Fruit smoothies, loaded with cancer prevention nutrients, are a popular and good-for-you drink anytime of the year -- but as the weather warms, they make an especially cool treat. When it comes to fruit smoothies, the possibilities are only limited by your kitchen creativity. Almost always, a fruit smoothie will be high in fiber, and low in fat -- another cancer prevention benefit. Basically, you will need three ingredients: fresh fruit; yogurt or a frozen juice concentrate; and ice cubes. Vanilla and honey are optional, but do add a yummy taste to a smoothie. Depending on how many smoothies you want to make at one time, the ratio of ingredients is: one cup fresh fruit; one cup yogurt; one banana; half-a-tray of ice cubes. The ratio can be changed depending on how thick or thin you prefer your smoothie shake. If you have eliminated dairy from your diet, or are a vegetarian, you can use fruit juice -- like apple, orange or cranberry juice. Again, there are no hard and fast rules to the ingredients, or combination of ingredients, to a smoothie. If it sounds good,  then add it, and give it a try.

Here is the basic recipe we use:

• One banana.
• One cup fruit -- blueberries, or strawberries, peaches or mangos.
• One cup yogurt or frozen fruit concentrate.
• Ice cubes.
• A dash of honey, sometimes vanilla extract, and usually fresh ground flaxseed.
  

You can add water or fruit juice for a thinner texture, but we like a milkshake thickness to our smoothies. Put all the ingredients into a heavy-duty blender or electric smoothie maker. Blend. That's it. A terrific treat -- and cancer prevention good for you. What is your favorite smoothie recipe?