What?? Were you expecting a picture of that saucy little instant pudding lassie? Well, as cute as she is, I have to say my favorite swiss Miss is Rainbow Swiss Chard! Isn't she lovely? And don't let her pretty face fool you. If this vegetable could get grades for traditional nutrients alone, Swiss Chard would be one vegetable valedictorian. The vitamin and mineral profile of this leafy green vegetable contains enough "excellents" to ensure its place at the head of the vegetable Dean's List. Swiss chard receives excellent marks for its concentrations of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. Swiss chard also emerges as a very good or good source of copper, calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, protein, phosphorous, vitamin B1, zinc, folate, biotin, niacin and pantothenic acid. Another impressive stat is that Swiss chard promotes lung health. If you or someone you love is a smoker, or if you are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke, then making vitamin A-rich foods, such as Swiss Chard, part of your healthy way of eating may save your life, suggests research conducted at Kansas State University.Swiss Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste profile: it has the bitterness of beet greens and the slightly salty flavor of spinach leaves. Both the leaves and stalk of chard are edible, although the stems vary in texture with the white ones being the most tender. The stalk, which can measure almost two feet in length, comes in a variety of colors including white, red, yellow and orange. Sometimes, in the market, different colored varieties will be bunched together and labeled "rainbow chard." I especially enjoy using Chard as a base for my green juices. It has a milder flavor than some of the other more bitter greens. To continue reading more of the amazing benefits of this leafy green super food, rich in so many nutrients, including anti-oxidants, go here.
Wednesday's Daily Juice:
water-MSM-lemon
1 qt. grapefruits, clementines, crystal manna flakes
1 qt. pineapple, spinach, lime, apple
1.5 qt. kale, celery, carrot, asparagus, green beans, orange bell pepper, jalepeno, radish, garlic, clover sprouts, green onions, Celtic sea salt.
PS....For Girls Only.....I knew it was getting close to being "that time of the month," however, I have had ZERO premenstrual symptoms. I was taken by surprise just now as I went to the powder room to find that Aunt Flo had arrived late this evening with no warning. It will be interesting to see how this cycle differs from my norm....so far so good.
5 comments:
I love Swiss Chard - it's delicious in juice!
I was also caught by surprise this month... Our endocrine systems must be very happy!
Hi Penni. I am enjoying your blogs so much. Isn't it amazing how "that time of the month" can be so uneventful when you are juicing and giving your body exactly what it needs. That says a lot for the rest of the time:) I wanted to ask what did you find out about your tooth? I know sometimes when juicing your body can go through a "healing crisis" and I was wondering how the tooth was coming into play. Keep on juicing girl! Melissa
Swiss chard looks so pretty before juicing. It is like a natural artist canvas. I love the streaks of color that run through the green. I can get caught up enjoying the sights in the produce section.
xo
Michelle
Mm! Swiss chard looks divine. I love the bright color! I will have to try it soon. :)
It's interesting about your cycle. I usually have a very painful, extremely ravenous for all the bad foods, pms type thing happening the week before and the week throughout my time of the month. I want to see what raw can do for me! :)
xo,
melissa
Hi Penni! Swiss Chard is one of those veggies that I have only recently used. I used to be squeamish about it, until I started making Green Smoothies.
When I was picking out some red petunias at the nursery a few weeks ago, I happened to notice how nice they looked next to swiss chard. So - I have interplanted Swiss Chard and red petunias in front of my red and pink knockout roses. I will take a picture and post it in my garden blog: www.rosegardenrambler.blogspot.com
That's awesome about the effect of juice feasting on Aunt Flo. I used to have extreme PMS - but never knew what it was because no one was really talking about it at that time (mid 70's) and I also had very irregular cycles - so I never made the connection. I just thought I was nuts.
Isn't this juice feasting an exciting adventure?
mary
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