Source: liverfoundation.org

Presentation

Side dish made with spinach, apple, carrots, cucumber, walnuts, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper

Ingredients

Fresh spinach leaves – 500 g (17.6 oz / ≈ 10 cups raw)

Small apple, thinly sliced – ≈ 1 apple (≈ 115 g / 4 oz)

Grated carrots – 60 g (2.1 oz / ≈ ½ cup)

Sliced cucumber – 60 g (2.1 oz / ≈ ½ cup)

Chopped walnuts (optional) – 1 tablespoon (≈ 7 g / 0.25 oz)

Balsamic vinegar – 1 teaspoon (≈ 5 ml / 0.17 fl oz)

Extra-virgin olive oil – 1 teaspoon (≈ 5 ml / 0.17 fl oz)

Freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Method

In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, thinly sliced apple, grated carrots, and sliced cucumber.

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Pour the dressing over the salad and stir gently to coat. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired.

Serve.

Allergens

Balsamic vinegar: may contain sulfites

Carrot: possible individual intolerance and cross-reactivity in case of allergy to pollen of Artemisia, Graminaceae, Composite, Birch

Cucumber: cases of individual intolerance described

Apple: individual fruit intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of birch sensitivity

Walnuts: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Pepper (green, pink, black, grey, white): possible cross-reactivity in case of spice intolerance

Spinach: possible cases of individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of birch allergy

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Balsamic vinegar: it is rich in grape polyphenols which make it an antioxidant food capable of strengthening the immune system, fighting the harmful action of free radicals, but also keeping blood sugar levels under control thanks to the presence of acetic acid and reducing blood pressure.

Carrots: rich in vitamins (B1, B2, C, PP, E, D), carotenoids, minerals and active ingredients that support the functionality of the immune system and ophthalmic, diuretic and healing functions and act to protect the cardiovascular system. Also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the contribution of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Cucumber: Favorable to kidney function and stone prevention; also favorable to liver function. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Apple: provides flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathics; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Walnuts: Zinc carriers, an element favourable to the proper functioning of the immune system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamin E and rich in omega 3 fatty acids that fight the increase in blood pressure and the presence of bad cholesterol. Rich in magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids important for regulating mood and cognitive function

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Pepper (green, pink, black, gray, white): contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; it improves insulin sensitivity by reducing cholesterol levels and activating metabolism. Recommended for people with cardiovascular problems.

Spinach: rich in carotenoids that support the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Safety / Intended use

Product that can also be used in the case of:

• Constipation
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Not recommended in case of:

• Diarrhea
• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing)
• Mucositis