I own a couple high-speed blenders (Vitamix and Blendtec) and I LOVE these appliances. I use one or the other every day, sometimes multiple times a day. In my opinion, they’re both terrific in delivering an outstanding end product.

There are some very good reasons why I love a high-speed blender and feel it’s worth every dollar it costs. I use it to make my fresh nut butters, piping hot soups, additive- and chemical-free ice creams and gelatos, and lots of other things. The one thing I do daily is make my green smoothie in it.

Since a quality high-speed blender can blend a block of wood face-powder fine, there isn’t anything in the food world it can’t easily handle. Berries, for example, are blended so well that you don’t even know the seeds are there. There are loads of trace elements, minerals, and phyto-nutrients in these tiny seeds, but unless they’re pulverized in a high-speed blender, the body can’t access their benefits because we just can’t chew them well enough.

And then there’s chia seeds, flax seeds, and sesame seeds—same thing—you don’t even know they’re in the drink. I’m seed-happy, so rather than trashing the seeds from my cantaloupe, I’m now adding them to my smoothies. Here’s why:

1. They are a very good dose of plant protein . They contain about 3.6% protein, 4% fat, and 2.5% carbohydrate—the same nutritional content as soy milk.

2. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Cantaloupe seeds are extremely rich in antioxidants and Vitamins A, C, and E. Besides boosting the immune system, they protect the eyes from macular degeneration and keep blood cholesterol levels under check and also decrease the risk of cancer. And the seeds are a great source of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium (which regulate blood pressure). Consuming cantaloupe seeds can also improve bone density and decrease the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

3. Cantaloupe seeds are also used in treating migraines , insomnia, and depression.

4. They fight cardiovascular disease and protect your teeth (because of the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids.

5. They encourage hair and nail growth. Do you lack a healthy growth of hair? Are your nails weak, slow in growth, and break often? Consuming cantaloupe seeds can ensure a healthy growth of hair and nails, thanks to the high protein content in them. They also help maintain the tissues in your body.

6. They benefit the intestines. Research shows that cantaloupe seeds help expel intestinal worms. They’ve also been shown to flush excess phlegm from the body and provide relief from congestion.

7. They assist weight loss (because they are an excellent source of fiber).

And the same health benefits go for seeds from all other fruits. When they’re in season, fresh pomegranate seeds knock the nutrient count out of the ballpark, for example. But you couldn’t experience any of this without a high-speed blender.

Then there’s adding a whole lemon to a smoothie (peel, seeds, and all). I toss one into every smoothie I make because it strengthens the immune system (due to its high concentration of vitamins and minerals), purifies the blood, protects against kidney stones, reduces chances of stroke, helps prevent diabetes, and protects against and corrects internal inflammation. Thanks to the power of my high-speed blender, you can’t even tell a whole lemon is in my smoothie.

You know how medical science advises we get at least 5 to 7 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day? Well, with a high-speed blender this is a cinch! I’ll conclude with the recipe I use for my smoothies as an example. Honestly, there are so many reasons why you can’t live without a high-speed blender!

ALICE’S GREEN SMOOTHIE (yield: approximately 1 ½ quarts)

2 or 3 tablespoons chia seeds (or a combination of chia, flax, and sesame)

2 tablespoons raw honey

3 to 4 cups of fresh fruit (pineapple and watermelon is delicious, seeded grapes and berries are delicious, oranges and pineapple are delicious; you get the idea; it doesn’t matter what the combination, as long as it’s fresh)

1 whole lemon, diced

1 bunch fresh greens (kale, chard, collards, beet greens, dandelion greens, spinach, baby salad greens, etc.; singly or in combination), approximately 5 large leaves. If using spinach or baby salad greens, you’d want at least 3 cups-worth.

2 to 3 cups fruit juice (I like unsweetened cranberry juice, but unsweetened pineapple, orange, or apple juice is superb as well)

Ice cubes (to taste; amount depends on how cold you like your drink)

Wash fruits and greens well. Remove skin of melons and pineapple, if using (but be sure to include pineapple core). Lightly peel oranges, leaving as much white pith as possible (if using oranges). Place seeds, honey, diced lemon, washed fruits and greens, fruit juice, and ice in blender. Blend well, perhaps through 2 cycles to ensure perfect smoothness. Dilute with more juice, to taste. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers. Try to drink the entire batch in one day for maximum nutrient load.

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