Beauty Drinks

 by: News Canada

(NC)-Cool and refreshing, these delicious smoothies are not only a great energizer on a hot summer day, they're great for your skin too. Made with antioxidant-rich California peaches, plums and nectarines, these drinks will help your skin ward off the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Instead of a soda or a milk shake, try one of these delicious drinks…and enjoy the healthful benefits.

Mix ingredients in a blender and whirl until smooth, taking care to stop the machine and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure proper blending. Serve immediately or store refrigerated until ready to serve. For best results, serve within one day. (Note: Fresh fruit may be previously frozen. A good trick is to puree fruit and freeze in ice cube trays for later use.) Recipes yield approximately two one-cup servings.

Nectarine Nutrition Booster

• 3 fresh California nectarines, cut in small dice with skin on

• 2 tablespoons wheat germ

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1/2 teaspoon green tea

• 3 tablespoons coconut flakes

  Nutrition information (one serving) - PROTEIN: 2 grams; FAT: 3 grams; CARBOHYDRATE: 18 grams; FIBER: 4.5 grams; SODIUM: 18 milligrams; CHOLESTEROL: 0 milligrams; CALORIES: 103 calories

Peach Pick Me Up

• 3 fresh California peaches, sliced with skin on

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ginseng

• 1/2 teaspoon aloe vera

• 2 cloves

  Nutrition information (one serving) - PROTEIN: 0 grams; FAT: 0 grams; CARBOHYDRATE: 19 grams; FIBER: 3 grams; SODIUM: 0 milligrams; CHOLESTEROL: 0 milligrams; CALORIES: 72 calories

Aromatherapy Plum Soother

• 3 fresh California plums, sliced with skin on

• 2 ounces chamomile

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 tablespoon cucumber extract

  Nutrition information (one serving) - PROTEIN: 0 grams; FAT: 0 grams; CARBOHYDRATE: 19 grams; FIBER: 1.5 grams; SODIUM: 0 milligrams; CHOLESTEROL: 0 milligrams; CALORIES: 75 calories

For more recipes and information on California peaches, plums and nectarines, visit www.eatcaliforniafruit.com.