Tuesday, December 23, 2014

"Three Minor Colds in Nine Years!"

Green, Green, Green is Healthy, Healthy, Healthy!

"Three Minor Colds in Nine Years!"

Loren's Note: (Riddle, OR, 12/23/2014) The last time I was down with the flu was nine years ago during the Christmas/New Year's break, 2005. Since then I have only had three very minor colds which only lasted for less than 24 hours each. I have never had a flu shot - except for this "shot" of green power Ruth makes every morning. I asked her to write up the recipe so we could share it with our friends. Here it is. To Your Health! Enjoy!


The Power of the Green Drink

Blenderizing Veggies for More Nutrition

The walls of plant cells are made of cellulose that human digestive enzymes can’t digest.  Blenderizing breaks down these cell walls and releases the nutrients which can then be absorbed.

These are the most important vegetables to include in your blender — vegetables marked with an asterisk (*) need to be steamed before blenderizing:

¨       Collard greens
¨       Parsley
¨       Celery
¨       Cauliflower
¨       Red cabbage
¨       Savoy cabbage
¨       Spinach
¨       Broccoli*
¨       Brussels sprouts*
¨       Kale*

These vegetables have been shown to be the most powerful in preventing a number of health challenges.  They contain a number of flavonoids that are powerful and versatile antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They also contain antibacterial and antiviral flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, and anthocyanidins.

Ingredients - Basic
Water - 1-2 C. 
Kale (See note below)
Swiss Chard
Cabbage
Asparagus – 2 Tbs.  (See note below)
Avocado - 1/4th slice
Pinch of salt (Optional)

Instructions
  • Start with 1 cup of water
  • Add handful each of kale, Swiss chard, cabbage, or greens of choice
  • Blend high speed add avocado,
  • Add water to make liquid rise to 2 cup mark.
  • Serve – one cup for me and one cup for hubby!


Notes:
  •            Asparagus can be used in any form. It is an excellent immune builder.  I usually blend a can or use home cooked asparagus then pour it into ice trays.  When frozen put them in a zip-lock bag.  Add 1-2 cubes with the fresh vegetables.
  •      When first starting the green drink, use fewer greens or only one type.  If you are not used to high volume of greens in your diet you might experience a “healing crisis” as your body tries to get rid of too many toxins at once.
  •      During high flu season I will sometimes add a tablespoon of freeze dried greens.  Most of them are good.  I use what is called “Green Shield.” 
  •      Reason for lightly steaming broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale is because these contain nutrients that are considered goitrogenic—meaning they interfere with healthy thyroid hormone production. If too many of these vegetables are eaten raw they can cause a low thyroid response, which leads to weight gain, mood swings and depression.  By lightly steaming them it will cancel that response.
  •      Do not blend too long, as the water will start to heat up, thus destroying some of the delicate nutrients.
  •      Because of the high density in blenderizing your greens, it is important to use organic or home grown vegetables.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

It is always important to eat a variety of berries, fruits, and vegetables, because all have unique health benefits. Like vegetables, all berries and fruits should be thoroughly washed with a vegetable wash before eating or blenderizing.  We use GSE (grapefruit seed extract), it is not harmful and has immune building properties.   You need only 15-20 drops in a half a sink of water.