Do you like to juice? How about mixing some delicious fruits and veggies? How about making fruit and veggie smoothies to help eliminate pain and inflammation?
Sound good?
“Juices of fruits and vegetables are pure gifts from Mother Nature and the most natural way to heal your body and make yourself whole again.” ~ Farnoosh Brock, The Healthy Juicer’s Bible: Lose Weight, Detoxify, Fight Disease, and Live Long
Okay, let’s make that smoothie!
First, here are the ingredients:
-
- 1/2 a Pineapple
- Two ribs of celery
- One head of Romaine lettuce
- A handful of cilantro
- A thumb-sized piece of ginger
Pineapple:
Supports the immune system; increases and maintains bone strength; promotes eye health; contains pain-reducing enzymes.
“Pineapples’ nutritional benefits are as fascinating as their anatomy,” says San Diego-based nutritionist Laura Flores, “As well as having high amounts of manganese, which is important for antioxidant defenses, pineapples also contain high amounts of thiamine, a B vitamin that is involved in energy production.”
Celery:
Lowers inflammation; protects liver health; promotes weight loss; encourages digestion; is an anti-bacterial.
In a study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, scientists conclude that – because of a molecule called apigenin, which celery contains – the vegetable reduces certain inflammatory markers. Apigenin also encourages proper immune system operations.
Romaine lettuce:
Aids weight loss; promotes a healthy digestive tract; helps maintain bone and muscle strength; strengthens the immune system; encourages cardiovascular health.
“A dieter’s dream, romaine lettuce has about eight calories and 1-2 grams of carbohydrates per cup. Although it’s low in fiber, it’s high in minerals, such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium,” says registered dietitian Natalie Butler, “It’s naturally low in sodium. Plus, romaine lettuce is packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It’s a good source of beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body.”
Cilantro (coriander):
Lowers skin inflammation; reduces cholesterol levels; treats diarrhea; stabilizes blood pressure; prevents anemia; anti-allergic properties; improves bone health; aids in digestion.
“Some studies suggest that increasing consumption of plant foods like cilantro may decrease the risk of obesity, overall mortality, diabetes, and heart disease,” writes registered dietitian Megan Ware, “while promoting healthy skin and hair, increased energy, and overall lower weight.”
Ginger:
Alleviates nausea, relieves pain, reduces inflammatory markers, improves respiratory function, increases appetite, relieves cold and flu, and promotes heart health.
Studies demonstrate that ginger’s unique compounds and metabolites help prevent and treat certain illnesses. The compounds gingerols and shogaols have been researched extensively and shown to be effective.
This five-ingredient smoothie recipe is potent against pain and inflammation primarily because of the ingredients’ high concentrations of anti-inflammatory properties. It is also worth mentioning that this drink is fantastic for maintaining healthy immune system function – particularly during the cold and flu seasons.
What a rich array of vitamins and nutrients in romaine lettuce! Besides including the delicious veggie in this drink recipe, it’s worth considering as a stable in one’s everyday diet!
Note: Pineapple may clog up your juicer because of its tough and fibrous texture. Please consider removing the skin and chopping the fruit into smaller portions if this is a concern.
Enjoy!
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