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 lettuce
BUT…
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. 💚
