Salads are a great meal, especially because they are vegetable based, which means a great variety of nutrition for optimal health. However, salads can be expensive in restaurants, and are often made with lettuce, which does not contain as much nutrition as other vegetables.
This detox chickpea and kale salad is made with kale as the base instead of lettuce, which means that it is packed with nutrition. Since it is homemade, you also save money. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.
Chickpeas:
Also called garbanzo beans, chickpeas are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are key to aiding the body in removing toxins.
Cilantro:
This potent medicinal herb is high in antioxidants, which kill disease-causing free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which are linked to serious diseases including cancer and heart disease. Cilantro is a great source of phytonutrients and flavonoids like quercitin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, and epigenin. It also has powerful detox benefits.
Cucumbers:
They are an excellent source of caffeic acid and vitamin C, two antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that help fight oxidative stress and reduce signs of aging. Cucumbers are also packed with water, which means better skin, better hydration, and better removal of toxins form the body.
Kale:
It is an excellent source of two powerful antioxidants called carotenoids and flavonoids. These antioxidants protect our bodies from harmful oxidative stress. They also contain important flavonoids like kaempferol and quercitin, which it thought to kill certain types of cancer cells.
Olive oil:
The often-called liquid gold has been recognized for many years as a potent oil. It is full of healthy fats, provides anti-inflammatory benefits, and has shown benefits in the area of cancer prevention.
Turmeric:
The superspice has antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, and has shown benefits in the area of breast cancer prevention, cold and flu, heart health, and Alzheimer’s.
Toss the following ingredients in a bowl:
1 can of chickpeas
1 large bunch of kale, ribs removed and chopped
1 handful of cilantro, chopped
1 cucumber chopped
1/4 cup of almonds, chopped
Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon and 1 tsp of turmeric
Drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil
Sprinkle with Himalayan pink salt and black pepper to taste
For added flavor, drizzle the salad with our zesty raw salad dressing recipe.
Make sure ingredients are organic
Enjoy this detox chickpea and kale salad!
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
For a summer detox kale salad.
For an anti-inflammatory turmeric salad dressing.
For a zesty and raw salad dressing.
REFERENCES:
1. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Kale, Raw.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 5 Sep. 2015.
2. “What Are the Health Benefits of Chickpeas?” Medical News Today. Medical News Today, n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2015.
