It's juicing/blending Tuesday! I know today is not Tuesday it's hump day Wednesday. Well, actually I made it yesterday, technically Tuesday. Does that count for something? Juicing or blending can be for any day but there are those who likes to have a specific day to set aside for this task. Yes, juicing can be a task. Literally, with prepping and clean up. It is work but beneficial.
So, what are we juicing/blending?
"Pina Colada" keifir smoothie with a healthy boost twist. The twist to this particular smoothie are the two ingredients that heals the body from within. My power boosters are, fresh organic turmeric root (actually grown from Thailand by my aunt) and organic spirulina powder.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice root that fights inflammation, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and bacteria.
Spirulina is a blue green algae rich in protein, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that can help protect DNA cells from damage, boost immune system, protects against liver damage, and anticancer properties.
Amino acids (protein)
Vitamin E, B1 thiamin, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin
Iron
Copper
Manganese
Zinc
Selenium
Gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid)
Beta-carotene
You can barely taste the turmeric or spirulina due to the sweetness of the ripe mangoes with the hint flavor of coconut milk and a touch of coconut oil lingering in the back of your mouth. Yum. Yum.
Why book a flight to an island to get a nice refreshing cool Pina Colada?
You can make one right at home. Lets' get started so we can sit back and relax like we are at the beach on an island.
Just about ready to blend
1 small turmeric root
1 tablespoon of organic chia seeds
1 teaspoon of organic spirulina
1 teaspoon of organic coconut oil
1 scoop of organic pea protein powder
1/2 cup of fresh pineapples (including core) *or 1 cup of pineapples
1 fresh ripe mango
1 cup of frozen mango
Now ready to blend
2 cups of coconut milk
1 tablespoon of coconut water keifir (liquid probiotic)
Blend away!
Coconut water keifir (probiotics)
*Keifir cultures are excellent for the digestive system.
Different kinds of probiotics to add in your daily health diet
Can you think of the last time you had fermented foods, organic yogurts, probiotic supplements, or probiotic beverages? If you have to take a while to answer, then you are not getting what your body so righteously deserve. Probiotic is known to be the "good bacteria" that consists of live active bacteria to help the gut (intestinal) flora.
A healthy intestinal flora is vital for forming stools and maintaining your immune system. The digestive tract is 70% of your immune system. The importance in keeping a high level of live good bacteria is extremely crucial since the digestive tract is a big part of our immune system. If the immune system is weaken, then your body will be under attack by certain diseases, such as, cancer, respiratory, autoimmune disorders, constant diarrhea, yeast infections, constipation, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), risk in developing ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and mouth yeast infections. Can gut bacteria cure or prevent certain diseases and moods?
The role of probiotics plays in the functioning of the body has become more evident to the medical world. Scientists has come to realize the link between the heart, brain, gastrointestinal tract, and mental (mood) state with gut bacteria. The body needs a strong functioning intestinal tract so it can digest and absorb nutrients we consume on a daily basis. The nutrients we receive from foods help feeds the whole body system, such as, nervous system, heart, and brain. Scientists says the human body has asecond brain known as "enteric nervous system (ENS)". It is considered a different type of brain. Therefore, meaning it consists of two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining the gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to the rectum. ENS main role is controlling digestion, breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and expelling of waste. It does not help with the thought processes, conscious thoughts, and decision making like our other brain that is protected by the skull.
Here is a video on "Gut bacteria and health" by Dr. Juliet Ansell...
According to reports in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute colon cancer rates are on the rise among Generation X and Millennial. They are facing four times the risk of colon and rectal cancer as to the baby boomers.
What are the signs my body has too much bad gut bacteria or gut flora imbalance?
Chronic bad breath
Chronic diarrhea
Excess intestinal gas
Constipation
No intestinal gas
Prostate issues
Breast enlargement in men
Candida infection
Chronic anemia
Chronic respiratory problems
Dairy intolerance
Vitamin B deficiencies
Hormonal imbalance
Chronic vaginal infections
Chronic bladder infections
PH balance of your stools
Depression
Bloating
Heartburn/Acid reflux
Constant colds
Behavior issues
How can I restore and improve my gut flora? Fermented foods provide excellent benefits. Fermented foods are packed with probiotics or good bacteria. It is not a new type of food. Fermented foods have been practiced for years in different cultures around the world. For example, the Bulgarians are known for their high consumption of kefir, fermented milk, and yogurt. Bulgaria is one of the countries with people who are 100 years and older. The Asians are known to eat pickled fermentation of cabbage (kimchi), turnips, cucumbers, garlic, eggplants, and carrots. The Germans are known to eat sauerkraut. Studies have shown eating fermented foods (probiotic rich foods) has a positive affect on overall health.
Refrigerated shelves of fermented foods in supermarkets
There are recipes and cooking classes that are available in learning how to make one of the popular forms of fermented foods, kimchi.
Traditional kimchi...
Vegans can enjoy this recipe demo...
No time in making homemade kimchi? OK, no problem. Kimchi can be found at supermarkets and farmer's markets. I suggest when buying store bought kimchi you read the labels! Look at those ingredients on the label closely to make sure there are no chemical preservatives, artificial coloring or flavors, and most important how much sodium is in it. If you are battling high blood pressure, then eat it in moderation.
Ingredients on a bottle of store bought kimchi
If you do not like kimchi, then try sauerkraut.
Store bought sauerkraut *read the ingredient labels
If you just cannot hack the taste or smell of fermented foods, then reach for organic yogurts. There are many versions of yogurts sold at supermarkets that are dairy, soy, dairy free, and soy free. Companies are watching and listening to consumers buying habits and lifestyles. Nowadays, everyone are trying to eat healthy.
dairy free yogurts
Yogurts are consumed with several strains of good bacteria. Yogurts that have more than one strain of bacteria will give the body a better boost.
Ingredients on organic Greek yogurt *you want to see live active multi cultures strains
Plain yogurts are best. Why? You are in control of what you put in the yogurt. The majority of the store bought yogurts have either high fructose corn syrup, high sugar grams, and artificial ingredients. The plain versions you can add your own fresh fruit, honey, maple syrup, nut butters, or whatever toppings you like. The bonus to this method is your whole body system would get a healthy dose of fiber and natural ingredients you've added on your own. Probiotic supplements are another way in getting the good bacteria in your system. Vitamin, supermarkets, and pharmacy stores all have probiotic supplements on their shelves or located in the refrigerator area. When purchasing the supplements make sure there are multi strains of bacteria, no artificial ingredients (colors), no preservatives, no corn, or no soy. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, then make sure the bottle states dairy free. Always keep your probiotics in a cool place.
Eating prebiotic foods helps the gut bacteria to produce nutrients for your gastrointestinal system as well...
Organic dark leafy kale and swiss chard greens
The best prebiotic foods to eat:
Dandelion Greens
Leafy Greens (kale, swiss chard etc.)
Jerusalem Artichoke
Garlic
Onions
Leeks
Asparagus
Bananas
Barley
Apples
Oats
Konjac Root
Cocoa (not processed)
Burdock Root
Flax seeds
Yacon Root
Jicama Root
Seaweed
In conclusion, it is clearly shown how probiotics and a balance of prebiotics helps the whole body connect with one another to sustain a healthy system to thrive. The body will clearly let out a symptom on letting you know something is not right.