Circulation Booster Smoothie with Gingko, Galensoga and Dandelion
Did you know you can add gingko leaves to your smoothie. Gingko is used for numerous health complaints because of its antifungal, antioxidant, antitussive (relieves or suppresses coughing), astringent, circulatory stimulant, expectorant, kidney tonic, rejuvenating and sedative properties. Its most powerful effect is on the circulatory system and you will probably have heard of its positive effect on memory because it dilates the capillaries which increases blood circulation and oxygen levels in the body, hence increasing your brain function. It is also known to help prevent clotting because it acts like aspirin to thin the blood. (If you are on blood thinners check with your GP about taking Gingko).
I combined a handful of gingko leaves with a handful of galensoga and dandelion leaves. Galensoga contains lots of protein: 3.2g in 100gm (higher than spinach which has 2.9g protein in 100gms), calcium: 284g per 100gm (parsley 140gm), Vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, zinc, B1, B2, B3 and Vitamin C.
In a 2007 study at the University of Kwa-Zulu, Durban, South Africa, 16 herbs were studied for possible ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors, which are also made synthetically by drug companies to treat high blood pressure, help prevent hypertension and cardiovascular disease. One of the herbs found to exhibit ACE inhibitors and so help improve blood flow was Galinsoga parviflora or guascas.
Dandelion leaves contain high amounts of Vitamins A, B and C, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, and other minerals. They also contain protein 19-32% in 100g. That is an impressive amount just from green leaves.
Dandelion leaves are bitter which improves and stimulates digestion. They also help lower cholesterol levels, and increase blood and lymph circulation. Dandelion is also well known for being highly medicinal for the liver, gallbladder and kidneys.
On the right is the whizzed up smoothie in a field of galensoga. It tasted rich, creamy and delicious and my circulatory system got a buzz!!
Here is the recipe:
1 handful of fresh gingko leaves
1handful of fresh galensoga leaves
1 smal handful of dandelion leaves
1/2 green apple cucumber
1 green apple
2 small bananas
4 feijoas
2 cardamon pods freshly ground
1 tsp chia seeds ground with 2 tsp pumpkin seeds in a coffee grinder
2 cups water
Place the greens in the blender chopped up a bit
Add the water and blend.
Add the cucumber and fruit, ground chia, pumpkin seeds and cardamon pods.
Blend again and enjoy! Mmmm
