And I don't mean an environmentally friendly smoothie. I literally mean a Kermit the frog colored smoothie!
I am also having to take a steroid for the inflammation inside my lungs (I also have asthma). Steroids have a tendency to make you retain fluid. Retaining fluid makes me feel bad. Couple that with the fact that antibiotics can kill off your good bacteria and you need to do something with good nutrition to help your body out as it limps along during an illness, like a respiratory infection. And that's where the green smoothie enters the stage.
I must warn you though. This smoothie is different. It tastes very green and it might not be your favorite smoothie of all time. It takes some getting used to. I don't mean to say that it's nasty and will make you gag. It's actually very good. It just tastes green and earthy. Very different from the usual fruit filled smoothie!
Why this smoothie is helpful:
Parsley has a diuretic effect. It helps promote effective digestion and has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. It's been used to treat and prevent kidney stones. It can help relieve flatulence, urinary tract infections and has been used to help with the discomforts of menstruation, menopause and asthma. Parsley has been proven to help bring up phelgm from the lungs and so is an effective treatment of coughs and chest congestion.
The enzyme bromelain found in pineapple, has been studied and found effective in thinning mucus and therefore helpful in treating lung disorders, such as respiratory infections and asthma. It is thought to improve immune function and has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have also shown bromelain effective in helping enhance the healing effects of antibiotics.
The additional of yogurt in this smoothie is critical for helping good bacteria stay active in your system. When we take antibiotics, it kills all bacteria. Good and bad.
With all these benefits, it's easy to see why drinking one of these green smoothies during an illness such as a respiratory infection would be most helpful!
The smoothie's calorie total is about 100, depending on the brands and types of ingredients you choose to use.
Green Smoothie (1 serving)
Blend the following in a blender until smooth and creamy and serve immediately.
1 cup of fresh flat leaf parsley, stems and leaves
1/4 cup of frozen pineapple
2 teaspoons of organic honey or 1 packet of stevia
1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1/4 cup of fat free, plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup water
A few cubes of ice