BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
January 26, 2015
Series: Junko Fukuoka | September's Fruit: Fig Smoothie
Part 2 | A Recommendation for Autumn Detox
September Fruit: Fig Smoothie
The long, hot summer has finally ended, and the air has become refreshingly cool, signaling the arrival of autumn. Did you know that autumn is the perfect season for detoxification? By shedding the fatigue of summer and preparing for the colder winter months, you can improve your body's circulation and ward off chills. Let's embrace a smart adult diet by incorporating smoothies into your busy mornings.
Photos and text by Junko Fukuoka (TREFLES)
How to Make a September Fig Smoothie
This season's recommended fruit is the fig. Today, we'll make a smoothie using ripe figs. The theme is 'A Recommendation for Autumn Detox: Shedding summer fatigue and preparing for winter by expelling accumulated toxins from the body.'
Figs, with their unique sweetness and aroma, are now commonly eaten fresh. However, in ancient times, they were highly valued for their medicinal properties, aiding digestion, strengthening the stomach, regulating the intestines, and treating hemorrhoids. Even their leaves and branches were utilized, primarily for medicinal rather than culinary purposes.
The representative benefits of figs include...
①Figs contain a relatively high amount of potassium. Potassium helps lower blood pressure, making them beneficial in preventing conditions such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis.
②The water-soluble dietary fiber, pectin, activates intestinal activity, relieving constipation and making figs ideal for detoxification.
③Ficin, a protein-digesting enzyme found in figs, enhances protein utilization and helps strengthen the stomach, improving gastric and intestinal conditions.
Ingredients (Serves 2) | 1 pack figs, 1 banana
Instructions
Place the peeled and cut figs and banana into a blender and mix.
Ready to serve immediately.
*The texture will be thick, so adding a little ice is also recommended.
Why Morning Smoothies Are Beneficial | Autumn Detox Recommendations
This is the second installment, focusing on 'Autumn Detox Recommendations.'
Our bodies are synchronized with natural cycles. Autumn is an ideal season for detoxification, allowing us to recover from summer's fatigue and prepare for the coming winter.
Toxins are unavoidable and tend to accumulate. Environmental pollution, additives, artificial flavors in food, and work-related stress all contribute to toxin buildup. Therefore, it's essential to periodically cleanse and maintain your body.
Detoxification can lead to increased energy, improved concentration, firmer and clearer skin, and a more toned physique.
It can also reduce swelling, aid in weight loss, and alleviate shoulder stiffness.These benefits become possible.
The 'Enzyme' introduced in the first part is key to detoxification. If you are health-conscious, consuming vitamins and minerals, but not feeling the full effects,Enzymeyou might be experiencing an enzyme deficiency.—This could be due to a lack of 'enzymes.'
[Check for SOS Signs of Enzyme Deficiency in Your Body]
□ Makeup doesn't apply well, skin is dry and lacks radiance
□ Dark circles under the eyes have become more pronounced
□ Experiencing acne on your back
□ Feeling fatigued from the morning
□ Feeling bloated after meals
□ Suffering from constipation
□ Feeling a heaviness in your body
□ Frequent headaches
□ Difficulty falling asleep
□ Concerned about bad breath
The body naturally possesses detoxification functions. However, in modern times, with increased consumption of processed and complexly prepared foods, our digestive systems are overburdened, leading to overworked internal organs that become fatigued. When fatigued, the processes of digestion, breakdown, and absorption become less efficient. Undigested residues then transform into toxins, entering the bloodstream. As the blood circulates throughout the body, these toxins spread internally. Allowing your internal organs a period of rest helps restore their natural functions. Detoxification aims to provide this 'rest.'
From 4 AM to Noon: The Body's Elimination and Detoxification Window
Utilize this morning window to incorporate raw fruit and vegetable enzymes for a morning detox diet.
In autumn, besides figs, fruits like grapes and persimmons also have high detoxifying effects.
Consuming uncooked salads before meals aids in detoxification.
Next time, we'll introduce a smoothie for hangover relief the morning after drinking.
We will introduce recommended ingredients based on dietary preferences and goals. Stay tuned!
We will introduce recommended ingredients based on dietary preferences and goals. Stay tuned!