Let’s Talk About Cilantro!

Let’s Talk About Cilantro! Cilantro is a form of Coriandrum sativum along with coriander and Chinese parsley. Research suggests coriander offers beneficial properties, particularly related to liver health, detoxification, heavy metal detoxification, skin infections, glucose utilization, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, as well as anxiety and pain (Abascal & Yarnell 2012). https://www.innerpath.com.au/matmed/research/Coriandrum%5EsativumACT2012185.pdf   Kidon ́ […]

Let’s Talk About Purple Carrots!

Let’s Talk About Purple Carrots! Purple carrots are major sources of the antioxidants carotenoids and phenolic acid (as well as other polyphenols), with twice as much a- and b-carotene as other carrot colors. Purple carrots also contain anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid antioxidants that are more stable in purple carrots than in other sources) (Kidon […]

Let’s Talk About Bananas!

Let’s Talk About Bananas! Bananas are great natural sweeteners but they also have tons of micronutrient benefits! Generally known for their mineral electrolytes. They are great sources of potassium as well as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. These are all critical for muscle, heart, brain, and nervous system function. Bananas are also great sources of […]

Let’s Talk About Pumpkin!

Let’s Talk About Pumpkin! Pumpkin is a rich source of dietary antioxidant vitamins (e.g., Vitamins A, E, and C), carotenoids (e.g., B-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), and phenolic compounds (e.g., caffein acid, gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and rutin). It is also a great source of dietary fiber, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. Because of […]

Smoothies & The Gut Microbiome

Smoothies and the Gut Microbiome The University of Minnesota recently conducted an interesting study in which 34 subjects provided detailed dietary records of all food and beverages consumed daily for 17 days and daily fecal samples used for microbiome sampling (also for 17 days)(Johnson et al., 2019). The researchers correlated daily microbiome samplings with personalized […]

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). […]

Hormone Support Super Smoothie

Go and Glow Super Smoothie Go and Glow Smoothie This super smoothie has protein, antioxidants, adaptogens for stamina and hormone- & adrenal balancing and fiber. Great for the brain, gut, adrenals, skin, hair, EVERYTHING! Other benefits include maximum nutrient absorption (in smoothie form) and super alkaline pH (promotes muscle use/growth/repair). In a blender, combine: 4oz of organic edamame. 100g […]

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.** […]