I’ve mentioned, over the years, and especially if you’ve been following any of my live classes over these past few weeks, that food can act as medicine for us. I’m a huge believer in the power of our food.

And what’s even more amazing is that every fruit, vegetable and plant has dozens of healing properties. Contrary to the bad rap that potatoes and bananas get about their high sugar content or that kale now causes thyroid problems, each of these foods has their own, incredibly high dose of healing, both physically and spiritually for us. 

Since we’re dealing, specifically with virus and immunity currently, I’d like to share some surprising foods that can help mount a defense for you during these times.

Bananas

One of the only fruits I’d eat as a kid, this remains one of my all-time favorite foods. Not only because of its’ versatility in baking, making quick snacks and that it’s easy to grab-and-go, but it’s a super-anti-viral food. In the book Life Changing Food, Anthony William discusses how bananas are so powerfully anti-viral, that they can even repel the growth of retrovirus HIV. Powerful stuff indeed! They can also help with loss of taste and smell, which is one of the effects of the Corona Virus. One of the spiritual lessons that bananas help to bring us, is to help us through fear and anxiety. 

So, pretty much, one can’t go wrong with eating a banana, in my opinion

Dates

Dates are also considered high in sugar, which, is true, if one were to dissect all of the components of a date, but when it’s in its’ full form, dates are uber-healthy. They actually help with parasites, mold, viruses, and heavy metal elimination. They’re also high in minerals and help to support the adrenal glands (your fight-or-flight organs). Dates can help with the emotions of feeling fearful and can help elevate your sense of purpose. Mr. Williams suggests eating 4-6 a day for maximum benefits

Ginger

Ginger is one of my daily go-to’s these days (along with garlic and onions) to keep my immune system charged and ready to fight. It’s known to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic. Additionally, it acts to tonify the nerves (good for those who experience anxiety) and helps with tension headaches.

Mangoes

Mangoes were prolific when we were in Mexico last month, and we were going to the fruit stand, pretty much daily to get more and more of these sweet, juicy treasures. My son’s girlfriend showed me how to just peel it like a banana and to eat it as such. I have to say that I was definitely in heaven, enjoying the juice drip down my chin and my hands as I relished the full flavor. Mangoes are delightful in so many ways, and I was even more happy when I found that they’re good for sleep and anxiety, they help protect against viruses and help with constipation. Emotionally, mangoes are mood uplifters, can help alleviate depression symptoms, and good for people who are feeling abandoned, lonely and cut off (sound like a familiar situation?)

Lemons and Limes

You can’t really have a good list of anti-viral foods without including these guys. They have such incredible health benefits, and I probably talk about these 2 at least 10 times a day in my practice. They help with everything from cleaning the liver, to alkalizing the blood chemistry, to fighting off foreign invaders, all the way to support when one is feeling worry, sadness or distress. These are always a staple in my kitchen, and they probably are used, at least, once a day for health and healing. 

Coconuts

….and lastly, coconuts. I have one sitting in the fridge for me, right now, that I’ve been saving for just that perfect moment. I feel like coconuts are THE most perfect foods (at least, in my mind). Coconut water is rejuvenating, hydrating, antiviral and antibacterial. The coconut water helps to exponentially enhance any food that it’s paired with to magnify its’ healing effects. So, if you try the following recipe, you’ll get even more benefits from all of the above-mentioned foods!

I make smoothies a couple times a week. In fact, my daughter was just in the kitchen, trying to mimic the smoothie recipe that I’m going to share with you now. I love smoothies, because I can get a huge punch of nutrition, as well as experiencing the joy of being an adult, using a (metal, reusable) straw, which, honestly, always makes me feel like a kid again…..and there’s never a bad time for me to go back to that care-free time, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Dr. Arjan’s Mango-Banana Green Smoothie

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen mango (or peaches or apricots)
• 1 cup coconut water (if you have a whole, young coconut, lucky you! Dig out the meat and plop it into the blender, too)
• 1 pitted date
• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh greens ( I use whatever I have….tops of beets, lettuce, chard, spinach. I tend to stay away from kale, just because of the strong, bitter taste in the smoothie)
• pinch of salt
• 1 inch fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of chia, hemp or flax seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Maca powder (optional)

Start by putting the greens at the bottom of your blender. I have a Vitamix, which I adore and have had forever. I highly recommend a powerful blender like this one for all of your cooking needs. I grew up with a Vitamix before it was even cool, and my sister and I used to make peanut butter, chocolate smoothies ALL the time. But whatever you have, will be totally fine….may just have a bit more chunks in your smoothie than with a high-powered one. After your greens, pour in the coconut water, then add your fruit and then everything else. Blend until smooth. 

Smoothies are a great way to start your day. If you’re in a hurry, I always recommend people prepare their blender the night before, so they can just grab it out of the fridge in the morning and blend, pour into a glass jar with a lid, and take it in the car or train with you. Easy peasy! You don’t want to skip meals, and this way you’ll get your nutrition, along with all of the wonderful qualities that nature has to share with you. 

So….I hope you enjoyed this week’s email.  I LOVE talking about food, so this was really fun for me. Let me know what foods you eat to keep you vital and healthy! Sending love and hugs to wherever you are in the world.

Yours in health, 

Dr. Arjan