Smoothies for Good Health
avoid large chunks because they will be difficult to blend. The smaller pieces also will freeze more quickly. For example, slice bananas into 1/2-inch rounds rather than 1-1/2-inch chunks. Line a baking sheet or tray with plastic wrap. Arrange the fruit in a single layer on the baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm. Most fruits will freeze in about 2 hours. Once the pieces are frozen, put them in freezer containers or plastic freezer bags and seal. Stored this Fr way, fruits can keep in the freezer for about a year.
    Ice IQ:
    Small ice cubes work best for smoothies because they’re easier to blend than the home refrigerator-size ice cubes. If you want to use ice from your refrigerator, you will need to crush it. If your blender labors with small-size ice cubes, you also will want to use crushed ice.
    Making Smoothies:
    When you’re ready to whip up a smoothie, remember these hints:
    1) Add the liquid ingredients and/or yogurt to the blender first. This makes for easier blending.
    2) Make sure the fruit you add to the blender is in small pieces – small pieces blend better.
    3) If the blender blades have trouble moving, stop the blender and stir the mixture. If necessary, add more liquid, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture moves easily around the blender blades.
    4) The amount of sweetener you use in smoothies depends on the ripeness of the fruit and your flavor preferences. If a range is given in a recipe, start with the smaller amount. Then, taste and add more sweetener if needed.

 
    Blender Basics
    The key to creating smoothies effortlessly is making the most of your blender. Although operating the appliance isn’t complicated, these reminders will help you to use yours at maximum efficiency.
    1) Start by double-checking that the cutting assembly and sealing rings are screwed on correctly and tightly. This way, you’ll avoid any leaking and the messy cleanup that comes with leaks. Also be sure the blender container is firmly in the base before turning on the motor.
    2) Always cover the blender before turning on the motor. Keep the cover in place by holding it lightly as you turn on the motor. Otherwise, you may end up with splatters everywhere.
    3) Blend large quantities of food in several small batches for better control.
    4) Stop the blender often and check the texture of the smoothies. Blenders work quickly and can easily over-blend food.
    5) If the motor labors with a heavy mixture, try using a higher speed or blend the mixture in smaller batches.
    6) If food packs around the blades, switch off the motor and use a rubber scraper to dislodge the food.
    7) When you’re finished blending, wait for the motor to stop before lifting the container off the base.

 
    Make it Soy
    Eating a well balanced diet with a variety of foods and maintaining an active lifestyle are two key ingredients to promoting health and well-being. Some foods, however, provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition – they play an important role in preventing illness and disease.
    Soy is one of those foods and here are some reasons why soy is worth adding to your diet.
     
    1) The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that eating soy daily may play a role in helping to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Food with moderate to high levels of soy protein can now carry an official health label linking it to heart health.

    2) Studies also show that soy products may improve blood glucose control which is important in the treatment of diabetes.

    3) Soy is associated with several other potential health benefits including a reduced risk of cancer and the maintenance or improvement of bone health.
    It is uncertain if the beneficial substance in soy is the protein itself of the numerous plant estrogens called isoflavones. Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen, a plant substance that seems to act as an antioxidant and mild estrogen. For optimum health

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