Tag: pcos

Self-Love Heart Beet Ginger Smoothie for Inflammation

Learn why beets and ginger are staples in my medicine cabinet.

Beets offer many health benefits due to their numerous antioxidants. For starters, they contain betalains which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, therefore, promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health. Betalains have even been shown to help suppress tumor growth in studies on multiple cancer cell lines and animal models. Other antioxidants found in beets include manganese, which helps regulate glucose metabolism, and vitamin C (in the greens). Beet greens also contain lutein which is known for maintaining eye health. For women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, beets’ folate, vitamin B and iron content makes this vegetable a worthy smoothie addition.  Finally, betaine, an amino acid found in beets, can act as an antidepressant.

Beet Ginger Smoothie
Beet Ginger Smoothie

Ginger has been used as a herbal medicine for years and is currently one of the most researched spices. Last year a study reported that daily ginger consumption lowered fasting blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. Previously, a randomized controlled trial demonstrated that ginger decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These promising results demonstrate how beneficial ginger may be for women with PCOS.

Ingredients:

  • 3 small fresh beets (steamed or raw) or 6 small canned beets (I store prepped beets in the freezer for a thicker smoothie)
  • 1 scoop plant-based protein powder
  • 1 small banana, fresh or frozen
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 1/4 cup coconut water

How to:

  1. Add all ingredients to blender and go for a whirl! If it is not blending easily add more coconut water or water.

PCOS Powers:

  • beets = good source of folate, anti-inflammatory, helps lower blood pressure, may help lower cholesterol, shown to reduce cancerous tumors in various animal models, beet leaves are high in iron (eat in moderation due to high oxalate content which can worsen gout and kidney stones)
  • ginger = anti-inflammatory, may help decrease fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol and triglycerides
  • hemp protein = helps decrease high cholesterol and manage insulin resistance, helps build lean muscle mass

PIN FOR LATER:

Heart Beet Ginger Smoothie

Disclaimer: As the sole author of Phruitful Dish, I have based my posts on my own experiences, personal knowledge, and doctoral degree. However, I am not a medical doctor or a licensed nutritionist. The information in this blog is not intended as medical advice, and it is not endorsed by my employers or institutions I am affiliated with. Nutritional and supplemental choices should be made in consultation with your health care provider. This blog is intended to inspire and encourage readers to educate themselves on how nutrition and lifestyle are important and often overlooked aspects of health. Therefore, please use the information at your own risk. Occasional links may be provided leading to third party websites. The existence of these links does not infer a responsibility or an endorsement of the linked site, its operator, or its contents.

Garlic Turmeric Hummus

An anti-inflammatory snack for dipping or spreading.

I designed this high-protein hummus specifically for fighting inflammation and disease. Garlic has been shown to help lower inflammation, boost immune functioning and kill cancer cells (it is most potent when eaten raw!). Turmeric, a well-researched spice, is responsible for the bright yellow color. It has been shown to help prevent diabetes and treat depression (one study demonstrated turmeric is as effective as Prozac). Leave a comment letting me know how you cook with garlic or turmeric!

Garlic Turmeric Hummus
Garlic Turmeric Hummus

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 10-15 peeled garlic cloves, roasted or raw
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • water
Garlic Turmeric Hummus
Garlic Turmeric Hummus

How to:

  1. Optional: Roast whole garlic bulbs in oven for 30 min at 400°F (see directions). Alternatively, if your garlic is already peeled then throw the peeled cloves in the oven. This method will only take 15-20 min.
  2. Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth (add water to help with blending and scrape down sides when food processor gets stuck).
  3. Sprinkle with herb of choice and serve.

PCOS Powers:

  • garlic = helps lower cholesterol, an antibiotic, & blood cleanser which relaxes blood vessels for easier blood flow
  • extra virgin olive oil = anti-inflammatory, studies show 1-2 tbsp a day can lower risk of certain types of cancers
  • rosemary = anti-inflammatory, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells
  • turmeric = anti-inflammatory, helps lower blood glucose levels, anti-depressant, black pepper increases bioavailability
  • cumin = has been shown to lower blood glucose and insulin levels

Mint Matcha Mocha Madness Smoothie

Get creative with your smoothies by adding two PCOS-fighting teas: matcha and spearmint.

Mounting evidence of tea’s health benefits inspired me to replace lackluster water in my smoothies with tea! This smoothie fights PCOS with a one-two punch from spearmint and matcha tea. In a randomized controlled trial, 41 women with PCOS drank either 2 cups of spearmint or herbal tea (placebo) a day. After 30 days, free and total testosterone levels of the spearmint tea drinkers were significantly decreased (with a slight reported decrease in hirsutism). Previously, the same antiandrogenic effect was shown in an animal study. Although the literature is limited, the potential benefits of drinking spearmint tea likely outweigh the risks.

Why Matcha?

Some benefits of sipping green tea include stabilizing blood sugar levels and reducing high blood pressure. Matcha tea is a powdered form of green tea reported to have a much greater antioxidant content. In 2016, a study conducted in rats demonstrated that matcha may prevent blood glucose and lipid accumulation. Unfortunately, matcha has yet to be studied in humans.

Mint Matcha Mocha Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups spearmint tea
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 2 handfuls spinach, organic if possible
  • 1/2 tsp matcha tea
  • 1/2 frozen banana (optional, adds sweetness)
  • 6 ice cubes
  • 1/2 tsp raw cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
  • 1 scoop hemp protein powder

Mint Matcha Mocha Smoothie

How to:

  1. Steep spearmint tea bag in hot water for 5-10 min and then let cool in fridge.
  2. Pour cooled tea into blender and add spinach, oats, matcha, banana and ice cubes.
  3. Blend and serve topped with cocoa powder.

PCOS Powers:

  • spearmint tea = may decrease androgen levels and increase FSH & LH in women with PCOS (avoid consuming large amounts if you are pregnant, anemic, have a kidney disorder, or liver disease)
  • matcha tea = very high in catechins which are antioxidants that help remove free radicals from the body preventing disease, may prevent blood glucose and lipid accumulation, contains L-theanine which may relieve stress and improve cognitive function
  • cocoa = high in antioxidants, may lower LDL cholesterol, can reduce high blood pressure, and may act as an antidepressant
  • spinach = high in calcium which helps alkalize acidity caused by inflammation and impaired glucose tolerance, high in magnesium which some women with PCOS are deficient in
  • rolled oats = low glycemic load, high in fiber, contains tryptophan which boosts serotonin levels for better sleep and a stable mood

Mint Matcha Mocha Smoothie