Detoxifying Vital Smoothie

A perfect way to start the Day: protein,

Micronutrient greens, essential fatty acids, and fiber!

In a blender, combine:

Blend for 1 minute, or until the mixture becomes smooth

Also can add half a frozen banana to thicken smoothie

Add frozen mangos and blend

Add 2 0z of Aloe Vera juice and/or 1 tsp. buffered vitamin C

Health Benefits

Flaxseed: Flaxseed is the most abundant source of lignans. Flaxseeds are an excellent source of the omega-3 essential fatty acid, Aplpha-liolenic acid (ALA). Flaxseed is a good source of dietary, fiber, magnesium, potassium and manganese. Also, A good source of the minerals phosphorous, iron and cooper. (Bauman (2013), Therapeutic Nutrition)

Blueberries: Are an excellent source of flavonoids, especially anthocyanidins.  Blueberries are also a very good source of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber, such as pectin. The health benefits are mainly from the anthocyanidins. These compounds exert exceptional antioxidant activity. (Murray, M., (2005) Healing Foods)

Aloe Vera Juice:  Aloe Vera juice benefits to name a few are it helps fight weight gain; the natural juice helps stimulate the metabolism and burn calories faster. Lowers blood pressure. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation. Improves digestion and cleanses the colon. Good for cleansing and detoxifying the body due to antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. All very helpful benefits to aid with weight loss.

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Ingredients:

2 pounds of small Brussels sprouts-cut off stem and cut in half

¼ cup of olive oil’

¼ cup chopped walnuts

1-2 tablespoons capers

Sea salt to taste

Directions:

Lightly steam Brussels sprouts until they are al dente, drain off all water and toss with olive oil. Pour onto baking sheet and sprinkle on walnuts, capers and sea salt. Toast at 400 degrees for approximately 20 minutes, turning once at 10 minutes.

Brussels sprouts: Excellent source of folic acid, vitamin C and K, and beta-carotene. Brussels sprouts are a very good source of vitamin B6, fiber, thiamine, and potassium. Brussels sprouts contain numerous cancer-fighting phytochemicals in the form of glucosinolates. (Murray, (2005) Healing Foods)

Walnuts are a wonderful source of antioxidants, vitamin E, minerals such as magnesium, and monounsaturated fats. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid. Walnuts are also a rich source of protein and dietary fiber. (Murray, (2005) Healing Foods)

Olive Oil is an excellent source of oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid. Olive oil is easy to digest and imparts a generally soothing and healing influence to the digestive tract.

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4 cups red or green cabbage, shredded

3 tablespoons hemp or sesame seeds

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

¼ chopped cilantro

½ tablespoon sea salt

Pinch of cayenne (optional)

1-cup organic carrots shredded (optional)

In large bowl toss all ingredients well.

Massage cabbage until dressing is absorbed

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage: Excellent source of many nutrients, especially vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, vitamin B6, biotin, calcium, magnesium and manganese. Cabbage contains powerful anticancer compounds known as glucosinolates. The glucosinolates in body detoxify and eliminate harmful chemicals and hormones. Cabbage has the anti-inflammatory compound anthocyanin, which aids in reducing inflammation.

Hemp Seeds and Hemp Oils are vegan and gluten free; hemp is an ideal, non-dairy alternative for vegetarian, vegan and raw diets. Hemp is a great source of plant-based protein. Hemp seeds contain a perfect balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6, which the body needs for optimal skin health energy, nervous system function, brain development, heart health and immune support. Hemp has calcium, vitamin B6, zinc, iron, folate, magnesium and manganese.

Cilantro The essential oils in the seeds make it an effective carminative and digestive aid. Cilantro also has anti-inflammatory properties.  Has also been found to have antimicrobial properties, antianxiety action, and cholesterol-lowering effects.

Recipe Sources from:

Detoxifying Vital Smoothie: Bauman E. and Friedlander, J. (2013) Therapeutic Nutrition

JJ’s Roasted Brussels sprouts with capers and walnuts from JJ Virgin The Virgin Diet manual for Vegetarians and Vegans

Cabbage Hemp Salad from Crazy Sexy Diet, Kris Carr, 2011

Sources for nutrients Murray N.D., M. (2005) The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York: Atria Books.