Mango Smoothies

Author: Alyice Edrich

I have never been one to like mangoes. I've tried them three times over the course of my lifetime, and each time, I wasn't able to acquire a taste for them. Yet, after hearing that they make a great base for smoothies, I opted to give them another try.

For my first attempt, I opted for fresh mangoes. They looked wonderful: juicy and so full of life. The coloring on the skin was like a painter's palette with a nice blend of reds, greens, yellows, and oranges.

"Hmm," I thought to myself, "perhaps it's all a state of mind. They look delicious, therefore they will taste delicious. Yes, my taste buds have changed."

But my first attempt at making a mango smoothie was a disaster. The aftertaste was wretched and it was hard to stomach the concoction. With every drink my husband cringed up his nose and asked, "What is that awful aftertaste?"

"It's the mangoes," I said. "It's the only thing I've done differently.

"Well, let's not make this again," whined my daughter.

The problem was that I had a bag of frozen mangoes in the freezer! Determined to use them up, I gave the mangoes another try. To my surprise, the new concoction was delicious and there was no awful aftertaste!

Now, I enjoy drinking my mangoes—provided I use frozen mangoes, which I know will be ripe and ready to devour.

As for the nutritional value of mangoes, it's my understanding that mangoes are high in iron and can sometimes aid in the treatment of iron deficiencies; especially in pregnant women.

Mangoes are also high in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. They can aid in soothing the digestive system, meet nearly 40% of our daily fiber requirements and because of the pectin (a soluble fiber) they can help lower bad cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

There is one caveat, though, mangoes are high in sugar and carbohydrates so if you're trying to lose weight, it's suggested that they be eaten in moderation.

Mango Smoothies Recipe

Ingredients

1 C frozen mangoes
1 C frozen pineapples
1 C banana slices or 1 lg. banana
3 kiwis, peeled and sliced
1 C plain or vanilla yogurt
1/3 C orange juice
1/3 C green tea (or a blend of green and Organic African Nectar tea)
1 Tb honey

Instructions

Place orange juice, tea, and yogurt in blender.
Add mangoes, pineapples, banana, and kiwis.
Top with honey.
Blend until smooth.
Serve immediately.

Optional

Add 1 cup frozen spinach, 1 Tb flaxseed, and another 2/3 C of tea to make a green smoothie.

Mango Smoothies

Author: Alyice Edrich

Mango Smoothies Recipe

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