Immune Supporting Kale & Miso
This really is a delicious salad recipe but its also got a whole host of benefits to it too. It's also one sure way to get one of my boys to eat a whole bag of kale in one sitting and the side benefit is that he is going to getting a tummy full of good bacteria to go with it and positively support his immune system and health.
I use miso in this recipe which is a probiotic food and adds to the number of good bacteria in your gut. We have ten times more bacterial cells than human cells in our body and the bacteria have an enormous effect on our health and immune system. Supporting this balance by adding some good bacteria to the mix is only beneficial and you can get a good dose with unpasteurized miso paste. I also use some raw honey (again unpasteurized) which is a super food and contains an array of amino acids, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and is naturally antibacterial.
Apple cider vinegar, again is antibacterial and has been used traditionally for disinfecting and cleaning. Adding it in to a dressing to support immunity works really well here. It also helps with nutrient absorption and having it with the kale will help you absorb more of its goodness. Try again to get an unpasteurized/ raw one that contains the mother.
Sesame seed oil contains linoleic acid which contains both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also rich in minerals and antioxidants.
How to Make it:
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame seed oil1
tablespoon of miso paste1 tablespoon of honey
1 bunch of kale or a bag of it
Mix these ingredients and then pour them over the kale and massage it into the kale for a couple of minutes. Yes! Massaging it into the green leaves helps to break down the the toughness and makes it easier to digest and nicer to chew (it can be a little tough otherwise).
Kale is a superfood ingredient and has received lots of attention recently, and for good reason. It is part of the cruciferous family of vegetables which supports healthy detoxification due to its cancer protective compounds. It is also full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. Fibre is important for the bacteria in out gut as it feeds them, keeping them healthy that in turn keep us healthy. Another reason this is so great for your immune system and keeping you healthy all year round.
I like to buy these ingredients raw/ unpasteurized whenever possible to maximise their benefits. Food is medicine and the more medicinal effect I can get from food, the better ...