Recipe Rx - Japanese Infusion Smoothie for Two

This is a great recipe (especially us 40+ year olds) that not only helps maintain focus and energy, but is loaded with antioxidants. As you may already know, antioxidants help neutralize free radicals which are unstable molecules linked to the development of a number of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's.

According to the USDA database of the antioxidant activity of selected foods (ORAC values), blueberries rank among the highest on a per serving basis. It is believed that substances in blueberries called polyphenols, specifically anthocyanins that give blueberries their blue hue, are the major contributors to the antioxidant activity of blueberries.

Add to that matcha green tea which purportedly has 70 times the antioxidants of orange juice, and perhaps even more than blueberries, and its unique EGCG catechin element (the subject of much current research) is one of the most powerful immune-boosting and anti-cancer substances known.

As for Black sesame seeds, they are rich in phytosterols. Phytosterols are plant compounds very similar in structure (chemical) to cholesterol. Consuming more dietary phytosterols not only decreases blood cholesterol levels but reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Sesame seeds offer the highest phytosterol content (400 to 413 mg per 100 grams or 3.5 ounces) of all nuts and seeds.

Japanese Infusion Smoothie for two
½ cup low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon ground black sesame seeds
½ teaspoon matcha green tea
1 and ½ cups of rice milk
2 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until frothy. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy.

Total Calories: 251 Carb=42g Prot=8.7g Fat=6.2
Source: The Brain Diet

Until next time - Live Life Well,

John Aaron Villarreal

johnaaron-massage.com

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The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise or diet program.

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