Mango Madness Detox Smoothie

Something I really enjoy doing is taking at least one week each year to detox.  I am not detoxing right now, however, I do try to eat raw and clean 90% of the time.  It really helps me keep my energy levels up, and I’m able to accomplish everything I enjoy doing.

When I did my first detox I was scared to try it because I thought I would have to give up a lot of things that I love.  I was totally wrong.  One thing I love more than anything is MANGO!  Mango is also known as “Mangifera indica” .

Mangoes help improve digestion, and are beneficial for people suffering from acidity and its enzymes helps to relieve indigestion problems. The Bio-active elements such as Esters, Terpenes and Aldehydes present in mango aids to easy digestion.

Mangoes also help lower cholesterol.  High levels of soluble dietary fiber, Pectin and Vitamin C present in mangoes helps to lower serum cholesterol levels specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol.

Mangoes also help improve sex drive. The Vitamin E which is abundantly present in mangoes helps to regulate sex hormones and boosts sex drive. In many varieties of mango there is about 2.3 to 3 mg of Vitamin E per mango.

Improve concentration and memory power.  Mangoes are useful to children who lack concentration in studies as it contains Glutamine acid which is good to boost memory and keep cells active.

I have always had issues with my skin, and mangoes are very good for helping treat acne problems. Mango helps in clearing clogged pores that causes acne. Just slice the mango into very thin pieces and keep it on your face for 10 to 15 min and then take bath or wash your face. Use warm water for washing your face. **I have tried this along with smashed up avocado and they work wonders!  YAY for holistic skin care!**

Mangoes are good for improving iron levels. It’s a known fact that Mango is rich in Iron. People who suffer from anemia can regularly take mango along with their dinner. Generally women after menopause become weak and they should take mangoes and other fruits rich in iron. Pregnant ladies can also take mangoes occasionally as their body needs iron and calcium during that time. Too much consumption of mangoes should be avoided during pregnancy. If you have generally taken lots of mangoes right from your childhood then you can consume mangoes when you are pregnant as it wont affect your body.

Mango is good for helping fight cancer and heart diseases. High amount of antioxidants are present in mangoes. So mango when consumed regularly fights against cancer and other heart diseases. As mentioned earlier it also lowers cholesterol.

Another addition to this smoothie is Strawberry.

Rich in Nutrition

Strawberries are rich in a wide range of vitamins namely Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin and Folic acid. It also contains Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Omega-3 fatty acids and even more. Vitamin C present in strawberry is very high compared to other fruits. Daily intake of strawberries supplies more than the sufficient amount of vitamins needed for the body.

Cancer Prevention

Regular intake of strawberry increases anti-cancer agents in the body. These anti-cancer agents fight against different types of cancer such as skin, prostrate esophagus, colon and pancreas and breast cancer. Ellagitannin content present in strawberries bind with cancer causing molecules present in the body and makes them inactive. The destruction of p-53 gene by cancer cells is prevented by the Ellagic acid present in strawberries. Thus strawberries play a major role in preventing cancer and decreasing the rate of cancer deaths.

Protection against Macular Degeneration

Regular intake of the fruit lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) which is the primary reason of vision loss in old adults. By regularly taking one strawberry fruit your body can protect you against Macular Degeneration. If you feel bored by consuming everyday you can make a blend of frozen strawberry, honey and yogurt and make it into a tasty dessert.

For a Healthy Heart

Important heart-heathy nutrients such as Vitamin C, Potassium, and fibers are present in strawberry.  Strawberries have various phytonutrients such as phenol and anthocyanin and these phytonutrients fight against heart diseases. The phenol content present in strawberry makes it a heart protective fruit.

Prevents Rheumatoid Arthritis

Strawberries and other Vitamin C rich foods fight against inflammatory polyarthritis which is a type of rheumatoid arthritis. People who don’t take Vitamin C rich foods are three times more likely to develop arthritis than those who take Vitamin C rich foods.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

The antioxidants present in strawberries lowers the levels of bad cholesterol present in the body. The antioxidants also improve the effectiveness of cholesterol lowering diets. Other than this the intake of strawberries also reduces the “oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol”. The free radicals that cause oxidation are reduced by the antioxidants present in strawberries.

For Healthy Skin, Strong Bones and Teeth

The collagen forming properties of strawberry enhances the skin and improves the strength of bones and teeth. Replace your friend snack with a fresh juice of strawberry and get a glossy skin. If you see the ingredients of facial creams you can see strawberry in it.

Other Benefits

• Strengthens Immune System
• Cures Stomach pain and Diarrhea
• Resists Aging
• For Treating Acne
• Cures Swollen Eyes

This smoothie contains both mangoes and strawberries along with a banana and some spirulina to top it off.

You take one mango chopped up into pieces (i don’t use the frozen mango, but you definitely can)

Fresh strawberries (about 5)

1 banana

and blend together till smooth.  Then add in spirulina and viola!  You have health in a cup!

Especially since it is the summer this is the perfect way to start out your day!  Pair it with a cup of green tea with a squeeze of lemon and a HUGE glass of water, then you are set!