incorporate more leafy green vegetables into the family diet besides the usual salads.

Coming from a Southern family I grew up with greens such as collards and mustards cooked for hours with salty meat. I don't cook that way any more, but I still love the flavors. There's always a way to put a healthy modern twist on traditional favorites!

Some that are big hits at my house have been a parsley, apples, collards combination (works well with two kinds of apples, one tart and one sweet); parsley, Granny Smith apples, spinach; parsley, basil, mustard greens (you want the lighter green, tender ones), Golden Delicious.

Smoothie juice with these ingredients may sound a bit odd, but it is really good! With some family members you will want to let them taste BEFORE you tell them the ingredients!

Growing and Juicing Greens

by Ellen
(Bemidji, Minnesota)

I've always enjoyed gardening and growing greens. Perhaps that's because the northern Minnesota growing season is short, and greens tend to germinate better in cold soil than some other seeds.

The concept of green smoothies makes me more enthused than ever about raising lettuce, swiss chard, arugula, beet greens, cabbage, parsley, and similar vegetables. This year I have grown a variety of herbs in containers to complement the greens.

I use the type of juicer that is recommended for the well known Gerson therapy.

One addition to salads and green smoothies that I have incorporated is nasturtiums, both the leaves and blossoms. I used to give up on arugula when it grew too big, but I have lately learned that this plant is edible at any stage. The blossoms make a nice garnish, as do the seed pods.

Although I still like fruit smoothies better, green smoothies are palatable and healthy. And they taste very good when apples, oranges, or other fruits are juiced along with the greens.

Green Juice Cocktail

by Bala
(Hyderabad, India)

I would like to give you this one recipe for a Green Juice Cocktail made with green vegetables, apples and lemon.



Simple version (few ingredients):


1 head romaine lettuce or 3 stalks of celery
5-6 leaves of kale
1 or 2 apples or pears
1 lemon (not peeled)

Optional ingredients:

* 1 cucumber
* 1/4 to 1/2 ripe papaya (1/2 makes the juice sweeter)
* 1 handful of cilantro or parsley (or both for deeper green juice)
* 1 cup of fennel (stalk can be used too)

I like to add some beets or carrots sometimes too, but then of course it is no longer green juice… Some people also like to add a slice of garlic and/or ginger. One can drink it every morning or afternoon for your energy!

It is best to drink your juice on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, the stuff that you buy in the supermarket in cans and bottles is loaded with salt and is certainly not freshly made.

Juice all the vegetables using your juicer, and enjoy as is, chilled, or with ice. If you must, add some chili pepper and/or salt to taste.

Mixed Greens Detox Recipe

by Julie
(London, England)

Recipe for Excellent Super Detoxification by Juicing

1 heaped teaspoon of Mixed green leaves (juicy watercress ,parsley and lettuce are ideal)
1 handful of young leaf spinach
1 celery stick
1/2 of cucumber
3 Apples
1/2 a lemon
A slice of fresh ginger
Ice cubes

Juice everything other than the ice cubes and mixed green leaves.Then in a blender, add ice cubes along with the mixed green leaves for a minute until its smooth.

Mixed green leaves can also be juiced along with the other ingredients,if the juicer is designed for it.You can add a small teaspoon of honey, if it matters to you.

Benefits:

• Excellent cleanser and is fantastic for detoxification before starting any kinds of diet.



• Cucumber is the ultimate diuretic and cleanser,and research shows it even helps lowering cholesterol.



• Celery has loads of minerals and vitamins ,so that it reduces acidity and CO2 in the system,and is good for the blood counts because it has anti carcinogenic properties.