Increase Nutrients to Reduce Inflammation
Dr. Bryan Stephens
I have found one of the best ways that I am able to help my 5 year old drink a green smoothie is by finding ways to incorporate strawberries into the mix. It is even better when she helps make them with me. She thinks it is fun to put everything in the blender and turn it on while I appreciate the habits she is forming while adding in nutritious foods. While I will be the first to admit that her choices of what to add don’t always make the best combination as far as taste is concerned, her most recent attempt went over very well. The latest concoction was a spin on a strawberry lemonade. It was still refreshing without having all the sugar that usually goes along with lemonades.
It also had the bonus of being packed with nutrition. Besides getting tons of micronutrients and fiber from the spinach, there are other great benefits to this drink. The lemon and strawberry give it the refreshing taste I mentioned earlier while also helping provide vitamin c, antioxidants, and iron. Lemons are also a good source of pectin fiber which helps you feel fuller after eating. Cucumbers also add to the smoothie by carrying high amounts of fiber and vitamin k.
Essentially, by having a diverse number of fruits and vegetables, the nutrient content increases and helps give a better foundation for overall health. This is what is meant by a balanced diet. This is why I am always happy to help my daughter make a different smoothie and share the good recipes with you.
References
Danijela Bursać Kovačević, Dora Brdar, Patricia Fabečić, Francisco J. Barba, Jose M. Lorenzo, Predrag Putnik, Chapter 2 – Strategies to achieve a healthy and balanced diet: fruits and vegetables as a natural source of bioactive compounds, Editor(s): Francisco J. Barba, Predrag Putnik, Danijela Bursać Kovačević, Agri-Food Industry Strategies for Healthy Diets and Sustainability, Academic Press, 2020, Pages 51-88, ISBN 9780128172261, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817226-1.00002-3.
Ingredients
- ½ organic cucumber
- ½ organic lemon
- ½ cup of organic strawberries
- 1 cup organic spinach
- ¼ cup organic unsalted almonds
- Filtered water
Add ingredients and blend until smooth.
Our Message
Our St. Louis Park Chiropractors located in the West End, near the corner of MN-100 S & Lake Rd./Westside Dr., know how to get you out of pain through better movement AND making sure you are getting the proper nutrients. We also teach our patients how to manage their stress for optimal health. When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you, choose one who will not only help reduce inflammation to reduce shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, and headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle so you can stay out of pain.