Serves: 5

Smoothies are definitely the "in" food for the new millennium, not only because they taste good but because they're good for you. They are exceedingly high in flavor and low in calories and fat, and they can be readily combined with a wide variety of healthful additives. If a more healthful diet is what you're seeking, you need look no further than the ultimate smoothie. Over the years, the National Cancer Institute has actively campaigned to encourage people to include two to three servings of fruit in their diets each day to reduce the risks of a wide variety of serious ailments, such as cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. As scientists have learned more about the bounty of antioxidants found in fresh fruits, it has become increasingly apparent how important it is to enrich our diets with these nutrient-packed powerhouses. By eating fruit, we also benefit from its rich source of carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals.

Although it is not recommended that you consume a smoothie as a complete meal replacement, it can readily become one when protein supplements are added. With the addition of one or more health-enhancing supplements, such as herbs and extracts, a smoothie can quickly become an even more healthful beverage.

Are you craving more energy, hoping to improve your memory, or interested in warding off a cold, or do you simply want to include more health-enhancing soybean products in your diet? Here are some examples of the many wellness-promoting smoothie boosters that can help you achieve these goals:

Bee Pollen
This natural substance is thought to increase sexual performance and stamina. This protein-rich additive contains twenty-seven minerals, most of the known vitamins, and many enzymes.

Brewers Yeast
This single-cell organism is an excellent source of vegetarian protein and rich in major B vitamins. It also contains nineteen amino acids and iron.

Echinacea
An herb that boosts the immune system it's especially helpful when you are ailing from a cold.

Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is an excellent vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids and provides essential fatty acids required for a balanced diet.

Gingko Biloba
This extract comes from the fan-shaped leaf of the gingko tree. It is thought to increase blood flow to the brain, thereby enhancing several of its functions, such as memory.

Ginseng
Another herb believed to be capable of normalizing various bodily functions, increasing mental alertness and vitality, relieving stress, and enhancing immunity.

Lecithin
Lecithin is a nutrient compound derived from soybean oil. It is believed to play a role in maintaining cardiovascular health and aiding liver and cell function.

Oat Bran
Oat bran contains B vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It is an excellent source of fiber.

Protein Powders
Most often soy based, protein powders provide a natural source of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and iron.

Soy Milk and Soy Yogurt
Soy milk is made from soybeans that are soaked, finely ground, and strained, while soy yogurt is made from soy milk. These foods are an excellent source of high quality protein, B vitamins, and iron. In addition, a diet that is low in saturated fats and rich with soy foods is believed to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.

Wheat Germ
Wheat germ is rich in insoluble fiber as well as six essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E.

So, the next time you are looking for some quick and easy refreshment that is also packed with power boosters, look no further than your own kitchen countertop. Simply by adding any of the suggested herbs, plant derivatives, or protein powders to smoothie ingredients in your blender, you can have an energy-packed glassful that is as nutritious as it is delicious. To your health!

From ULTIMATE SMOOTHIES: delicious recipes for over 125 of the best smoothies, freezes, and blasts. Copyright © 2000 Donna Pliner Rodnitzky. All Rights Reserved.

More Recipes from the Cook'n Ultimate Smoothies Cookbook:
_1 Preface
_2 Introduction
_3 Health Benefits of Smoothies
_4 The Incomparable Fruit: How to Select, Prepare, and Store Fresh Fruit
_5 Making the Ultimate Smoothie: Equipment and Techniques
_6 International Conversion Chart