Today, the Advocate introduces a new column by registered holistic nutritionist Kristin Fraser of Inner Glow Consulting. Fraser, who holds a bachelor of science degree, offers down-to-earth advice on the prevention of illness and disease through what you eat. She will also delve into controversial debates on health and introduce readers to resources in Central Alberta. Her column appears every second week.
Stressed? Lacking energy? Feeling blah?
The answer may be simpler than you think.
Chlorophyll, found in dark leafy green vegetables, is the first product of light from the sun. So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to hear it called nature’s greatest healer. It should be having us want to plate up the spinach! But not so fast — I know what you all are thinking — who eats that stuff?
The foundation of all plant life, chlorophyll cleanses and oxygenates the blood, giving us energy and endurance. If you have been injured or feeling sick, it will flush toxins, purify the liver and rejuvenate cells and tissue, speeding up the healing process to get you back to your energetic self. It is also known as one of the greatest bone builders because of its high mineral content.
Not only do greens give us energy, but they help to offset stress and so are great for our busy lifestyles.
If you know a hairdresser or a welder or someone who works with heavy metals or toxins, chlorophyll is known to chelate or bind with heavy metals, helping to keep your body safe from the harmful effects of these substances.
If you know a smoker, it is also known to latch onto those nasty carcinogenic substances.
Bottom line, consuming chlorophyll rich foods will improve your health. The greener the better.
There’s just not much bad to say about this miracle substance.
It is so powerful yet it is one of the foods most lacking in our diets. That’s because no matter how great it sounds, it still has to taste good or it’s just not going into our mouths. I get that. So let’s be honest: To the average person, greens are just not all that appealing to eat. Spinach, kale, swiss chard — dark leafy greens — how often are these in your grocery cart?
There are ways to get them in your diet without eating like a rabbit.
Take the Green Smoothie, for example. I think you’ll be surprised to see that adding a handful of spinach to a fruit smoothie will only make it look green. The taste will still be fruity and you can look forward to feeling the benefits.
And kids think it’s really fun.
If you don’t want to do that, you can just buy liquid chlorophyll from your health food store and drink a shot of it every day. It’s perfect for getting rid of that morning groggy feeling.
Chase it with a slice of an orange.
Steaming your greens and adding a little lemon juice is also a great side dish. I like to sprinkle a little bit of goat or garlic and herb boursin cheese on top for a special treat.
But I warn you, the more you consume the more you will crave. Don’t believe me?
See for yourself. Popeye knew what he was doing.
“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.” — Doug Larson
Green Smoothie
1 peeled orange
1 banana
1 cup blueberries or strawberries (fresh or frozen)
large handful fresh spinach
1- 2 cups water
ice to your liking
Add VEGA Protein powder or 3 tbsp of hemp seeds if desired.
Kristin Fraser, BSc, is a local freelance columnist. She can be reached at kristin_fraser@hotmail.com