Berries Smoothie to boost my day
- Dr. Esther Levy-Bremer, DACM, L.A.c.
- Feb 16, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: May 3
After finishing my morning walk or when I need an energy boost, I turn to my shake maker.
Berries are known to be super foods since they are abundant with vitamins A, B, C, E, and K and minerals potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and more. Thus, they help strengthen our blood (blood deficiency signs such as hair loss, tiredness, brittle nails, pale skin, and some forms of dizziness).
It's rich with antioxidants, thus helping cleanse the blood from harmful toxins.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of assorted berries- fresh or frozen (try to get the assorted kind with cherries).
- 1-2 large, fresh dates (I like to use Maghull dates since they are very juicy).
- 1 Tsp of Cacao Powder
- 2 tsp of freshly ground chia seeds.
- 1 tbsp of your favorite nut butter; I used tahini for its nutritious benefits here.
- 2 cups of nut milk of your choice; here, I used soy milk- no added sugar.
- 1 leaf of kale.
Preparation:
1. Grind your chia seeds with a coffee or spice grinder.
2. Rinse the berries under water while waiting for the gel to form.
Some people like to buy frozen berries for their smoothies. Although very tasty, it can, from a
Chinese medicine's point of view is too cold for our digestive system, thus making it harder for the
digestive process to happen. To avoid this, rinse the berries under warm water and let them come to
room temperature.
3. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender for 2 minutes. My favorite blender is the Vitamix blender because I love the texture, but any blender or shake maker works just as well!
From a Western point of view,
Berries are known to be super foods since they are abundant with vitamins A, B, C, E, K, and minerals: potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and more, thus helping strengthen our blood (blood deficiency signs such as hair loss, tiredness, brittle nails, pale skin, some forms of dizziness).
It's rich with anti-oxidants, thus helping cleanse the blood from harmful toxins and keeping inflammation out!
Berries support our kidneys- they assist those who have excessive urination and are beneficial for both male and female fertility.
They are known to lower cholesterol levels, are anti-carcinogenic, and are fiber-rich.
Dates- are abundant in vitamins B and A and minerals such as iron, potassium, copper, and magnesium, all of which are important to help nourish and build a healthy body. They support our digestive system and are high in fiber (which is excellent for pregnancy, constipation, and keeping clean cells). Dates nourish the blood and keep us satiated.
Cacao powder- Cacao is not only tasty for many people but is also known to have many amazing health benefits. First off, cacao is packed with nutrients. Iron, magnesium, potassium, flavonols, and B vitamins can help with anemia, constipation, and morning sickness, lower blood pressure, improve cognitive functions, fight inflammation, and reduce emotional stress.
Chia seeds- are abundant with omega-3 fatty acids that support our brain functions, keep us energized, and help clean our blood.
Kale- is a dark leafy green, abundant with anti-oxidants, vitamins A, K, B, and C, and minerals such as iron, potassium, copper, and calcium. It helps to keep our cells clean and keep inflammation away.
Adding kale to a smoothie is a great way to get all of its benefits for those who do not like its flavor.
From a Chinese medical point of view,
This super-simple-to-make smoothie is a great way to support blood formation and is especially for women with blood deficiency with symptoms such as tiredness, brittle nails, cold, insomnia, thin hair, and pale face.
Berries help with digestion, health, and blood deficiency, so they help boost a woman's energy when low and aid with constipation.
Kale helps heal the stomach from ulcers, anti-inflammatory.
Dates support blood formation, which helps women with blood deficiency symptoms (anemia).
Sesame Seeds are very nutritious and are a great source of iron, which is beneficial for people who tend to be blood deficient. They help to moisten the intestines (benefit constipation).
Citations:
Pitchford, P. (2009). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books.
Spritzler, F. (2019, April 24). 11 reasons why berries are among the healthiest foods on Earth. Healthline. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from ps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-reasons-to-eat-berries
Gunnars, K. (2018, June 29). 10 health benefits of kale. Healthline. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-kale
Elliott, B. (2018, March 21). 8 proven health benefits of dates. Healthline. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-dates
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