Source: liverfoundation.org

PRESENTATION

A blended dish made with almond “milk,” banana, spinach, berries, and flaxseeds.

INGREDIENTS:

Serves 1

1 cup unsweetened almond “milk”

1 banana

1/2 cup frozen spinach

1/2 cup frozen mixed berries

1 tablespoon flaxseeds

METOD

Blend the almond “milk,” banana, frozen spinach, frozen berries, and flaxseeds until smooth.

Pour into a bowl.

Garnish as desired with additional berries or seeds.

ALLERGENS:

• Almond “milk”: listed among allergens under EU Regulation 1169/2011; may show cross-reactivity in individuals allergic to birch or grass pollens
• Banana: possible individual intolerance and cross-reactivity in individuals with latex allergy
• Raspberries: possible cross-reactivity in individuals allergic to birch pollen
• Blueberries: allergy is very rare
• Blackberries: allergy is very rare
• Currants: have antiallergic activity
• Flaxseeds: naturally gluten-free, but cases of allergy have been reported
• Spinach: possible individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in individuals allergic to birch pollen

NOTE

• Prepare and handle under strict hygienic conditions.
• The term “milk” is commonly used but, by law, it may only refer to mammalian milk. In 2017, the Court of Justice of the European Union prohibited the use of the term “milk” for plant-based products.
• It is therefore more correct to refer to this product as a beverage.

Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients

• Almond “milk”: a source of vitamin E, which protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids; also provides minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system; suitable for people with kidney disease and beneficial for liver function
• Bananas: high in potassium, an essential mineral that plays a significant role in hypertension and related conditions such as heart attack and stroke; also provide folic acid linked to serotonin production, supporting good mood and helping counter depression
• Raspberries: rich in sugars, essential oils, anthocyanins, organic acids, vitamins B and C, tannins, and pectins; have diuretic properties that support kidney function, hypoglycemic and vasoprotective effects that support cardiovascular health, and strong antioxidant activity that strengthens the immune system; also provide folic acid linked to serotonin production
• Blueberries: rich in antioxidants that counteract free radicals, supporting immune and cardiovascular function by helping control LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and regulate blood pressure; also provide folic acid linked to serotonin production
• Blackberries: high in vitamins, especially C and A, folic acid, and antioxidants; have diuretic and detoxifying properties that support cardiovascular function; their richness in flavonoids and anthocyanins is associated with potential anticancer activity; also provide folic acid linked to serotonin production
• Currants: rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, organic acids, mucilage, and minerals; support cardiovascular health through vasoprotective effects and support immune system function; also provide folic acid linked to serotonin production
• Flaxseeds: provide omega-3 fatty acids that help control cholesterol and blood sugar levels, supporting cardiovascular function; also rich in magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids important for regulating mood and cognitive function
• Spinach: rich in carotenoids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that support the immune system and protect the cardiovascular system; suitable for people with kidney disease and beneficial for liver function; also provide folic acid linked to serotonin production, supporting good mood and helping counter depression

SAFETY / INTENDED USE

Also suitable for individuals with:

• Anorexia / weight loss
• Mucositis (inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity)
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Not recommended in cases of:

• Diarrhea
• Dysphagia