Black and Blue - So Good for You - Medicinal Cooking Challenge

We're on the last round of the #Medicinal-Cooking Collective - Cooking For The Kidneys & Bladder/ The Water Element

Let me refresh you with

Best Beet Juice

Consisting of
1/2 cup Coconut Water
2 Large Purple Carrots
1 Cucumber
3 Small Beets
Dash of Sea Salt
1/4 cup Ground Flax

I juice the carrots and beets first. If you don't have a juicer you can steam the carrots and beets before you add them along with the other ingredients in a blender blend on high until a smooth mixture. I have a Vitamix which does a really good job on them.

For the main dish I have a scrumptious

Forbidden Rice (Black Rice) Pomegranate Persimmons Salad

Ingredients:
¾ cup black rice
1 pomegranate - use seeds only
1-2 Fuyu persimmons finely diced
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
6 tablespoons chives finely chopped
Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
For the vinaigrette:
½ tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
Salt and black pepper

Directions:
Rinse rice and place in saucepan with 1½ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Put cooked rice in to a serving bowl.
Add the pomegranate seeds, chopped persimmons, pumpkin seeds and chives. Mix. Add the lemon juice and zest and stir once again.
Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together then pour on to the rice mixture. Stir to coat all the ingredients. Let rest at least 15 minutes before serving.

Pour yourself some rather tasty corn silk tea to go with it.

Corn Silk Tea

Take one handful of corn silk and pour boiling water over it.
Let it steep for 15 to 20 minutes.

For dessert -

Blueberry Chia Pudding

Ingredients:
1 tbsp chia seeds
3 tbsp coconut milk or any nut milk you want.
1/3 - 1/2 frozen blueberries blended in a blender

Directions:
Mix together all ingredients in a bowl or mason jar.
Store in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 5 or 6 hours.
Serve cold.

Not only are these meals delicious but they are also very nutritious and contain foods that provide many health benefits.

Beets

A source of phytonutrients, betanin and vulgaxanthin which are betalains that is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and they have detoxification properties.
This nutrient reduces inflammation and protects internal organs.

Pomegranate

Contains antioxidants which helps remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reducing inflammation. Test have shown that it can reduce inflammatory activity in the digestive tract. It is also shown to have anti-tumor properties.

Pumpkin Seeds

Has a high content of vitamin E and other antioxidants.
Vitamin E helps strengthen the immune system
Pumpkin seed oil might help treat urinary disorders and reducing the symptoms of an overactive bladder.

Black Rice

Is high in fiber and low in calories
It's coloring is associated with anthocyanin antioxidants, also found in blueberries.

Blueberries

Have antioxidant properties which fight the production of free radicals that can damage molecules in cells causing diseases like cancer and also contribute to aging.

Chia Seeds

Is also very high in Antioxidants. They are anti- inflammatory and support digestion.

Coconut Water

It also contains antioxidants and is a good source of fiber, vitamin C and several important minerals.
May potentially prevent kidney stones by reducing crystal and stone formation.