Smoothies get a lot of bad press within the Chinese medicine community however I believe that this is a misunderstanding of the theory of traditional Chinese medicine nutritional therapy, which warns against cold foods. Chinese medicine emphasises balance and advises on cold foods for certain conditions.
Few things can beat the sweltering summer heat better than a cold smoothie, even if you’re watching your sugar intake. Not all smoothies are created equal: The average restaurant fruit smoothie carries anywhere between 10-20 teaspoons of sugar!
The best way to enjoy this sweet treat is to prepare your own, and to sip it in moderation – one cup at a time. This recipe is an excellent genuine low sugar treat.
Ingredients
- 150 grams fresh strawberries, trimmed (8 ounces)
- 1/2 medium banana, sliced
- 115 grams soft tofu
- 2 tablespoons plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds (optional)
Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender, and blend until smooth. Then, share it with a buddy and enjoy!
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 122; Total fat: 3g; Monounsaturated fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 16mg; Total Carbohydrate: 28g; Dietary fiber: 2g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 6g
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory
Banana: Nourish Yin, Clear Heat, Eliminate toxins, Lubricates the Intestines, Moistens dryness of the skin. Strawberry: Nourish Yin, Calm Wind, Lubricates the Lungs, Promotes Body Fluids, Tonifies the Spleen, Detoxes. Yogurt: Strengthen Qi, Blood, Yin. Flax seeds: Nourishes Yin, promotes lubrication, Dispels Wind. Honey: Cultivate Qi, Nourish Yin, Promote the Smooth Flow of Qi and Blood, Eliminates toxins. Tofu: Tonify Qi, Harmonise Spleen and Stomach, Nourish Yin, Clears Heat, Eliminates toxins from the body.
James O'Sullivan - that's me, a people friendly practitioner and lecturer of Integrated Medicine, serving my patients, my students and the public with the positive benefits of both Conventional Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It's a wonderful life
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or assess. The information provided is not to be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care practitioner.