Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a New Twist on an Old Favorite | Transform Lemonade into a Healing Elixir.
The tartness of fresh lemons rich in Vitamin C combines with the sweetness and deep red color of strawberries. Fresh basil leaves add another dimension of flavor adding not only antioxidants and but also the cancer fighting flavonol carnosol. Basil is also rich in cell protective anti-oxidants. The cancer fighting activity of the phytochemical carnosol has been studied in lung cancer, stomach cancer, and breast cancer. Another plant chemical found in basil, linalool, has been shown to enhance the activity of some chemotherap cancer treatments. Strawberries are able to turn on the gene nrf2 in your cells that helps you to fight inflammation. Improving your cells ability to fight inflammation reduces risk of not only cancer but also of heart disease. In particular strawberries have been studied in China in conjunction with prevention of cancers of the digestive tract, especially esophageal cancers. Not only is this a refreshing summer cooler, but by adding strawberries and basil it actually becomes a cancer fighting beverage! A great example of how a few additions can transform an ordinary drink into a healing elixir!
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Makes 4 cups
Ingredients
3 cups filtered or spring water
1 ½ large lemons or 2 medium lemons peeled, seeds removed and cut in half
½ cup fresh basil leaves
½ cup fresh or frozen organic strawberries
1 cup ice cubes
Preparation
Place in blender
Blend for one minute
Serve in chilled glasses with a sprig of basil and a lemon wedge
Optional: add ¼ cup organic honey or other sweetener.
TIP: Stevia is a great choice for a sugar substitute as it does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels.
