Table of Contents
5. Almonds – Selling these nuts can put you in jail.
Risks
Bitter almonds, not to be confused with sweet almonds, are a fruit that is full of cyanide. The good news is that heat will destroy the poison found within. The risks of dying from ingesting a bitter almond are minimal since it is illegal in the USA to sell raw almonds.
Benefits
The health benefits in using almonds in a smoothie are; a fulfilling snack full of vitamins, minerals and omega 3’s. There a many recipes to make an almond smoothie. Adding a frozen banana, almond milk, almond butter and almond extract in addition to honey before blending it, will give you pick me up until lunchtime, there will be no mid afternoon energy crisis if you drink one of these smoothies.
4. Cherries – These berries aren’t the ones you want to pop.
Risks
The inherent risk if you choose to make a smoothie with cherries as an ingredient is that the pit is poisonous. Merely bruising the pit will cause hydrogen cyanide to be expressed. The simple answer is to de-pit the cherries before attempting to use them in a smoothie.
Benefits
The benefits of using cherries are that they are an anti-oxidant; they prevent cancer cells from duplicating. They are low in calories, full of vitamins, especially Vitamin C, A and potassium. Black cherries used in this smoothie are good for your teeth; take unsweetened frozen black cherries, add 6 oz. low fat yogurt, 1/2 cup low fat milk, 4 oz. frozen raspberries, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and ice cubes. Place into a blender until mixed and drink.
3. Apples – There’s a reason why the doctor says only 1 apple a day.
Risks
It’s not the apple itself, but the seeds that contain cyanide. These are small doses. There are not enough seeds in one apple to kill anyone. So if you accidently eat a few of them, it’s nothing to worry about.
Benefits
Other than that, apples can be healthy in a smoothie because they provide high fiber and antioxidants. Since the antioxidants are in the skin, it’s more than worth leaving the skin on to make your smoothie. If not, it’s good to save your apple skins for an extra snack.
Apple Strawberry Smoothie
- 1 apple chopped
- 12 strawberries
- 1/2 cup low fat milk
- 1/2 cup of low fat plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of organic sugar or Stevia.
2. Tomatoes – There’s nothing fruity about stomach pains.
Risks
The major risk in making a tomato smoothie is that the leaves and stems will cause stomach distress and anxiety. These leaves can be added when cooking to add flavor, with the caveat to remove them before consumption.
Benefits
However, the benefits of consuming tomatoes far outweigh the negative aspects. Tomatoes contain Vitamin A, C, Potassium and Lycopene, which has been shown to be an anti-oxidant concerned with the restoration of sight.
Making a tomato smoothie requires one tomato,1/2 cup tomato juice, 1/2 carrot, 1/2 tsp Tabasco and 1/4 cup fresh apple juice and ice. Blend together to get a yummy tomato smoothie. There are other variations to this smoothie using the tomato base with other vegetables, such as spinach for example.
1. Elderberries – Better already be sick if you decide to eat these berries.
Risks
Raw elderberry contains glycosides, a form of toxin that produces cyanide, and may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Elderberry use may cause a drop in blood sugar levels or stimulate immune system activity. Individuals with diabetes or autoimmune disorders should therefore consult a physician before consuming the fruit or its extract. Persons allergic to pollen may experience an allergic reaction to elderberry.
Benefits
Elderberry may increase the production of cytokines and thereby boost the immune system. Elderberry has been used to treat cold and flu symptoms, ease congestion, relieve indigestion and reduce flatulence. The fruit is also reported to decrease arthritis pain and, when used as eyewash, relieve conjunctivitis.Elderberry may act as a diuretic and enhance the effect of diuretic drugs.
