Spinach Berry Nut Salad

Recipe

Fresh, washed baby spinach
Romaine Lettuce
Blueberries
Strawberries
Cucumbers (Hot House/English Cucumbers are best)
Pecans (or other nut of your choice, almonds are a great choice!)
Salad dressing of choice (Raspberry Vinaigrette or Ranch)

Blueberries

This berry salad is one of my favorite salads during the summer time when berries are at their peek. This salad provides a powerhouse punch packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This salad is packed with phytonutrients essential for good health.

Blueberry Nutrition

Blueberries are low in fat, high in fiber and provide 25% of the daily Vitamin C daily requirements per 1 cup. Blueberries are also a good source of manganese. Research suggests that the phytonutrients, called polyphenols in blueberries have anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in chronic inflammation in diseases like cancer, and heart disease.

Manganese is a mineral and is considered to be one of many essential nutrients that is required for proper bodily function. Manganese aids in vitamin/nutrition absorption, and assists in regulation of sex hormones, and regulation of blood glucose. With lifestyle changes such as eating properly, manganese can help in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes. Another benefit of manganese is the regulation of the body's metabolism, liver and thyroid function.

Research also reveals that manganese is often a remedy for inflammation. One study revealed that patients with arthritis had a low level of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD), and manganese is a mineral that increases this enzyme in the body, resulting in less inflammation and pain in arthritis suffers. Manganese also increases bone density, aids in the absorption of calcium, aids in the formation of connective tissues, and prevents osteoporosis in menopausal women.

For Nutritional Value information on other foods please visit the links below
Cucumbers
Spinach
Strawberries
Pecans/Nuts