In gearing up for my Detox 4 Real workshop tomorrow here in Albuquerque, I feel inspired to share a little food as medicine tip. Kale, a part of the cruciferous or brassica family of veggies, is particularly great for detoxification. Why, because it contains compounds which upregulate the production of liver detoxification enzymes. It's also chock full of antioxidants, which the liver must have in order to carry out detoxification processes. The lemon in the smoothie acts to further aid in alkalinization of your body tissues, reducing inflammation (an antioxidant sucker). Limonene, an antioxidant found in lemon and lemon peel, as well as lemon essential oil, acts to increase bile production. Bile carries toxins away from the liver for excretion, so it's important to be making enough! The fiber in the smoothie works to absorb the bile (and toxins) when they reach the colon, and move them on out. Give your liver and your taste buds a treat with this simple, but ingeniously healthy kale smoothie, courtesy of Dr. Michael Stone. Dr. Stone is one of the fabulous instructors of the Institute for Functional Medicine's Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice course, as well as their Functional Nutrition Course. I have taken both, and I'm so excited to share what I have learned with YOU!
Papa's Kale Smoothie, by Dr. Michael Stone
6+ Kale leaves, chopped
½ - 1 Avocado
Avocados contain: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Potassium, Folate, Dietary
Fiber, B6 and Copper!
½ -1 Banana
Bananas not only help your smoothie have a deliciously creamy
texture, but they contain only 109 calories per medium ripe banana. They are
also rich in: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Dietary Fiber and Manganese
1 Whole lemon (juice)
Lemons are such a fantastic source of vitamin C. They also help
absorb the iron found in other foods, like kale!
Water to desired thickness: Add crushed ice if you wish
Blend it up for a tasty and nutrient dense treat!
No comments:
Post a Comment