Refreshing Pear-Ginger Cooler with Lemon-Lime

Here is another healthy smoothie made with fresh organic greens, cucumber, pear, ginger and citrus juices.

Ginger has many beneficial properties. It can help with digestion, nausea, cold and flu relief, pain reduction, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. It gives the drink a spicy kick!

Pears are a great source of fiber, are a low-glycemic fruit, a good source of antioxidants, including potassium, which helps to flush out excess sodium from the body, and can also help reduce high blood pressure. In addition to vitamin C, pears contain electrolytes, magnesium and copper, an antioxidant that helps the central nervous system and boosts brain power.

Parsley provides a concentrated source of nutrients. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, may improve bone health, protect against chronic diseases, and has antioxidant benefits.

Fresh lemon and lime juice: loaded with vitamin C which boosts the immune system, helps prevent asthma, increases iron absorption, contains collagen which improves the complexion, lowers risk of stroke, lowers blood pressure, assists nervous system, relieves constipation, highly alkalizing (once metabolized), anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.

The great thing about high speed blenders like the NutriBullet, is that you don’t have to peel any fruits. It grinds everything up so you get the added fiber and nutritional benefit contained in the peels. (A traditional juicer removes all the fiber.)

I don’t like drinks that are too sweet, so this one has just a hint of sweetness from the pear, a spicy kick from the ginger, and the tart flavor from the lemon and lime juice gives it a nice balance. It turned out very thick when I first made it, so I just added water. Feel free to add as much water as you like to get the proper consistency. You can also add crushed ice to make it super cold and thick. Enjoy!

Refreshing Pear-Ginger Cooler with Lemon-Lime

Servings:  1

• A handful of organic baby spinach leaves
• A handful of organic parsley
• 1 medium pear, cored and cut into large pieces
• 1/4 of a seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
• The juice of 1/2 lemon
• The juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/2 cup filtered water

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender, such as NutriBullet.  Blend until everything is completely smooth.  If you prefer a thinner consistency, add additional water.