Image Source Natural drinks are known to be healthier and sweeter than artificial (chemical-based) drinks. Natural drinks are drinks prepared without the necessity of preservatives and coloring because they come with natural colors; they are mostly best consumed immediately or within a short period of time if you really want to get the natural taste it contains. Better still if not consumed immediately, the best preservation for natural drinks is the use of refrigerator which plays an important role in lowering the temperature of the drinks by keeping it cool to avoid fermentation of the drink.

Natural healthy drinks are very easy and simple to prepare. At home, we can prepare this delicious fresh thirst quenching natural drinks rich in active ingredients, minerals and vitamins useful to help reduce dehydration.

SMOOTHIES

This is a drink made from whole fruits. It is a drink made from blended raw fruit vegetables with water or ice which is usually thicker than fruit juice. Smoothies help you to provide everything you need such as protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

Drinking smoothies every morning as one of our four daily meals would make us look fresh and healthy. It can serve as lunch or dinner replacement, it helps us recover after a workout and also helps us hold over between meals. There are a number of easy and delicious recipes to prepare this fresh and nourishing natural drinks that will make you ask for more.

Fruits and vegetables used in smoothies preparation are in varieties. Such as: Apple, lettuce, mango, cucumber, broccoli, spinach, beetroot, orange, water melon, pineapple, pawpaw, cauliflower, banana, grapes, strawberries, pear, carrot, kiwi, coconut, cabbage and lemon. Also, various ingredients like milk, ice, water, cocoa powder and yoghurt can be added to give a more smooth and refreshing taste. Here are few examples of several smoothies preparation;

Banana + water melon + orange + milk + lemon + ice block
Pineapple + banana + cucumber + yoghurt + lemon + ice block
Water melon + cauliflower + broccoli + cheese + pineapple + water
Kiwi + carrot + water melon + yoghurt + orange + water
Cucumber + pawpaw + cabbage + banana + milk + water
Cucumber + carrot + water melon + pineapple + cocoa powder + water
Banana + orange + milk + grape + kiwi + water
Lettuce + cucumber + cabbage + water melon + orange + water
Strawberries + mango + cabbage + orange + milk + water
Beetroot + banana + carrot + water melon + pawpaw + water
Apple + pear + pineapple + cucumber + spinach + yoghurt
Coconut + orange + water melon + pineapple + cheese + water
The best preservative for smoothies is when kept in the refrigerator and it's best served and enjoyed cold. Smoothies are prepared with the machine called "smoothie blender". This helps to blend the fruits into a smooth natural healthy drink.

Other fruit drinks are:

• Mango juice

• Lemon juice

• Orange juice

• Lime juice

• Strawberry juice

• Pineapple juice

• Apple juice

This juices are prepared using a juice or fruit extractor which helps in extracting the juicy contents present in the fruits. It is not usually thick like the smoothie drink.

IMPORTANCE OF FRUIT CONSUMPTION TO THE BODY

Fruit helps maintain optimum health due to presence of photochemical in them
It helps reduce cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke
Helps prevent the body against certain cancers
Helps in preventing vitamin A and vitamin C deficiencies thereby reducing the risk of having scurvy
Serves as an instant energy supplier especially after work-outAids easy and fast digestion
Makes us disease free
Serves as a storehouse for nutrients
Keeps our body fresh and smooth Fights skin disorders and promote healthy hair growth
Fruits are recommended each day depending on how many calories we need
Fruit consumption is very essential to the body for the different health benefits and nutrition it provides.

                           ***Thank you***                                 

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