In this quest for good health and weight management in 2017 (topped by a much needed end to my dysfunctional relationship with food in general), I’ve been continually exploring the joys and benefits of healthy smo0thies and juices as meal enhancers and replacements.
On my journey, I’ve fallen hard for ginger, ’cause the benefits of this root baby (derived from the Zingiber officinale plant) are extensive, and it also adds warm, spicy flavour and kick to a variety of mixes, especially the green options I’ve been favouring for the past little while.
Among the many health perks are overall immune-boosting and stomach settling. It’s also a powerful anti-ager (AHEM!) thanks in large part to the approximately 40 antioxidant properties that work effectively to prevent damage from free radicals, thereby evening skin tone and upping elasticity. Not too shabby huh!
One of my preferred ‘ginger zingers’ is the following, a custom blend I enjoy at least once weekly at health emporium BioSource in Westmount Square. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think:
GINGER GOES GREEN SOCIAL GAL SMOOTHIE
(Best to use organic, local produce. Mix makes one large 32-ounce smoothie, suitable for meal replacement.)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
- 2 medium bananas, peeled
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 cucumber, with peel
- 1 head greens of choice
- 8 ounces of coconut or purified water
Add ingredients to blender. Enjoy.
Finally, be sure not to overdo the ginger (a pinch goes a long way), but the reverse is true as well and larger amounts could interfere with certain medications like Warfarin, and in some cases, provoke allergic reactions. Note too that ginger is NOT recommended for use by individuals with gallstones, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines.