Liver Love Smoothie
How does this smoothie give your liver lots of love?
It promotes all 3 phases of liver detox thanks to the rich polyphenol, antioxidant, protein and fiber compounds built into the recipe!
Liver Detox: The Spark Notes
Phase 1 —> Gathering toxins from bodily tissues and transforming them from fat soluble into water soluble compounds
Supported by colorful fruits and veggies, rich sources of B vitamins and glutathione
Recipe Highlights: Sulfur-rich veggies like cauliflower as well as cilantro, parsley and lemon juice support phase 1!
Phase 1-2 intermediaries —> The compounds in this phase are highly reactive (think: toxic free radicals). Liver detox is not complete if toxins get trapped here!
Keep moving things along through this phase with antioxidants and bioflavonoids
Recipe Highlights: Bioflavonoid foods like citrus peels, and potent antioxidants like pomegranate, ginger and blueberry; brazil nuts are also a rich source of the antioxidant selenium!
Phase 2 —> Conjugation of water soluble molecules to be flushed out of the body
Support this phase with amino acids from protein and methylation nutrients
Recipe highlights: Bioavailable protein sources like those found in bone broth protein (or whey for those who tolerate dairy), and methylation nutrients like proline and glycine found in collagen
Phase 3 —> Removal of toxins via peeing, pooping or sweating
For pooping (since my focus is gut health!) —> Drink fluids and eat fiber!
Recipe highlights: Ground flaxseed and leafy greens are both great at supporting regularity
What you need:
Handful of organic cilantro
Handful of organic parsley
Raw peeled ginger root (~2 inch piece)
Large handful of organic leafy greens (I use spinach and chard)
1 cup frozen organic cauliflower rice
1 cup organic blueberries
Flesh of 1 small organic lemon
1/2 T lemon zest (make sure you use an organic lemon for this!)
1/2 cup organic pomegranate juice (100% juice only)
2 T (heaping) ground flaxseed
1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk + water to dilute (~8-12 oz, add more as needed)
3 brazil nuts
3 scoops of collagen protein (or 2 scoops of unflavored or vanilla bone broth protein)
Optional bonus ingredient*: Raw turmeric root or a few shakes of the powder
*Pro tip: Turmeric is special in that it supports both phases 1 and 2 of liver detox!
How you do it:
Throw it all in a blender (high speed!)
Pour into a bowl with toppings of choice (I like chopped nuts/blueberries)!
Makes 2 servings
