Recipe of the Month: August

Apple, Kiwi, and Kale Salad

Plant-based eating is taking off and this recipe gives your body the health benefits of three food groups in one recipe. Apple and kiwifruit are a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to keep your immune system working optimally and is also needed to make the protein collagen. Collagen keeps your tendons and ligaments strong as well as your skin looking youthful.

Apple contains pectin which is a prebiotic or food for the good bacteria in your gut. It is important to include a variety of different plant foods in your diet as each plan-based food contains different types of food which feed different types of good bacteria. The goal is 30 different plant-based foods each week for gut health.

Kale is a great source of folate which is needed to make and repair the DNA in your body. Also, vitamin A which keeps your eyes working at their best as well as plays an important role in promoting optimal immune system function. Kale and Corn Thins slices provide a plant source of iron called non-haem iron. Iron is needed for normal immune system functioning as well as to transport oxygen around your body.

Kiwifruit contains a type of fiber called soluble fiber which promotes optimal gut health by softening your stool and making it more comfortable to pass. In addition to this, kiwifruit has amazing water retaining ability with more than four times the capacity of bran fiber and two times the capacity of an apple. This means it can bind to more of the insoluble type of fiber which helps move your stool through and supports normal and comfortable trips to the bathroom.

Corn Thins slices are food containing whole grains, so will give your body many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber to support the health of your body. This includes B vitamins which are needed to make energy from the food you eat. Also, magnesium which plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions as well as helping you to make energy. Plant-based eating can not only provide you with many health benefits but as shown in this recipe can be delicious too.