In a world where health and wellness trends come and go, the Green Med Diet is gaining ground as a nutritional powerhouse, offering a delicious and sustainable approach to detoxing our bodies as well as antiaging.
This innovative diet draws inspiration from the traditional Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-healthy benefits, and adds a green twist by incorporating nutrient-rich, plant-based foods. I have always recommened the Mediterranean diet as the best diet to follow after detoxing.
According to recent research done by Dr Kara Fitzgerald, Institute of Functional Medicine instructor, the Green Mediterranean Diet can reduce your biological age and halt chronic disease. More about this further on.
One intriguing addition to this green revolution is duckweed, aka water lentils or Mankai, a tiny aquatic plant revered in South East Asian countries that packs a punch in terms of nutrition.
This tiny, fast-growing aquatic plant, a staple in the region’s ponds and rice paddies, is finding its way onto plates not just for its delicate flavor, but for its potential to reduce biological age.
Read on to discover the rejuvenating powers of the Green Med Diet and explore the wonders of duckweed which is being hailed as the latest detoxifying superfood.
The Green Med Diet Unveiled
The Green Med Diet is more than just a diet; it’s a lifestyle that emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, healthy fats, and an abundance of green vegetables.
By embracing this diet, individuals not only enjoy a wide range of flavors but also reap numerous health benefits. The diet encourages the consumption of leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and legumes while limiting red meat and processed foods.
Detoxing with Green Med
One of the standout features of the Green Med Diet is its natural detoxifying effect. Packed with antioxidants, and the vitamins, and minerals involved in the detox pathways the diet supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.
The abundance of fiber in plant-based foods feeds beneficial gut bacteria and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body.
Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the Green Med Diet can help reduce inflammation, a common factor in many chronic diseases.
Duckweed Nature’s Nutrient Dynamo
Duckweed, a tiny aquatic plant that floats on the water’s surface, is a recent addition to the Green Med Diet and has been creating waves in the nutrition world.
Despite its unassuming appearance, duckweed is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in protein (containing all 9 essential amino acids), fiber, vitamins, such as B12, pro-vitamin A and Vitamin C as well as trace minerals.
It is particularly known for its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, making it a fantastic addition for those looking to enhance heart health.
But the real star of the show is its abundance of antioxidants, particularly carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein. These powerhouses combat free radicals, the pesky molecules that damage cells and accelerate aging.
Studies suggest that regular duckweed consumption may decrease oxidative stress, inflammation, and even DNA damage, all of which contribute to the visible signs of aging.
It is traditionally used as food for humans in some Asian countries. Being relatively rich in potassium and low in sodium it is ideal for healthy human nutrition.
Detox effects of duckweed
Duckweed’s detoxifying properties are attributed to its ability to absorb and remove contaminants like heavy metals from the water it grows in.This natural filtration process makes researchers think that duckweed is a possible candidate for promoting detoxification for us humans.
BioAge Research by Dr Fitzgerald
Dr Fitzgerald has been focused on turning back the years with a few lifestyle and dietary hacks. She maintains focusing on longevity is the way to halt chronic disease.
Women who followed her Younger You 8 week bio-age targeting protocol reduced their biological age by an average of 4.60 years.
Additionally, it was found that a Mediterranean diet enriched with polyphenols and green tea followed for 18 months resulted in a lower BioAge.
The Younger You methylation-supportive diet included a high polyphenol green shake which included duckweed as well as additional green tea. Methylation is a natural process in your body where a small chemical group called a methyl group is added to certain molecules, like DNA or proteins. Think of it as a tiny tag that can turn genes on or off, influencing how they work. Methylation is needed for a variety of reactions such as DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, and detoxification of some toxins.
Polyphenols are a category of phytonutrients, which are chemical compounds in plants that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They act as prebiotics in the gut enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic organsims.
Duckweed or Mankai is deemed to be the new “superfood” and it’s addition to the Mediterranean diet has turned it into the New Green Mediterranean diet.
Detox Duckweed Smoothie Recipe
Now that we’ve uncovered the wonders of duckweed let’s dive into a delicious and nutritious duckweed smoothie recipe that will add a burst of green goodness to your day.
- 1 cup lightly packed organic baby spinach
- 3/4 unsweetened plant-based milk of choice or cocomut water
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/4 cup organic walnuts
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons raw organic honey
- 2 frozen Duckweed (Mankai) cubes or powder
- 1 medium ripe organic banana
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Place all ingredients apart from liquid in a high powered blender
- Pour in enough plant-based milk or coconut water to allow the blades to turn easily.
- Blend until smooth and creamy adding more liquid to achieve the consistency you prefer.
- Pour the vibrant green smoothie into a serving glass and sip slowly. Enjoy!
Sip and savor the goodness of this Duckweed Delight Smoothie as you embark on your Green Med Diet journey. This nutrient-packed beverage not only supports detoxification but also provides a refreshing and satisfying taste experience.
Closing Thoughts
In a world filled with fad diets and quick fixes, the Green Med Diet stands out as a sustainable and enjoyable way to nourish, detox and antiage your body. By incorporating the detoxifying powers of plant-based foods and embracing innovative additions like duckweed, you can revitalize your health and well-being.
So, why not give the Green Med Diet a try? Your body will thank you for the burst of energy, vitality, and delicious flavors that come with this green-infused lifestyle. Here’s to a healthier you!
