I just learned about something called a “LIFE” SMOOTHIE and I’ve got to tell you about it…
“LIFE” Smoothie stands for Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday. And new research suggests that drinking just 1 LIFE SMOOTHIE each day can increase immune boosting antioxidants in the blood & lower inflammation…in just 7 DAYS!
Why is reducing inflammation important? High levels of inflammation have been associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer. So keeping inflammation down is a good idea.
Although this was a small study, what stood out to me is that inflammation markers went down in JUST 7 DAYS by making only ONE CHANGE, drinking the smoothie. So, of course I needed to find the exact smoothie recipe used in this research!
8 ounces (by weight) spinach or other DGLV* + 2.25 cups blueberries + 1 banana + 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder + 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 1/2 cup soy milk (plain or vanilla) or unsweetened vanilla almond milk + 1/2 cup water.*Examples of DGLV (dark green leafy vegetables)
spinach, kale, collard greens, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, arugula, Swiss chard, endive, asparagus, mustard greens, beet greens, mache, broccolini, broccoli rabe, radish greens, watercress, escarole, romaine, green leaf lettuceBUT…
Making just one LIFE Smoothie can be expensive and uses nearly 2 containers of greens & that doesn’t feel realistic to do on a daily basis.
SO…
I decided to make a MINI version of the LIFE Smoothie. Although it’s unlikely to get the same results as the study because mine is a MINI VERSION, I love that it’s a more realistic way to get in those powerful anti-inflammatory foods regularly. So here it is…
MINI “LIFE” SMOOTHIE
In a blender, puree ingredients until smooth.
1/2 cup berries
1/2 banana
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
DRINK A MINI “LIFE” SMOOTHIE DAILY FOR THE NEXT 7 DAYS. Enjoy as a snack or pair w/ a meal & see how you feel. If it feels good, consider making it a regular part of your food life. 💚
Eva Poola says
I just tried it for 9 days & then had a bloodtest.
My CRP now is 1.2.
Dec. 6, CRP was 30. I have GCA & have been on Prednisone since Apr.2021.
I ´m very happy to have discovered this smoothie
from Dr. D. Dunaief,
It tastes quite nice & I alternate the suggested greens.
DJ Blatner, RDN says
Thank you for sharing your results, very inspiring! It is a great smoothie & I love the research on it! Also love that you alternate the greens!
Marlie Kelsey says
My CRP drop is not as dramatic but still going in the right direction. Mine went from 9.4 to 7.3. I am now reducing my Prednisone from 5 to 4 mg so looking forward to seeing if this smoothie will help keeping me going in the right direction. I was diagnosed May 2021 with GCA and started on 40mg of PREDNISONE.
DJ Blatner, RDN says
Hey Marlie! Thank you for sharing your experience here & how excellent that your CRP is going down. Your body is loving you for the changes you are making! Great stuff! xx DJB
Julie says
Is there any reason I couldn’t add protein powder also?
DJ Blatner, RDN says
YES! Add protein powder to make it a more well-rounded smoothie!! It has much more staying power when you add protein. Enjoy!
Corinne says
I’ve had two of these the past few days and I love it! Which if the other DLG would be most mild in this? I’d like to switch it up from spinach sometimes. Thanks!
DJ Blatner, RDN says
Hey Corinne! I’m so glad you are enjoy the LIFE SMOOTHIE. I add protein powder to mine for more staying power. LOVE the idea of switching up your Dark Leafy Greens (DLG)!!! The most mild are SPINACH, “BABY” KALE, ENDIVE, WATERCRESS, ROMAINE, GREEN LEAF LETTUCE, and CAULIFLOWER. Other options are collard greens, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, arugula, Swiss chard, asparagus, mustard greens, beet greens, mache, broccolini, broccoli rabe, radish greens, escarole.