Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night instead of sleeping? There’s a natural remedy for that! Do you know that kiwifruit can help make you sleep better when eaten about an hour before bed?  According to Nutritionfacts, two kiwifruit an hour before bedtime may improve sleep quality and duration, without the side effects associated with sleeping pills.

Kiwifruit may also improve cholesterol levels, improve bowel functions in those suffering irritable bowel syndrome, and increase DNA repair enzymes. Kiwifruit is also rich in vitamin C, making it one of the best fruits to have when you’re fatigued or stressed.

Cucumber has plenty of B-vitamins which are needed by the body because they support adrenal function, thereby helping you cope with stress. Cucumbers also help you stay hydrated due to the fact that they are 95.2 percent water. They are good sources of phytonutrients (plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties) such flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.

Cucumbers provide two excellent nutrients (vitamin K and the mineral molybdenum), one very good (for the B vitamin, pantothenic acid), and are a good source for vitamin C, vitamin B1, and biotin in the vitamin category and for copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium in the mineral category. The potassium (152mg per cup) content can help lower blood pressure.

Consuming cucumbers can help to fight inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. They contain polyphenols called lignans, which can potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. They also contain plant nutrients called cucurbitacins, which have anti-cancer properties.

Smoothies are an amazing natural medicine. This nutrtitious kiwfruit-cucumber combo can help to protect your body against illness, infection and disease — and help soothe your nerves and boost your immune system. Sip a glass of this and you’ll be be sleeping like a baby and back to your perky self in no time!

Kiwifruit Cucumber Smoothie

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients

• 2 kiwifruits, peeled, sliced, and frozen
• 1 ½ cup cucumber (about 1 small cucumber or half a medium one)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or liquid stevia to taste)
• ¼ cup water
• A sprig of mint and an extra slice of kiwi for garnish

Directions

1. Assemble your ingredients.  The frozen kiwi will blend better if it is allowed to stay out in room temperature for 5-10 minutes prior to blending.

2. Place everything in a high speed blender or blending “bullet”. Don’t forget to add a quarter cup of water to facilitate blending!

3. Process until smooth and pour into a glass.

4. Garnish with a slice of kiwi and some mint.
   
5. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime if desired.

Drink up and enjoy!

What are your favorite smoothie blends to help relax, sleep better and support your health?

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