We set out to create the ultimate food of good health---one that tastes yummy as it works to ensure well being. This means a food that protects, prevents, and stimulates the body in a positive way.

In addition, we set three criteria to accurately determine the ultimate food.

1. Prevention of major potential health concerns
2. Age
3. Gender

In a recent Parade survey of 1752 men and women, ages 18 and older, when asked "What is your greatest potential health concern for the future?" the number #1 concern of respondents was cancer. The ultimate food item then must help prevent cancer.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 538,455 people died of cancer in 1995, the latest year for which statistics are available. The incidence of cancer increases with age from 2% for 18-24 to 23% for those 65 years and older. The key years for cancer prevention then are between the ages of 35 and 64 years. Thus, the ultimate food item must be one for those in this age span.

There is a definite gender discrimination in the mid-life years of 35-64. Women are subject more physiological conditions than men at this time. Females must endure menopause, hormone change and bone mass degeneration as middle age progresses. Women, age 35-64 are the main focus for the ultimate food item.

The ultimate food item for 35-to-64 year old women must help prevent cancer while proactively addressing the physiological changes of women.

Clinical research at the Hollings Cancer Center (Charleston, SC) has determined that a diet 150gm (1cup) of red raspberries can help prevent cancer. Why? Red raspberries have the highest incidence of ellagic acid, a proven anticarcinogen, antimutagen, and cancer-blocker.

Studies at the University of Illinois indicate that women who eat 40 grams of soy protein daily build up bone mass in their spines by 2 percent.

Another study suggests that soy can reduce the severity of menopausal hot flashes. In addition, a wealth of studies indicate that soy protein may fight heart disease in women and men by lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein, the so-called bad cholesterol.

The ultimate food for 35-to-64 year old women then should contain contain red raspberries and soy protein. How do you make the two palatable? Smoothies are the answer. The recipe here takes minutes to prepare. It tastes great. In addition it is loaded with vitamins and other important nutrients.

Raspberry Blast

• 2 cups fresh or frozen red raspberries
• 1 cup nonfat or 1 percent milk
• 3 Tbsp. red raspberry preserves
• 4 ice cubes
• 2 scoops plair or vanilla soy protein powder*

Combine ingredients in blender. Cover and blend at high speed for about 1 minute.
Makes 2 servings.

*Soy protein powder is available at health food stores everywhere. Be sure to pick a product that says "Supro" on the can. Avoid powders that contain chromium picolinate.

More Raspberry Smoothie Recipes!

Berry Smooth Shake

• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 cup cold skim milk
• 1 cup plain low fat yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 banana
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 6-8 crushed ice cubes

Place berries and 1/2 cup milk in blender. Blend on high for one minute until smooth. Add remaining milk, yogurt, honey, banana and vanilla. Beat for another minute. Add crushed ice cubes. Blend slowly until smooth. Yield: 3 1/2 cups.

Bear Lake Raspberry Shake

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream

In a blender or food processor, whirl milk, 1 cup berries, and ice cream until smooth. Scrape sides several times. Pour into 1 very large (28oz.) or 2 large (14oz.) glasses. Top with remaining berries. Makers 3 1/4 cups ---One berry large (!!!) or 2 medium size servings.

The Washington Red Raspberry Commission has everything you need to use delicious red raspberries at home. From great product ideas like smoothies, desserts, sauces and dressings, to information on where you can pick your own fresh red raspberries. Get great recipes & ideas at their site http://www.red-raspberry.org/

photo credit: THE WASHINGTON RED RASPBERRY COMMISSION