Let’s Talk About Blueberries!
Let’s Talk About Blueberries! Blueberries are rich sources of a variety of beneficial antioxidants, including flavonoids (mainly anthocyanidins), polyphenols (procyanidin), phenolic acids, pyruvic acid, chlorogenic acid, and many others (Ma et al., 2018). Through these antioxidants (especially polyphenols, anthocyanins, and carotenoids), blueberries have preventative/protective and reductive effects against cancer, obesity, inflammation, aging, degenerative diseases, cognitive […]
Let’s Talk About Dark Leafy Green Vegetables
Let’s Talk About Dark Leafy Greens! Dark leafy greens contain a variety of beneficial antioxidants and micronutrients with a large variety of metabolic, weight/anti-obesity, cardiovascular, arterial, gastrointestinal, dermal (skin), anti-inflammatory, nervous, cognitive, and mood/emotional benefits (Guerrera et al., 2009; Alkhatib et al., 2017; Zurbau et al., 2020; Persia et al., 2022; Erlinger et al., 2001; […]
Brenna’s Low-GI Antioxidant Smoothie
Brenna’s Low Glycemic Load Antioxidant Smoothie This smoothie is based on Kidon ́ et al’s 2022 findings that fruit/veggie-based smoothies that blend raw bananas, pumpkins, purple carrots, lemon juice, and water provide excellent sources of antioxidants including total polyphenols, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and vitamin C that have a variety of potent health benefits, ranging from anti-diabetic […]
Lower Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) Smoothie
Lower Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) Smoothie Persia et al (2022) found that when taken daily for just 7 days, their “Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) Smoothie” significantly lowered C-Reactive Protein (CRP, an inflammatory marker) and raised plasma levels of beta-carotene. Recipe: 8 oz of dark green leafy vegetables (e.g.,, spinach, baby bok choy, or baby kale). […]
High Glycemic Index Foods & “Food Addiction”
High Glycemic Index (GI) Foods & “Food Addiction” High-GI Foods can Trigger “Food Addiction,” Obesity A danger of many commercial smoothies that are: Void of fiber High in artificial sugars and sweeteners High in glycemic load is the threat of an exaggerated reward response, which can lead to “food addiction.” In individuals who are vulnerable […]
Smoothies, Micronutrients, & Polyphenols
Micronutrients & Pholyphenols Although some smoothies may be sugar-laden, many smoothie powders and nearly all smoothies made with real fruits and vegetables (especially colorful ones) have great micronutrient, phytonutrient, & polyphenols benefits. Research Findings on Micronutrient and Polyphenol Benefits in Smoothies 1) Kidon ́ et al., 2022 found fruit/veggie-based smoothies that blend: Raw bananas Pumpkins […]
Smoothies for Weight Management & Diabetes
Smoothies for Weight Management & Diabetes Research suggests that in individuals with overweight or obesity AND Type 2 Diabetes, liquid meal replacements – when used as part of a weight loss diet – lead to: Improved Cardiometabolic Markers: Modest(*) or marginal (**) reductions in: Weight.* BMI.* Systolic blood pressure.* Body fat.** Waist circumference.** HbA1C.** Fasting glucose.** Fasting insulin.** […]
Let’s Talk About Smoothies
Let’s Talk About Smoothies Smoothies are all the rage these days, but are they really all they’re cracked up to be? From the green vegetable variety to the more-like-milkshake fare, we’ve got the skinny on smoothies here. Smoothie Power: The Benefits of Blending Smoothies are “all the rage” these days, and for good reason! They […]
Let’s Talk About Inflammation
Let’s Talk About Inflammation! Inflammation is linked to: 1. Weight Gain & Obesity 2. Cardiovascular disease 3. Diabetes 4. Mood & depression 5. Cognitive function (focus, ADD, & ADHD) 6. Brain Health (e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease) 7. Sports recovery (more inflammation = longer recovery) 8. Immune compromise 9. Irritable bowel disease & gut problems 10. Any […]
