After finishing my morning walk or when I feel like getting an energy boost, I turn to my shake maker.
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 chia seeds.
- 1 tbsp of your favorite nut butter; here, I used tahini for its nutritious benefits.
- 2 cups of nut milk of your choice; here, I used soy milk- no added sugar.
- 1 leaf of kale
Preparation:
1. Some people like to buy frozen berries for their smoothies. Although very tasty, it can, from a Chinese medical point of view, be too cold for our digestive system, thus making it harder for the digestive process to happen. In order to avoid this from happening- rinse the berries under warm water to raise them to room temperature.
2. Combine all ingredients together in a food processor or a smoothie maker for about 1 minute and enjoy!
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 high in fiber.
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 great 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, it is also known to have so many amazing health benefits. First off, cacao is packed with nutrients. Among them are iron, magnesium, potassium, flavonols, and B vitamins, which can help with anemia, and constipation, 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 makes an amazing way to support blood formation, and is especially for women with Blood-deficiency with symptoms such as tiredness, brittle nails, feeling cold, insomnia, thin hair, and pale face.
Cherries help with digestion, health, and blood deficiency, so they help boost a woman's energy when low and aid 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 a great source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, and more, are all beneficial for women who tend to be deficient in blood. 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
Keith's Cacao. (n.d.). Cacao & Motherhood. Keith's Cacao. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.keithscacao.com/blogs/keiths-cacao-blog/cacao-mothers-cacao-babies-cacao-in-pregnancy-childbirth-breastfeeding-and-beyond#:~:text=Studies%20have%20also%20shown%20that,natural%20remedy%20for%20morning%20sickness.