Peachy Swiss Chard

I am so happy when peaches are in season. I only buy fresh peaches organic, so when summer is here I know I can indulge in juicy, fresh peach deliciousness!! I love chopping them up on top of salads and even just on a bed of sunflower greens, drizzled with a little fresh lemon or orange juice. But today a peachy Swiss chard green smoothie was on the menu. If you are new to Swiss chard it can be a bit "earthy" tasting. Not to worry, because using it in a green smoothie with sweet fruits will allow you to try this amazing green in a yummy way. This green is a power house of nutrition and really is worth adding to your diet. It is loaded with vitamins K, A, C, E, and B vitamins 2, 6, 3 and 5. Plus it has magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, choline, calcium, tryptophan, folate, zinc, biotin, phosphorous and protein!!! See what I mean. Greens are truly amazing and everyone should be consuming these powerful foods everyday. Just remember to rotate your greens each day. You don't want to eat the same green everyday because greens have different alkaloids and chard and spinach have oxalates. Our body can handle small amounts of these but not massive doses. So just use a variety of greens throughout the week to make sure you don't build up too much of any one substance. The bottom line is to eat an alkaline diet with a huge variety of organic greens and fruits. Balance is the key; not over doing any one thing.
 "Swiss chard leaves contain at least 13 different polyphenol antioxidants, including kaempferol, the cardioprotective flavonoid that's also found in broccoli, kale, strawberries, and other foods. But alongside of kaempferol, one of the primary flavonoids found in the leaves of chard is a flavonoid called syringic acid. Syringic acid has received special attention in recent research due to its blood sugar regulating properties. This flavonoid has been shown to inhibit activity of an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase. When this enzyme gets inhibited, fewer carbs are broken down into simple sugars and blood sugar is able to stay more steady. It makes sense to think about chard as a vegetable whose flavonoid phytonutrients are unique and may offer special benefits for blood sugar control." (source http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=16 )

This is the variety I used in the smoothie.

Image of chard was taken from http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=swiss+chard&id=81B1BD13A6F9417E374CE5FCE1D05967155EFFE3&FORM=IQFRBA

I used a combo of fresh organic Amish peaches and some frozen store bought peaches. The key is using enough peaches to make this smoothie ultra delicious. I think peach and chard are a perfect marriage. By using some frozen bananas as well as fresh bananas you can achieve a wonderful velvety texture. Give it a try!

The beautiful wreath in the photo was given to me by a thoughtful friend after my sister passed away.

Peachy Chard Smoothie

by Elizabeth @ rawlivingandlearning.blogspot.com

4 large leaves of Swiss chard, including stems
2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice (I used my key limes from our tree)
1 large fresh peach
10-12 oz bag frozen peaches
6 bananas, 3 frozen/ 3 fresh
2 soaked medjool dates, pitted
1 cup water
Blend till creamy and thick in a high speed blender. Enjoy!
Makes 7 servings.

+JMJ+ Today I am grateful for deep sleep.