Summer Radish + Artichoke Avocado Toast

COOL AIDQUICK + EASYVEGANBREAKFASTSNACKS

Henry and I have been on somewhat of a morning toast kick lately, blending fresh herbs with whipped cream cheese, then 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.

Watercress, avocados and artichokes, oh my! The greens in this yummy, antioxidant-rich avocado toast recipe help to tackle toxins & reduce inflammation. And don’t forget the healing power of summer radishes. Read on to learn about these little garden gems and why they’re one of the best (and most underrated) detox foods out there.

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Why I Love This Recipe: Let’s Talk TCM

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.

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Ingredients:

4 slices of gluten-free bread

1 large ripe avocado (or 2 medium)

1/2 lime, juiced
1/8 cup watercress, chopped
1 small spring/summer radish, thinly sliced
2 artichoke hearts, sliced in half
Salt + Pepper

Why You'll Love This Recipe: Gut-Boosting Goodness

Quick & Easy: This is the perfect grab-and-go light meal or snack that still packs an impressive nutrient punch. Ready in 10 minutes - you can’t beat that!

Gut Healing & Detoxifying: Radishes address issues of “dampness,” which means they can benefit gut issues, lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and even prevent gallstones.

Rich in Magnesium & Potassium: These superstar minerals are excellent on their own – and even better together! Both are necessary for supporting heart, bone & muscle health.

Impressive Watercress Benefits: Deemed one of the “healthiest foods” in the world by the CDC, watercress is an antioxidant that is rich in vitamin K & C that can reduce your risk of cancer and chronic diseases, improve vascular health, lower cholesterol and more!

Fiber-Rich: The ingredients in this easy recipe are fiber-rich and anti-inflammatory – meaning your gut will thank you later.

How to Make This Recipe (Summary)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slice ripe avocados in half, scoop out insides - removing the pit - and mash with lime juice, chopped watercress, salt and pepper.
Spread evenly onto each bread slice, top with radish slices and artichoke heart halves and then add a dash of salt, pepper and remaining chopped watercress.
Toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes then serve.