Mint Lime Mocktail

Ingredients

• 24 oz filtered water (2 cups)
• 2 tbsp chamomile flowers or 2 tea bags
• ½ cup fresh peppermint leaves or 2 tea bags
• ½ inch organic ginger root, peeled
• 1 organic lime
• Ice (use filtered water)
• 1 can sparkling water or seltzer
• 2 oz unsweetened organic aloe vera juice

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil, about 212 F.
2. Use a tea ball or bag to add the chamomile and peppermint to a large glass container. Pour the water on top and steep for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the herbs and allow the tea to cool. (Steps 1-3 can be done ahead of time, and the tea can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.)
4. Cut the ends off the lime and cut it in half. Add the lime (including the skin) and ginger to a food processor and pulse until thoroughly pureed.
5. Divide the puree between 2 tall glasses.
6. Add desired ice, then divide the seltzer, aloe vera juice, and cooled tea evenly between the glasses.
7. Stir well and serve.

Phytonutrients

Hesperetin is an antioxidant (flavonoid) found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pomelos.

It has anti-inflammatory properties, improves symptoms of osteoporosis by encouraging bone building (osteoblasts) and has many anticancer abilities. Hesperetin can suppress tumor formation by targeting cellular proteins and altering signaling between receptors.

This flavonoid encourages apoptosis (the natural death of abnormal cells) by downregulating estrogen receptor signaling, and reduces the spread of cancerous cells to other organs (metastasis).

It has shown promise as a synergistic combination therapy with chemo drugs, specifically to improve cellular sensitivity in chemo-resistant cancers.

Other cancer-fighting phytonutrients in this recipe:
Apigenin, Luteolin (Peppermint), Apigenin, Kaempferol, Coumarin (Chamomile), Gingerol, Paradol, Zingerone (Ginger)

Storage Note

Steps 1 through 3 can be prepared in advance, and the tea can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.