– by Carol Jensen
Top o’ the mornin’, leprechaun!
The St. Patty’s Day Challenge is *just* getting started and tomorrow we begin slurping our smoothies! You can still sign up for free and enter to win a free Blendtec blender (see the sign-up box on the blog).
But first, I’ve got a charm for ya!
Just answer this:
What might be luckier than kissing the Blarney Stone this St. Patrick’s Day?
If your pot o’ gold is eating some fresh greens, then you’re following the right rainbow, because shamrocks are on the menu!
That’s right, shamrocks, whose three leaves are symbols of health, luck and happiness, are an excellent addition to any green smoothie. While there may be some argument, botanically, about what green shamrocks actually are, one of the commonly known plants we associate them with is white clover, trifolium repens.
Nutrients in clover include vitamins A, B, C, E and K, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, carotene and amino acids and the benefits are many.
1. Luck for the Ladies!
The antioxidant-rich leaves, flowers, stems and sprouts of both red and white clover not only are edible, they have been noted in herbal manuals for hundreds of years as beneficial in treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes because of the plant estrogens they contain.
2. Livers Love ’em!
Additionally, clover is considered a blood purifier and liver cleanser useful for de-tox programs. Its rich amounts of chlorophyll make it an excellent energizer.
3. Cancer Hates ’em!
Recently, clover has received attention for its anti-cancer properties, because it contains high amounts of the isoflavone, genistein. This phytochemical is similar in structure to estrogen, and scientists believe it binds itself to estrogen receptors, thereby preventing the uptake of too much female estrogen that could promote hormone-related diseases, such as breast cancer. It is also purported that genistein starves the blood vessels within tumors, causing them to shrink and die.
4. Good for the Earth!
In any case, we know that genistein has already proven to be useful in clover’s cousin soy. Clover, as a member of the legume family, is also related to alfalfa, peas, and beans, all of which are excellent rotation crops for replacing nitrogen in the soil.
5. Packed with Protein!
Incorporating clover into the diet is easy. The leaves and flowers can be tossed into salads or smoothies without any preparation besides washing. Not as bitter as spinach, dandelion, or mustard, the leaves can also be steamed, providing a hefty serving of protein (they are roughly 30% protein).
6. Terrific in Tea!
To make a tea that can be sipped alone or added to smoothies, use two tablespoons fresh leaves and/or dried flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep ten minutes and strain.
7. Simple to Sprout!
The sweet, mild sprouts of clover taste similar to alfalfa sprouts but last longer in the refrigerator.
To sprout your own seedlings, soak two tablespoons seeds in at least a half a cup of water for eight to twelve hours. Drain and rinse the seeds and keep in a strainer or sprouting tray on the counter for three days, rinsing morning and evening each day. On the fourth day, continue rinsing and draining, but expose the tiny sprouts to a light source – either a sunny window or a lamp. Flourescent lights work well. Greening in this manner should continue for two to three days.
The sprouts will be ready to eat by the end of the week and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator if they are not immediately consumed. This method should yield about four cups of sprouts.
So this St. Paddy’s day,
“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”
– Irish blessing
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ENTER TO WIN A FREE DETOX:
Let’s talk green! From now until the start of our spring 21-Day Green Smoothie Detox, you can win a chance to join our LIVE, Full-Support program featuring Victoria Boutenko, just by contributing your thoughts to one of our “Green Buzz” suggestions on the blog. (Be sure to include a valid name and e-mail address with your blog comment so that we can contact you). We’ll select a winner who shares a thoughtful comment on any new GSQ blog post between Feb. 28th and March 19th, 2011. All comments will be approved before appearing. (Attention Facebook/Twitter readers: Comments must be made on the GSQ blog site to be entered in the draw!)
TODAY’S “GREEN BUZZ” TOPICS
- What’s your healthy idea for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day?
- Do you have a green smoothie recipe with clover?
- Do you have other tips for finding balance?