Food as medicine

Does it seem like in the summer that it’s easier to consume more fruits and veggies?  Maybe it is due to their cooling effect or maybe it’s that there is access to more fresh and local options?  

I’m often looking for new recipes and ways to get more interesting with the foods I eat.  One area that is so much more doable in the summer, I find, is the addition of a greens drink in the warm and sunny mornings.  Maybe we are up later and doing more activities in the summer and having more energy can be a huge help to take advantage of the longer days and fun things happening at this time.

By boosting your mornings with some veggies and greens it can provide a natural energy lift.  Other benefits include reducing inflammatory pain, fibre for better digestion, plus absorption of nutrients for better health in general.

I have included a general recipe below, where each item has its own benefits.  For example, the addition of ginger can increase anti-inflammatory effects as inflammation can be a big issue for many people, let’s dig into that a bit here.

When pain happens a common reaction is to reach for over the counter or prescription pain relievers.  Medications like aspirin, advil, motrin, and aleve can help to reduce pain due to their effects on blocking pain caused by inflammatory processes.  The symptoms are then muted, but they do not address the root cause or reasons for inflammation.  

This is where natural solutions have benefits in working to correct the reason or source of inflammation and actually reduce it.  Also, medications like those listed often come with a possible negative group of side effects, more and more research is showing.  Side effects such as higher risk of heart issues, gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as kidney challenges.

So, it can be powerful to add to our diets some benefits of plant based nutrients, fibre, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds.

The below recipe can be created with or without a greens powder.  It’s listed here as it may be something you have on hand and want to use it, but it is not imperative at all.

If these items create a smoothie that is too “veggie” to start with, you can always add in some fruit like pineapple, orange, mango, etc, to sweeten.

Good morning smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 apple - with peel on, seeds removed
• 4-5 stalks celery
• 2-3 cups baby spinach or kale
• 1 lemon -rind removed
• 1 inch fresh ginger root
• 1 scoop greens powder (optional)

1. Add all ingredients except the greens powder to the blender, plus 1/2 cup water, and blend until smooth. 
2. Stir in greens powder, if you have and want to use it.

Enjoy your week!

Lisa.