Smoothie Time

Everyday I try to make some sort of smoothie made with as many organic ingredients as possible.

I went to Wholefoods the other day and found a great sale on organic cherries. I love cherries! So here is what I put in my smoothie this morning:
-1 1/2 cups of fresh pitted organic cherries
-1/2 cup of low-fat organic vanilla yogurt
-1 cup of ice
-1 Tablespoon of Barlean's flax seed oil
-1/4 cup of organic frozen blueberries

Here is some information on cherries you might want to know:

A growing body of science reveals tart cherries, enjoyed as either dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries) vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.

Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits – from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.

A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals new evidence linking cherries to heart health benefits. The study found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat (especially the important “belly” fat), inflammation and cholesterol-all risk factors associated with heart disease.

Have yourself a smoothie time of your own and do your body some good!