Green Smoothie Recipe
All measurements are approximate, use what you have and adjust to suit yourself. Add ingredients to a blender and blend until reasonably smooth.
- Almond Milk
- Spinach
- Kiwi
- Lime
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Kale
- Optional: Pineapple
Why this smoothie is awesome?
It contains a heap of Spinach which is considered a super-food! Spinach is loaded with tonnes of nutrients in a low-calorie package. It is a great source of potassium (yes, better than bananas), calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, folate, phosphorous, thiamine, vitamin K, as well as dietary fibre. Spinach is also one of the best sources of dietary magnesium, which is necessary for energy metabolism, maintaining muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, a healthy immune system and maintaining blood pressure. Magnesium also plays a part in hundreds more biochemical reactions that occur in the body.
Wow! Who knew Kiwi fruits were packed with so many nutrients? Firstly kiwis are a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost our immune system. Kiwis are also rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre and are a great source of vitamin K, vitamin E, folate and potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. One surprising fact is that Kiwis contain serotonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and promotes healthy sleep.
Limes are also high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and many other nutrients. They may help boost immunity, promote healthy skin, reduce the chance of heart disease, aid in iron absorption, and prevent kidney stones. Studies have shown, that citrus fruits like limes are high in citric acid, which may prevent kidney stones by raising levels of citrate and binding stone-forming minerals in the urine.
Avocados!!!!!!! Booming in popularity in the last 10-plus years, this fruit is highly nutritious and has been linked to several health benefits. Avocados are great for gut health as they are a rich source of fibre and healthy fats which promotes a healthy digestive system and prevents constipation. High in antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation, some recent studies have even suggested that avocados may have anti-cancer properties, due to the high contents of antioxidants. Avocados also contain a natural plant sterol, which may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Avocados also contain vitamin K, which is an essential vitamin for bone health and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The final and my personal favourite fact about avocados is that they are optimal for pregnancy health, they contain a good source of folate which is important for fetal development. Also, it is well known in our acupuncture world that they take 9 months to grow from bud to ripe fruit, the same time as pregnancy.
Cucumbers, (peel and all) are a high water content vegetable, which is low in calories but high in many important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Due to their high water content, they are good for staying hydrated, aiding in weight loss, and preventing constipation. Cucumbers are also said to help lower blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure levels.
Although we consider the Zucchini to be a vegetable, it is actually botanically classified as a fruit. The zucchini is rich in several vitamins and minerals, in particular, it is full of vitamin A, which helps vision and the immune system.
Finally, the other star of this smoothie is Kale, which is loaded with micronutrients and antioxidants and is one of the most nutritious leafy greens around. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. It also contains nutrients that can support eye health, weight management, heart health, and more. In fact, kale contains a variety of beneficial compounds, some of which have powerful medicinal properties.
How does this smoothie aid our health according to Traditional Chinese Dietary Therapy?
This GREEN goodness smoothie just screams LIVER harmonising too any acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist. It has elements of sweet and bitter taste, with a cooling nature. It benefits the LIVER, stomach, large intestine and bladder, with cooling and cleansing capabilities. According to our traditional Chinese dietary therapy, its applications include, moistening dryness, easing bowel motions, promoting the production of body fluids, quenching thirst and clearing heat. It is a BIG cup of nurturing and supporting the LIVER function.
To read more about Liver function according to our TCM principles head over to our blog post on the Liver, Superfood Spinach! | AcuHealth (acuhealthacupuncture.com.au)
Recent Comments