Spring is in the air! There are little sprouts of color here and there. It gives me a little bounce in my step and lightness in my body to breathe the fresh air. To smell the life and new growth. Spring is a great time to re-evaluate what you are eating. As we leave the colder winter months behind us, so should we step away from the heavier, more warming, comforting foods. This is the time to re-introduce fresh greens into your diet.
By now, we have all heard about how good kale is for you. This is true, but I wanted to bring some attention to a green that many of us know, but probably find annoying when they pop up in your grass. Dandelion greens. These guys are on the bitter and some what peppery side of the flavor profile. This means they are great for digestion. They help the liver stimulate bile, which aids in digestion and helps your body in the removal of toxins. Below is a list of the some of the health benefits of eating dandelion greens.
Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens:
Purify blood
settle digestion
1 serving of dandelion greens has 535% DV of Vitamin K and 112% DV of Vitamin A
They are the most important source of any other plant-based food to strengthen bones
Anti-cancer
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-oxidant
Improves skin and vision
Is a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, B6, Thiamin, Riboflavin, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, copper
You can eat dandelion greens raw, but they may seem a little too bitter at first. You can lightly steam them, or saute them with some olive oil and minced garlic. You can also add them to your salad greens to make a mixed greens salad. Below is a recipe that I came up with. It is the perfect spring elixir. The addition of ginger and fennel make this juice wonderfully calming to a sensitive stomach. Be warned, there are no sweet fruits or veggies added to this. It is bitter yet refreshing! A great alternative to your morning coffee :)
Tummy Taming Detox Green Juice
Ingredients:
1 celery stalk
1/2 large organic cucumber
1/2 small bulb fresh fennel
1 inch piece fresh organic ginger
1 bunch dandelion greens
1 organic lemon
Directions:
Wash all of the ingredients. If you don't have organic ingredients, make sure to discard the peels on the cucumber, lemon and ginger. Chop all ingredients into 2 inch pieces. Place in juicer. Drink immediately.
You can save any left overs in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. I usually save half for the next morning.
Happy Spring!
Yours in health,
Renee Koczkodan
Certified Holistic Health Coach
www.ReneeKHealthCoaching.com.