Dandy-Lion Fruit Freeze

Dandy-Lion Fruit Freeze

You may know that one of my healthy habit changes I've made since January is to "drink my greens" every day. One way to do it is by juicing, another is to add some greens powder to water or a liquid, or I can add greens to a smoothie.

I purchased two large bunches of organic dandelion greens at our local Prairie Market that were marked down, yet perfectly usable for $1.50. I juiced about 3/4 of the batch and then used the rest in this delightful drink. Deandelion greens are so good for you (see info below). I particularly LOVE smoothies that taste like frozen treats!

Ingredients:

2 oranges (segmented or sliced & cut off the rind)

1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional)

2 large handfuls of frozen cut up fruit (I used banana, strawberries, apricots) 

stevia to taste

large handful of washed and torn dandelion greens (or other greens)

Combine and blend oranges and yogurt in a high-powered blender (Vita-Mix).

Add in frozen fruit 1/3 at a time with stevia (I used about a third of a packet) and blend. 

Add dandelion greens last. Blend using the tamper tool to push greens down and accelerate blending.

 

Dandelion Greens

Why are they so good for you? In my post Pickin' My Greens to Juice I talked about dandelion greens: 

According to LeafLady, the health benefits  of dandelion are nothing short of miraculous. In fact, Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion) means "Official Remedy for Disorders."

Taken as part of your daily diet it can:  

". . . prevent or cure liver diseases . . . purify your blood, cleanse your system, dissolve kidney stones, and otherwise improve gastro-intestinal health; assist in weight reduction; cleanse your skin and eliminate acne; improve your bowel function . . . prevent or lower high blood pressure; prevent or cure anemia; lower your serum cholesterol by as much as half; eliminate or drastically reduce acid indigestion; prevent or cure various forms of cancer; prevent or control diabetes mellitus; and, at the same time, have no negative side effects and selectively act on only what ails you."

Well, I know that any leafy green is going to be good for me, but in one important study, dandelions ranked in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value. They are rich in beta-carotene, high in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, vitamin C, micronutrients like cpoper, zinc and boron, and are a good source of protein along with Vitamin D. No wonder it's so good for us!

Enjoy!