COOL AID
The greens in this yummy, antioxidant-rich avocado toast recipe help to tackle toxins & reduce inflammation.
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We've been on a morning toast kick lately, blending fresh herbs with whipped cream cheese, and slathering that across our toast, with a sprinkle of arugula. Or my hubs' personal fave: peanut butter & honey finished with delicate banana slices. A classic. But this amped-up avocado toast might just be my favorite for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
One of the ideas we often try to re-shape in our patients' minds is the whole detox thing. In our culture, detoxes are generally thought of as temporary and quick "purges," with the goal of losing weight fast, or simply giving the body a "deep clean." The problem with this concept is that, when processes like detoxing are quick, that often means they are harsh on our systems. Over time, this can affect our health in a negative way.
It's much more beneficial to think of detoxing as a gentle and consistent approach; regular habits built into our lifestyles, through practices like daily exercise (read: breaking a sweat!) and mindful eating. Consuming specific foods on a regular basis can help do this for us.
Radishes, in my opinion, are highly undervalued in our Western society. However, you'll notice that radishes are prized and highly utilized in most Asian cuisines, with the daikon radish being the shining star in a variety of dishes. This is because of the excellent detoxifying capabilities that radishes offer. From a traditional Chinese medicine standpoint, they are known to clear heat, expel dampness and phlegm, and eliminate toxins - all the underlying patterns that precede issues like gut inflammation, candida, and more.
But detoxing goes beyond just gut health and is imperative for our vascular health, as well. Many leafy greens are helpful for purifying blood and decongesting the liver, by aiding the body in removing toxins that would otherwise pass through the liver.
Watercress has traditionally been used as a diuretic, digestive aid, and even expectorant - that means it can be used as a remedy for coughs, sore throats, and general upper respiratory inflammation. Watercress, in TCM, not only lubricates the lungs but clears heat and is excellent for removing toxins from the blood. And in case you haven't heard, watercress was even deemed the "healthiest food" in the world by the CDC.
Both artichokes and avocados help to nourish blood, clear heat and cool the body down. Avocados also help to nourish yin, which is helpful if longstanding excess heat and inflammation in the body have depleted moisture and contributed to dryness.
The medley of flavors and nutrition in this tasty toast are sure to satisfy your senses and your body. Let us know what you think!
Yum.