{"id":7067,"date":"2016-08-12T16:28:35","date_gmt":"2016-08-12T04:28:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ascensionkitchen.com\/?p=7067"},"modified":"2018-04-18T17:04:16","modified_gmt":"2018-04-18T05:04:16","slug":"liver-loving-sprouted-forbidden-rice-salad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ascensionkitchen.com\/liver-loving-sprouted-forbidden-rice-salad\/","title":{"rendered":"Liver Loving Sprouted Forbidden Rice Salad"},"content":{"rendered":"

This beautiful salad is filled with vegetables from the brassica family – Brussel’s sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and mustard - all superstars when it comes to being choc full of liver-loving compounds.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Liver<\/p>\n

It’s 2pm, and I’m only just getting settled at my desk to do some work today. A wee bit of a bumpy start – an angry, inflamed back, combined with an absolutely relentless hedge-trimmer outside my window (aren’t they the worst?!), have really tested my patience this morning.<\/p>\n

I didn’t at all feel like parking my bottom down to do some work – not in such an irritated frame of mind, so instead, I did the sensible thing, and took the morning off. It was absolutely magical – a lovely coastal walk, no headphones, just peace and quiet, taking in all the senses.<\/p>\n

I felt<\/em> the cool, dry air on the back of my neck, and the thick, waxy petal of an unripe magnolia flower in my hand. I saw <\/em>the foaming bubbles shimmer and burst on the edge of the beach, and the reflection of the black oystercatcher in the rock pool.<\/p>\n

I smelt<\/em> the mix of yeast, vinegar, hash browns and coffee, walking past a café, I tasted <\/em>the trace of salt on my lips, and the sourness of the wood sorrel I picked, and heard<\/em> the flinging of sand as a dog furiously dug for whatever treasure he was looking for. These are all the things you miss when your mind is anywhere but present.<\/p>\n

And so, I’ve returned home, grounded, re-energised, and far calmer. This <\/em>is how I like to roll these days. I have no desire to be operating out of a space of tension, frustration, or angst. And I certainly don’t want to be infusing the words I write to you in my blog posts with that kind of energy. High vibes only!<\/p>\n

It’s funny, sometimes the best remedy for being in a funk really is as simple as a mindful walk.<\/p>\n

[bctt tweet=\"Liver-loving Sprouted Forbidden Rice Salad - find the recipe here!\"]<\/p>\n

Now, my recipe for you today is a Sprouted Forbidden Rice Salad,<\/strong> and it’s packed full of liver loving nutrients. Forbidden rice (black rice) is rich in protective phytonutrients, and the brassica vegetables lend sulphur compounds that enhance liver detoxification pathways. This will make a large platter – and it tastes delicious for lunch the next day.<\/p>\n

\"Liver<\/p>\n

Nutritional Goodies<\/h2>\n

Forbidden rice<\/strong>, really, is just black, unmilled rice. It is said that nobles in ancient China highly prized the grain and thus would not allow commoners to eat it – hence the name, forbidden rice. That doesn’t seem very fair, does it?!<\/p>\n

Thanks to the natural dark pigment, forbidden rice comes packed full of anti-ageing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. In fact, the husks are thought to be among the richest food sources of anthocyanin flavonoids, which offer a broad range of health benefits.<\/p>\n

Studies suggest that the anthocyanins in black rice are twice as potent as the antioxidants found in blueberries.  <\/p>\n

Finally, the rice is soaked in water for 24 hours before cooking, helping improve digestibility, and reduce cooking time.<\/p>\n

Brussel’s sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and mustard <\/strong>are all members of the brassica family.<\/p>\n

As mentioned, they contain compounds that are used by the liver in detoxification pathways. It is the liver’s job to transform toxins into water soluble and therefore excretable metabolites.<\/p>\n

This biotransformation occurs in two key reactions. In the first reaction, a toxin is rendered slightly more water soluble, though temporarily becomes even more toxic. In the second reaction, these toxic metabolites are conjugated and rendered highly water soluble – ready for excretion via the urine.<\/p>\n

Specific nutrients are needed to support both of these reactions, and the brassica family of vegetables provide natural sulphur compounds for the phase II reaction known as sulphation.<\/p>\n

Going back to the powerful antioxidants in black rice for a moment – it’s worth noting that they play a direct role in liver support by helping neutralise the oxidative stress induced by those toxic intermediaries produced after the first detox reaction.<\/p>\n

So – we’re winning all round! Food as medicine, always.<\/p>\n

\"Liver<\/p>\n

Now – the dressing for this salad uses the homemade mustard<\/a> from last week. After a week in the fridge, it should have mellowed a bit. It’s not a fancy dressing – just a basic mix of quality olive oil with apple cider vinegar, mustard, maple syrup to sweeten, and a dash of sea salt and black pepper.<\/p>\n

Hope you enjoy!<\/p>\n

If you make and enjoy this recipe, please leave a rating below. And better yet – leave me a comment to tell me how you got on, or just say hi – I LOVE hearing from you. Follow me on Instagram,<\/a> Facebook<\/a><\/span> or Pinterest<\/span> <\/a>to see more of my everyday recipes and wellness tips.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udcd6Recipe<\/h2>
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\"Forbidden<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Forbidden Rice Recipe<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\nNaturopath Lauren Glucina<\/a><\/span>\n
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This beautiful forbidden rice salad is filled with vegetables from the brassica family – Brussel’s sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and mustard - all superstars when it comes to being choc full of liver-loving compounds. Note the prep time is 20 minutes but there is 24 hours of soak time done in advance for the black rice. Serves 4.<\/span><\/div>\n
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