Tropical Detox Smoothie
During Ramadan, it has been customary for Pakistanis Muslims to drink rooh afza. I used to drink it when I was growing up but I have found alternatives which are much better. Why?
- First off, rooh afza has very high amount of added sugar. Sugar that is added to processed foods is much worse than natural sugar in whole foods like fruits and vegetables. If you were to drink just one of these sugary drinks every day, and not cut back on calories elsewhere, you could gain up to 5 pounds in a year. Beyond weight gain, routinely drinking these sugar-loaded beverages can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
- Secondly, it contains Red food coloring number 40 which is derived from petroleum. Most dyes which are ingested are secreted from the body but they still have potential for causing serious side effects such as hypersensitivity, swelling in the mouth and even hives.
Instead of indulging in rooh afza, try this Tropical Detox Smoothie for ifatri!
Recipe
- ¼ cup pineapple cubes
- 1/2 cup banana
- ¼ cup mango cubes
- 1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut water
- 1 handful of cilantro
- ½ cup arugula
