You’ve probably seen them growing wild on your lawn for years and never realized what a rich nutrient source they were. We’re talking about dandelions, the leaves of those common weed flowers many consider a lawn maintenance nuisance. But they’re clearly misunderstood!
Dandelion Greens
Benefits of Dandelion Greens include:
• high in minerals, especially magnesium
• a mild, natural diuretic with superior nutritional protective support
• keeps the kidneys from building up waste products
• prevents the body’s tissues from retaining too much fluid
• helps restore damaged tissue and protect against inflammation
• assists the liver with cleansing the blood
Of course, you should avoid pulling dandelion weeds in your yard for ingestion if you’re in a heavily polluted area or if chemicals have been used on the grounds. It’s much healthier to eat organic or wildly harvested dandelion leaves.
Goji Berries
Also known as wolfberries, goji berries are one of the best food sources for optimal performance and longevity. This super nutrient has long been used in Asia for inflammatory-related disorders such as asthma, allergies, chronic pain, and cancer.
Benefits of Goji Berries include:
• contains all 18 amino acids and mega doses of vitamins A ,B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E
• contains more vitamin C by weight than any other food
• contains more iron than spinach as well as 21other key trace minerals
• very high in the phytonutrient anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, vital nutrients for healthy eyes and nervous system
• rich in Lycium barbarum polysaccharides which enhance immunity and are
• a preferred fuel source of good intestinal bacteria
• modulates immunity and reduces inflammation
• enhances detoxification within the body
• helps remove metabolic waste products that accumulate in muscles during exertion
• supports the liver and protects it from damage during intense exercise
• rich source of sesquiterpenoids which help to stimulate human growth hormone secretion by the pituitary gland
• contains L-arginine and L-glutamine and potassium
• helps support key endocrine glands such as the adrenals, thymus, thyroid, and pituitary
• enhances the body’s ability to successfully adapt to stress
Coconut Water
Coconut water, the liquid that comes from a fresh young coconut, is well-known for its plethora of health benefits. In fact, some consider it the purest liquid second only to water. Often referred to as the water of life, coconut water can and has been used as a blood plasma substitute.
Benefits of Coconut Water include:
• a potent source of electrolytes, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and natural sugar.
• a top source for potassium and magnesium
• replaces fluids and minerals the body loses during physical activities
• water can reduce urinary and kidney problems by promoting electrolyte balance and hydration
• an excellent treatment for edema, muscle cramps, constipation, anxiety, PMS and numerous other ailments
• helps those with heart problems and high blood pressure
Now let’s put those nutritious ingredients to good use with this green smoothie recipe:
Dandelion, Goji Berry, Coconut Green Smoothie
Ingredients
3 Organic Dandelion Leaves
3 Organic Kale Leaves
1/2 cup Goji Berries (soaked in water for an hour; save soak water)
1 Banana
1 cup Fresh Pineapple Chunks
1 cup Coconut Water
Directions
Wash dandelion and kale leaves thoroughly.
Soak goji berries in filtered water for an hour.
Save the soak water to use in the smoothie.
Cut up banana and pineapple into chunks.
Add bananas and pineapples to your blender or Vitamix.
Add dandelion and kale leaves.
Add soaked goji berries along with the soak water.
Add coconut water to your blender.
Blend thoroughly until smooth and rich.
Now drink up and enjoy!
Have you used coconut water, dandelion greens or goji berries in your smoothies? Share your reactions, recipes and suggestions with us.
“This post is shared at Weekend Wholefood Blender Party”
I simply want to say I am just newbie to weblog and definitely loved you’re web-site. Most likely I’m likely to bookmark your site . You actually come with wonderful articles. Thanks for sharing your web page.
Forgive my stupidity, but I can’t for that life of me discover your sites rss feeds. Mind directing me to it? Many thanks.
Thanks for asking. The link to the RSS feed is in the right sidebar of the blog.
Magnificent goods from you. I’ve seen your site previously and you’re just extremely
great. I really like what you’ve bought here, certainly like what you’re saying and the
way in which you assert it. You are making it entertaining and
you continue to keep it wise. I can not wait to learn far more from
you. This is really a tremendous website.