Green Herbaceous Smoothie

Smoothies can be a healthy option for breakfast on the go. This is one of my favorite recipes. It is a wonderful combination of herbs and leafy greens mixed with creamy avocado. The herbs and fruit combine to offer a nice depth of flavor and the avocado gives the smoothie sustenance and a rich creaminess.

Ingredients
  

  • Handful of spinach
  • Handful of watercress
  • Handful of parsley (I prefer Italian parsley)
  • Handful of cilantro
  • 1/4 ripe avocado
  • 1 pear cored and chopped
  • Juice of ½ of a lime
  • Coconut water or water, just enough to blend.

Instructions
 

  • Blend and enjoy immediately. You can store or freeze this smoothie, but it is best and most nutritious when freshly made and consumed.

Notes

If watching sugar intake, replace the coconut water with still water and reduce the amount of pear.
Nutritional Details about the Ingredients: 
Watercress is a rich source of vitamin A, chlorophyll, sulfur, and calcium. It is a natural diuretic that helps to maintain healthy lungs, stomach, bladder, and kidneys. It purifies the blood and removes stagnant blood, moistens the lungs and throat, clears facial blemishes, stimulates bile formation and other healthy glandular secretions.
Cilantro is an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. In the Ayurvedic tradition, cilantro is recommended for metal detoxing. It helps to clear lead, mercury, and aluminum from the body. Inadvertently, we are exposed to the elements from pollution, contaminated seafood, and personal hygiene products.
Parsley packs a serious nutritional punch. It has several times more vitamin C than citrus and is an excellent source of vitamin A, chlorophyll, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and iron.
Spinach contains iron and chlorophyll which helps to build blood. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A.
Pears have a cooling effect on the body and help to clear excess mucus from the body.
Limes and lemons are antiseptic, anti-microbial, and mucus-resolving. They help to alleviate flatulence and indigestion in general. Lime is considered more gentle than lemon.
Avocados harmonize the liver and lubricate the lungs and the intestines. It is a natural source of lecithin, which is considered brain food. Rich in copper, avocados aid in red blood cell formation. It is a natural protein and healthy fat that is known to beautify the skin.
Coconut water provides an easily digested carbohydrate in the form of sugar and electrolytes. It is also an excellent source of potassium. Great for hangovers.
Why is Chlorophyll important?
Chlorophyll is a superfood, which is packed with a range of powerful nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. It is rich in antioxidants, and vital minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium. Due to its nutritional value, chlorophyll boosts the immune system, promotes healthy digestion, combats the effects of aging, and treats sinus issues. In addition, it helps the body heal faster and to build strong bones.
Chlorophyll is generally found in the green pigment of vegetables. This recipe includes plenty of green leafy vegetables and herbs.