Papaya-Pineapple-Cucumber Smoothie with Honey and a Hint of Mint

Blend all the ingredients to your desired consistency. Savor!

Behind the scenes: the smoothies ingredients and their health benefits…

Papaya

Papaya is used for preventing and treating gastrointestinal tract disorders, intestinal parasite infections, and as a sedative and diuretic. It is also used for nerve pains (neuralgia) and elephantoid growths. Elephantoid growths are large swollen areas of the body that are symptoms of a rare disorder of the lymphatic system caused by parasitic worms. Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-488-PAPAYA.aspx...

Pineapple

Pineapple contains Bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory action. Increased consumption of pineapple also improves digestive health.

More health benefits:

• • very effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movement. This is because it is rich in fibre, which makes bowel movements regular and easy.
• • For any kind of morning sickness, motion sickness or nausea, drink pineapple juice. It works effectively in getting rid of nausea and vomiting sensation.
• • It has virtually no fat and cholesterol and is loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins that are needed by the body for overall growth and development.
• • Juice from fresh pineapple can be used to relieve bronchitis, diphtheria and chest congestion. Not only does it have enough amounts of Vitamin C, but it also contains an enzyme called Bromelain, which is known to dissolve and loosen up mucus.
• • Pineapple is effective in getting rid of intestinal worms and also keeps the intestines and kidneys clean. It is effective in flushing out the toxins from the body, thus making the metabolism healthy.
• • Pineapples are very rich in manganese and even a single cup of pineapple is supposed to contain a good amount of it. This mineral is required for the growth of healthy bones and tissues.

Source: Joy PP. 2010. Benefits and uses of pineapple. Pineapple Research Station (Kerala Agricultural University), Vazhakulam-686 670, Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam District, Kerala, India.

Cucumber

The seeds of cucumber are diuretic, and also act against parasitic worms.

Cucumber skin is popular use in cosmetics as skin cleanser and lightening.
When taken internally, the health benefits of cucumber include anti-cancer; lower blood pressure; improves digestive health; promotes joint health; relieve gout and arthritis pain; Cures diabetes; and aids in weight loss.

Sources:

http://www.globinmed.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79...

http://www.healthonlinezine.info/15-health-benefits-of-cucumber.html

Calamansi juice

“Bawal magkasakit” (You can’t be sick) is a popular notion in the Philippines as a lot of Filipinos cannot afford quality health care. This is where popular values of calamansi juice arise. Calamansi juice in the Philippines had been commonly used to relieve colds (usually mixed with honey). One research also showed its efficiency in reducing blood pressure. This fruit is loaded with Vitamin C, and in general, an energy booster that grows allover the place in Philippines, Florida and even Arizona. This fruit is also highly recommended for diabetics: http://www.allaboutdiabetes.net/health-benefits-of-lemonsito/

Mint & Honey

Here are just a some health benefits peppermint can give you: indigestion; flatulence/bloating; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); itching and skin iritations; tension headache and colds and flu (read more here: https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint)

Oh, Honey.  Don’t you know that the darker the natural color of honey the more potent its anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties? One of the cool things I love being in the Philippines is its abundance of naturally produced honey, and for only $3.00, you can avail of a 600-ml, high-quality bottle of dark honey.

Why honey? Historically, honey has been used by humans both orally and topically to treat various ailments including gastric disturbances, ulcers, wounds, and burns. However, it is only recently that the mechanisms underlying the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey have come to be understood. Much scientific research has been performed, with emphasis of late on fighting infections in wounds.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey#In_medicine

Hope this post helped you!  And don't forget to have fun planting some healthful plants in your yard like this:

Mints can grow like crazy.  It's a blessing!