Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Promote Liver Cleanse
Among our very favorite liver health foods are salads dressed with olive oil and lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio.
Grated carrots with olive oil and lemon juice, served as a side dish daily for a week, then two or three times weekly, are a well-known dietary naturopathic liver support.
We like to add watercress and shredded beets, when available.
In a recent article Dr. Isaac Eliaz, MD explained that olive oil promotes bile discharge from the gall bladder, and olive oil and lemons both aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness through secretion of cholecystokinin.
Add to those benefits that lemon peel binds and promotes the elimination of fat-soluble toxins.
Lemon juice also alkalinizes the body. The immune system requires a slightly alkaline environment to function at peak effectiveness.
Mahatma Gandhi, who made a deep study of health practices from the ancient Ayurvedic lore of his native India, said, “Health is alkalinity.” Acid-forming foods include meat, fish, wheat, and rice. Most vegetables and fruits are alkaline-forming. For a full discussion, see this article on HealthLine.
Dr. Eliaz proposes taking a cleansing drink before bed on an empty stomach, or early in the morning upon awakening.
He cautions folks with gallstones or gallbladder disease against taking this drink.
For roughly 3 servings, use 1 organic lemon, 1 tablespoon of EVOO, and about 1 ¼ cups of water. Cut off the ends of the lemon, cut into quarters, and remove the seeds. Blend until smooth. Strain off the pulp, or leave it.
We just might incorporate this practice into our next cleanse retreat!
Mangos Are Nutrient Bombs
Luscious tropical mangos, grown on our property are a favorite fruit treat of our cleanse retreat guests.
Though maligned for its high fructose content, mangos have many upsides. As with many fruits, mangos are packed with polyphenols, a plethora of vitamins and minerals, and dietary fiber.
According to a review by Dr. Joseph Mercola, mangos may have a surprising additional benefit. In a four-week experiment with overweight volunteers with chronic low-grade inflammation, the mango-eating group had lower fasting insulin concentrations, indicating improved insulin sensitivity and improved blood sugar regulation, independent of weight reduction.
The mango eaters also had lower fat cell-related inflammation.
We’re talking fresh or frozen mangos, not dried mango or mango products with added sugar and other refined substances.
We’re also talking restraint, as in consuming a fresh mango several times a week. The mango intake in the study was comparable to one-half fresh mango daily.
Black-Eyed Peas Are Among the Superstars of a Plant-Based Diet
Black-eyed peas are beneficial for liver health, when included as part of a balanced diet.
In addition to being a good source of protein, they are rich in fiber, which can aid in detoxifying the body and removing toxins.
Additionally, black-eyed peas provide iron and antioxidants, both important for overall health and well-being.
Other health benefits include aiding heart health, supporting digestion, and helping with weight management.
May Peace and Happiness Be Ever Yours.
Drs. Connie and Marcel Hernandez
DrConnie@DrsHernandez.com
DrMarcel@DrsHernandez.com
650-796-9631 (voice and text)